Al Turner

YOUNG automotive mechanics and technicians nursing a dream to become involved in motor racing at the highest levels may soon have the opportunity to achieve their ambitions through the Ford GTHO Lot 6 Foundation. 

The little-known not-for-profit foundation that has been around since 2009 is reviving its objectives and currently talking to the Kangan Institute and RMIT University about a post-graduate program of subjects to cover every aspect of racing car development and preparation.

The foundation was established by Al Turner, the man who developed the iconic Ford Falcon GTHO that changed the face of motor racing in Australia.

The GTHO was created by a handpicked team of motor racing specialists under Mr Turner’s direction in Lot 6, an unidentified brown brick building on Mahoneys Road, Thomastown, located just around the corner from Ford Australia’s headquarters.

His principal reason for establishing the foundation was that he wanted to give something meaningful back to motorsport that had been so good to him while he was in Australia.

Mr Turner’s original concept was to establish a revolutionary new school where students could enrol in a unique course at trade and tertiary level.

The school would be equipped with the latest technology including an articulated wind tunnel and be one of the most significant automotive education institutions since the establishment of the Henry Ford Trade School in 1916.

An additional objective was to enable the original Lot 6 crew of technicians, engineers, drivers and support personnel to apply for medical and financial assistance if they were in need.

His idea was to produce graduates, fully qualified to be selected as a member of Formula One, V8 Supercar, NASCAR, Indy 500 and other formulas. There was nothing available anywhere in the world that could provide the depth of education in the field of motorsport than what was proposed at that time.

But the foundation’s recently appointed executive director David Blackhall said although Mr Turner was well intentioned, the idea was simply not feasible back then as there was no substantial funding available.

The logistics, plant and equipment would have cost millions of dollars to bring to fruition, he said.

“To proceed, we revisited and revived the program with a ‘crawl before you walk’ approach by offering young people who have completed their apprenticeships as automotive mechanics or technicians a post-graduate course,” Mr Blackhall said.

“They already understand how internal combustion engines work but do not have the skills to prepare a car for racing. We can provide data and people who can assist educational institutions to teach them.

“Our Lot 6 engineers can make meaningful contributions to developing a curriculum for post-graduate courses to include subjects such as how to improve the performance of engines, balance chassis, use aerodynamics to advantage, improve suspension and steering and how to select transmission and differential ratios.”

Mr Blackhall said one of the founding directors, Peter Dietze, has spent the past few years keeping the Ford GTHO Lot 6 Foundation alive by attending race meetings around Australia selling foundation merchandising material and maintaining contact with a variety of Ford car clubs.

“However, while we continue to fly the foundation flag at race meetings, it’s not enough,” he said.

“The fact is, to survive as a not-for-profit organisation, we have to rely on donations, sponsorships and major fundraising programs to support our activities.

“In this regard, we will be talking to companies already committed to motorsport in Australia, seeking their financial support to help fund the post-graduate courses and give them the opportunity to be part of a vital piece of history,” he said.

Meanwhile, the foundation is planning a major event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GTHO at the original Lot 6 building on Sunday, October 13, the day of this year’s Bathurst 1000.

The concept of the Falcon GTHO goes back to 1968 when Ford Australia’s managing director at the time, Bill Bourke, seconded Mr Turner from Ford headquarters in Detroit to deliver a car that would not just conquer the Bathurst 1000 but dominate motor racing around the nation.

Mr Turner completed his assignment in one year, producing the fastest production car ever to be built in Australia.

By Ray Kennedy