Introducing: Donald Turner

By Jeff McConkey
Photos courtesy of Donald Turner

Donald Turner Jr. isn't exactly a well-known name in the motocross community, but that didn't stop the Pickering, Ontario native from securing national number 85 (his first national number) then finishing an impressive 13^th in the MX1 class at the Montreal Supercross. I gave the young family man a quick ring to talk about 2012 and see what he has in store for 2013.

Hey Donald, how are you? What have you been up to so far this season?

Just been playing the daddy role at home, watching footage from last season, and putting in lots of hours at work to get prepared for 2013. I want to get a good program set up and stick with it. I want to show people that I have talent and can stay consistent throughout the season. All of that should allow me to put more time in on the bike and be able to focus on getting prepared for the Nationals.

You contested the East Coast National rounds and scored your first national number. Tell me about your season.

Ya, my season was exciting. It was the first time I got to do all of the East Coast Nationals. I've always looked up to that series as a kid, so to finally be out there racing those guys was a good accomplishment.

Donald is a family man and a pro racer.

I’m not sure if more people know this, but you bring your young family with you to the races. How does that affect you come race time?

Well, most people get to focus on walking the track, watching races and looking for lines and just focusing on pure racing whereas I have to just help look after the kids. I now have two daughters. One is two years old, the other is nine months. It is hard for the girlfriend to look after it all so I’m there on the sidelines changing diapers, feeding the kids, and keeping them occupied, all while introducing them to the world of motocross.  It does not affect me too much because I do love the family scene and to have them happy and cheering me on is the best motivation out there.

Switching gears a bit, you are a regular fast guy at the MMRS. Are you a fan of the laid-back family club or are you a fan of the more intense CMRC Nationals?

I like both aspects of it. I like going to the club races and being well known and everybody is a friend and is a little more laid-back.  Where at the more intense races you have a greater chance of getting hurt, so throughout the season I like to stay laid-back and just focus on the Nationals.

Donald earned national #85 and will be sporting it in 2013.

Okay that sounds good. What are your plans and goals for 2013?

Well, now that my kids are a bit older I think I can focus more on training and trying to get to the practice tracks throughout the week. In the 2012 season, I just traveled to the races and was unable to get in any mid-week practice, so hopefully we can work on getting a few sponsors to make it easier for me to get out and practice.

Well, thank you for your time and best of luck next year. Is there anyone you would like to thank?

I have to give a big thanks to Slither Productions for hooking me up with a trailer, a generator, and funds to get me to the races, Arnette Goggles for keeping my eyes perfect, Joe Skid from SSS, the staff at Asselstine Country for all the support over the last few years, Irawkit Clothing Apparel, my girlfriend Alison and my kids. If anyone would like to get in touch with me for future sponsorship opportunities they can email me at tgaworks@hotmail.com or Instagram at “donny_t”... And thanks for your time.