Turner was an American Formula One constructor that made a single World Championship appearance at the 1953 Indianapolis 500. Built and run by Lee Elkins, the team entered one car for Mike Nazaruk, qualifying for the race but retiring before the finish. Although Turner’s Formula One story lasted just one event, it forms part of the unique era when the Indianapolis 500 counted towards the Formula One World Championship.
| Nationality | American |
| Base | United States |
| Years Active | 1953 |
| First Race | 1953 Indianapolis 500 |
| Last Race | 1953 Indianapolis 500 |
| Race Entries | 1 |
| Race Starts | 1 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Pole Positions | 0 |
| Fastest Laps | 0 |
| Points | 0 |
| Constructors’ Championships | 0 |
| Drivers’ Championships | 0 |
| Best Start | 23rd |
| Best Finish | 21st |
| Did Not Start | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
| Retirements | 1 |
History
Turner was a small American racing operation based in the United States and led by constructor Lee Elkins, who served as both team owner and technical chief. Like many independent Indianapolis teams of the early 1950s, Turner focused exclusively on oval racing rather than the European Grand Prix season.
The team’s only Formula One appearance came in 1953, when the Indianapolis 500 formed part of the FIA World Championship. During this period, numerous American constructors were credited with Formula One entries despite never competing outside the famous Indianapolis event, creating a distinctive chapter in the sport’s early history.
For its sole World Championship outing, Turner entered a car powered by the dependable Offenhauser engine and entrusted it to experienced American racer Mike Nazaruk. Nazaruk successfully qualified 23rd on the starting grid, ensuring Turner would take its place among the 33 starters for the 500-mile classic.
The race proved to be a short-lived challenge. Mechanical problems forced Nazaruk to retire before reaching the finish, leaving the team classified in 21st position. Although Turner completed just one Formula One start and did not score any World Championship points, the entry remains part of the official record of the 1953 season.
Turner Stats by Season
| Year | Engine | Drivers | Entries | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Poles | Fastest Laps | Front Rows | DNF | Best Start | Best Result | Points | Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | Offenhauser | Mike Nazaruk | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 23rd | 21st | 0 | – |
