RIP Gerry Marshall

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the legend died on thurs 21st April
pistonhead.com
Many in the motorsport world are today grieving over the death of Gerry Marshall, of one of the sport's most flamboyant drivers.

He died of a fatal heart attack at the wheel of a Camaro at Silverstone. He's been described as "a wonderful driver who was "a personal inspiration and a great raconteur with an excellent sense of humour and a generous spirit."

Born 16 November 1941, he was a British saloon car racing driver, considered by many to be one of the best drivers of all time, according to a recent magazine poll. His professional driving career spanned four decades, in 2000 chalking up his 600th win in a race at Snetterton, Norfolk in an Aston Martin DB4. His first win was in 1964, driving a Mini.

However, he is probably best remembered for his flamboyant and crowd-pleasing style during the 1970s driving for Dealer Team Vauxhall in the racing Firenzas "Old Nail" and "Baby Bertha", and also the ill-fated V8 Holden-Repco Ventora, "Big Bertha".

He also won the 1971 Escort Mexico championship, driving for the same team as the equally respected rally driver Roger Clarke. Marshall's style has been described as "sideways, on-the-edge cornering style that was to distinguish his driving in any car, large or small, front or rear drive.” This outward appearance belied an extraordinary cool-headed ability and intelligence behind the wheel. His biography, published in 1978, is titled Only Here For The Beer.

Our sympathies go to his family and his many, many friends

btcc.com
BTCC.net is sad to report the death of former BTCC favourite and national racing legend Gerry Marshall, aged 63. He died after falling ill during a test session yesterday (Thursday) at Silverstone.

Marshall will forever be remembered as a Vauxhall dealer team driver in the UK, most noticeably for his spectacular driving style at the wheel of the mighty ‘Big Bertha saloon. He enjoyed considerable success in the BTCC in the Seventies and in 1976 became a class champion driving a Vauxhall Magnum.

His touring car activities also ventured overseas and in 1977 he was runner-up in the Spa 24 Hours, again in a Magnum that he shared with Australian saloon car legend Peter Brock.

A huge accident in a Triumph Dolomite in the BTCC’s 1979 British Grand Prix support race at Silverstone left him with back injuries that remained with him for the rest of his life.

But that did not stop Marshall levering his huge frame into a variety of cars and entertaining the crowds with his sideways style. He let his driving continue to do the talking and in 2000 he achieved his 600th race victory.

In recent years, he had also kept the packed out Goodwood Festival of Speed spellbound with his car control behind the wheel of powerful machinery.

In 2002 Marshall was awarded with the British Automobile Racing Club’s Gold Medal for his outstanding contribution to British motor sport.

i saw him loads at goodwood and man was he crazy driver :scared: heres some pics of the more famous cars he drove
"big bertha" vauxhall ventora
car33-6.jpg

"baby bertha" vauxhall firenza
Old_Nail_gerry_marshall-2-L.jpg
 
My dad raced against Gerry Marshall extensively during the 60's & 70's - Baby Bertha 👍 -
I always remember him, around the various circuit paddocks during the mid 70's, as a larger than life character, but then again i was only a toddler at the time!

I've also had the opportunity to race against him myself a few years back - he was still just as competitive. If you ever get chance to read his biography you'll find it an interesting read!

British club racing will miss the big fella.
 
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