Leicester’s unsung hero of the British Grand Prix
Leicester’s Bob Gerard was one of Britain’s top racing drivers of the post-war period.
Leicester’s Bob Gerard was one of Britain’s top racing drivers of the early post-war period.
At the very first World Championship event, the1950 British Grand Prix, he beat the odds and became the first British car to pass the finish line, driving an ancient outclassed ERA (English Racing Automobiles) car.
Gerard participated in numerous top-level motor racing events, including eight World Championship Formula One Grands Prix. His achievements were honoured by the owners of the Mallory Park track in Leicestershire, when they named the circuit's most prominent bend ‘Gerard's’.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Leicester’s Ben Jackson went to meet Pip Greasley and Julian Gerard – Bob Gerard’s cousin – who have written a book about Bob Gerard’s remarkable life.
Produced by Pete Wardman.
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Image: Getty Images
