by Kathy Henderson, Marketing Specialist

LeaseDirect Canada is a very proud sponsor of Turner Racing’s most recent Late Model Stock Car!

LeaseDirect Canada’s involvement with Turner Racing is a great fit, as we know the demographic of the other competitors, and fans of stock car racing are very well aligned with typical LeaseDirect clients.

Racing enthusiasts are often small to medium sized business owners who require access to professional, practical, and flexible finance options for the equipment they need to run their own business successfully.

LeaseDirect wants people to know that they provide access to financing programs not only for brand new equipment direct from manufacturer or dealer, but also for used equipment and vehicles being sold privately, or at auction. Private sale financing is a specialty area that LeaseDirect has a lot of experience around. Involvement in racing is a great way to spread the word.

Turner Racing was established over twenty years ago by LeaseDirect’s very own Darren Turner, and his long time friend and crew chief, Roy Cobden. Preliminary break-in and testing of their most recent car is complete as of October 2024, and preparations continue for a very exciting 2025 racing season for the number 45 and the whole team.

I caught up with Darren this week and had a couple questions for him about this exciting endeavour. 

Q: Darren, When and why did Turner racing materialize? 

A: In general it was just a love of cars, competition and the desire to be part of it. Meeting Roy Cobden in the early 90’s accelerated our learning curve and we moved up several divisions over a relatively short period of time.

Q: What efforts were required to prepare the Chevrolet powered stock car for its revived racing career? 

A: It had been sitting for many years so we basically took it right apart, inspected virtually every component, installed the modern engine package etc. It was always a great car, it just needed some updating in a few safety areas along with modernizing around current rules.

Q: Can you tell me a little about the series the 45 Chevy will be participating in? 

A: We will run primarily in the Late Model division at Penticton Speedway. The track has been upgraded and modernized as well over the past few years. We also hope to run some WESCAR sanctioned races throughout BC, and possibly some special invitationals in Western Canada and the US. Late Models (racing term for purpose built, tube frame cars with composite bodies and V8 engines) are the fastest full-bodied oval track cars that are raced in this part of the world.

Q: What Role can or does a sponsor play for a race team?

A: Along with some of the much needed funds that it takes to put a car on the track, a sponsor also provides an identity for the team, and consultation around mutually beneficial events to take part in away from the track. Coordinating event participation that promotes both parties as well as the relationship itself are critical.

Darren Turner, Commercial Equipment Finance Manager, LeaseDirect Canada Corp.,
and Driver & Partner in Turner Racing

Stay tuned, race fans! 

For assistance in funding your business venture anywhere in Canada, please reach out to Darren Turner, construction and transportation leasing specialist at 888-470-8650, email darren@leasedirect.ca