Stories - experiences around people living with disability
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GENERAL STORIES
Russell - back behind the wheel
It has been years since Russell Turner from Washdyke has been behind the wheel of a car. In fact, the car enthusiast thought those days were all behind him. He owned a prized 1937 Chev ten years ago when a tumour on his spinal cord ended in him having paraplegia or paralysis. "It certainly put a halt to my lifestyle and I haven't really driven since. But the paddock racing was great. They hold the races out at Fairlie. I enjoyed spinning out. It was really buzzy".
Mr. Turner admits that he was a bit nervous when he first hopped into the car. But come the second race and he was right into it; couldn't wait to get started. He has his friend Toby Johnson to thank for his new found wheels. Mr. Johnson modified a Mazda Capella using a motorbike throttle with a brake attached.
Mr. Turner is now looking forward to his next paddock racing meet in four weekend's time. He gained a third place this weekend – it was his first time out and he is hoping, if he can get a bit more power into his car, to take first place next round.
However, when it comes to driving on the road he's not quite so keen. "I don’t think I’d be too safe out there. With my left thumb missing it's a bit hard to control the steering wheel. I probably would like a modified road car, but I don't think I’d be able to afford to run it anyhow", he said.
We would like to acknowledge the Timaru Herald for permitting us to reproduce this article.
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Hadleigh - a sporting career