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SCCA: Jeff Tarr Takes Leave of Absence; Peter Ackroyd Named Replacement

28 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Amesbury, MA - Turner Motorsport and Jeff Tarr announce that due to injuries sustained in the unfortunate accident in Charlotte he will sit out the rest of the World Challenge season. New Zealand native Peter Ackroyd will replace him as the third driver for one of the team's three BMW 328 sedans.

Prior to entering the Touring Car Championship, Jeff raced an M3 in BMW CCA's Club Racing B-modified division. He posted numerous wins at circuits around the Northeast. Last year was his first season in professional racing. Jeff finished in eighth place overall with 121 points. He was also a runner-up in the Red Line Rookie-of-the-year honors. Jeff had three top ten finishes with the highest being eighth in the season-finale held at Laguna Seca.

"I have not fully recovered from my crash at Lowe's Motor Speedway on April 1," Jeff said. "The crash was a very hard hit, cracking my helmet, giving me a concussion, and bruising the majority of my body. Luckily I will make a full recovery, but it is taking time."

Turner Motorsport president and lead driver Will Turner said: "We only want the best for Jeff. His absence will be sorely missed at the track. He has tremendous potential. A seat will be waiting for him should he decide to return this year."

Peter Ackroyd joins the team with extensive Touring Car experience in New Zealand. Peter's career began in 1965 with the mighty Mini Cooper S. From New Zealand he joined the Barber Formula Dodge series on the West Coast - placing third at several events.

"I'm very excited to join such a solid team as Turner Motorsport. This is my first exposure to Touring Car racing in the United States and I'm glad that I have an opportunity this year to drive with these guys," Peter said. "The Speedvision series offers a lot to drivers, teams, sponsors, and fans so I'm thrilled to be involved."

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