2000-2005
Entering the new millennium and Gerry moved away from contemporary machinery and more into his beloved historic racing and continued with the Marsh Plant DB4, selected outings in the Thurtle’s V8 Astons, a one-off Mazda RX7 drive and numerous races in Lotus Cortinas, Ford Mustangs and AC Cobra in the Cloth Cap and historic Touring Car Championships. In 2000 he recorded his 600th win, fittingly at Snetterton, going on to leave an incredible tally of 623 victories and numerous championships. In 2002 he was awarded the BARC Gold Medal for his outstanding contribution to British Motorsport and was also a life member of the British Racing Driver’s Cub. The Goodwood events were always a firm favourite of Gerry’s, especially being reunited with Baby Bertha and also getting to drive some dream cars, including Erik Carlsson’s Saab 96, a Ferrari 250 GTO, Austin Healey 100S and Corvette Stingray. His last competitive event was in an extraordinary Alvis Grey Lady (prepared by his close friend Ivan Dutton) at the 2004 Goodwood Revival meeting in which he showed that none of his speed or guile had diminished with time. Gerry had had several operations in the last few years of his life, including a heart bypass, two replacement knees and a replacement hip but he was looking forward to 2005 with great expectation. He was the fittest he had been in years and there were plenty of good drives to look forward to, but it was just not meant to be. The one saving grace of his passing was that he was doing what he loved best, driving a powerful rear wheel drive car around the home of British Motorsport. He passed away painlessly and peacefully, coasting to a halt on the outside of Luffield, in front of his beloved BRDC and in sight of the finish line, perfect. Please note: We are currently in the process of expanding this section of Gerry's career. We will let you know when it is completed.
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