Background
Russell was born at his parents fish and chip shop and lived most of his life in Downham Market, Norfolk.
Russell was born at his parents fish and chip shop and lived most of his life in Downham Market, Norfolk.
His first job was selling ice cream. After serving with the Royal Air Force during World World War II, he became a garage owner. By 1960, the garage, filling station and race schools were employing over 100 people.
The car garage closed and was demolished in November 2007 with the land destined for new housing.
In late 2013 the first units were marketed on an exclusive, gated development called Russell Gardens. Russell"s driving career began at the age of 32, when a friend invited him to go to his local Snetterton race circuit.
Starting with a 500 cc Cooper with a J.A.P. engine, Russell quickly progressed to a Manx Norton engine fettled by established motorcycle tuner Steve Lancefield. He then moved up to Formula Three and Formula Two.
He went on to run a stud farm from his house at Bardwell Manor, Suffolk.
In 1956, Russell set up the first motor racing school at Snetterton. lieutenant was very successful and Jim Russell Racing Driver Schools have played a role in the development of many young drivers including Emerson Fittipaldi, Derek Bell, Danny Sullivan, Tiff Needell and Jacques Villeneuve. In 1966, Russell was responsible for the cars and much of the action in John Frankenheimer"s film, Grand Prix, with actor James Garner learning to handle a race car for his starring role.
The "Jim Russell" name continues with franchised schools carrying the name.
With the success of the driver school, Russell entered promising drivers in Formula 3 races in a Jim Russell Racing Driver School sponsored car.