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Jodie Contacolli charged over deaths of two motorsport legends after car crash near Wangaratta

The motorsport community is mourning the loss of legends Jamie Drummond and Peter Turner after they died in a car crash near Wangaratta. A woman has been charged over the deaths.

Peter Turner died while testing out his friend's vintage Holden near Wangaratta.
Peter Turner died while testing out his friend's vintage Holden near Wangaratta.

Car enthusiasts are mourning the deaths of two men killed while testing out a vintage car in northeast Victoria.

Motorsport identities Jamie Drummond, 64, and Peter Turner, 77, died after their car was allegedly struck from behind in Laceby, near Wangaratta airport, about 10am on Saturday.

Local mum Jodie Contacolli, 45, is facing two counts of dangerous driving causing death over the crash.

Peter Turner died while testing out his friend's vintage Holden near Wangaratta.
Peter Turner died while testing out his friend's vintage Holden near Wangaratta.
Motorsport identity Jamie Drummond also died.
Motorsport identity Jamie Drummond also died.

Ms Contacolli, from Markwood, was driving with her three-year-old child at the time.

They were both treated in hospital for minor injuries.

The men were killed while testing out Mr Drummond’s 1955 Holden FJ sedan – purchased as a retirement project.

The Holden was allegedly struck from behind by Ms Contacolli’s Nissan Navara at the intersection of Greta Rd and Brian.

The crash was reportedly witnessed by Mr Drummond’s son who tried in vain to give CPR.

Ms Contacolli was charged by detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit.

She was bailed after a hearing at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Mr Turner was the president of the Guilford Grumpies Car Club, whose members are devastated by his death.

“Peter was killed in a car accident in Wangaratta on Saturday morning doing what he loved, working with someone on a classic car modification,” the club said in a statement.

“Peter’s death has dealt a devastating blow to the small community of Guildford.”

Mr Drummond was the driving force behind Drummond Motor Suspension until his retirement last year, and worked as a mechanic with the Datsun Rally Team in the 1970s and 80s.

“Jamie was a quiet spoken gentleman whom could think out of the box and then reinvent the wheel,” said friend Joseph Azzopardi.

“Two amazing men whom I have had the privilege and honour to have known.”

Ms Contacolli will reappear in court for a committal mention on September 3, 2020.

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aneeka.simonis@news.com.au

@AneekaSimonis

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/jodie-contacolli-charged-over-deaths-of-two-motorsport-legends-after-car-crash-near-wangaratta/news-story/41632dd7304ce9fb08ef41d9d48e8a1c