Jim Russell (born 28 May 1920) is an English former racing driver and founder of the Jim Russell Racing Driver School.
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Russell was born and lived most of his life in Downham Market, Norfolk. After serving with the RAF, he became a garage owner, aided by his brother Peter.
Russell's driving career began at the age of 32, when a friend invited him to go to Snetterton.
Starting with a 500cc Cooper, Russell progressed to Formula Three and Formula Two. Between 1953 and 1959 he won 64 Formula Three, 11 Formula Two and 6 sports car races. He won the British Formula Three Championship for three successive years from 1955 to 1957.
In 1956, Russell set up the first motor racing school at Snetterton. It was very successful and the Jim Russell Racing Driver Schools have played a role in the development of many young drivers including Emerson Fittipaldi, Danny Sullivan and Tiff Needell.
In 1966, Russell was responsible for the cars and much of the action in John Frankenheimer's film, Grand Prix.
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