Killed in a Formula 2 practice crash when heis front tyre deflated just before a fast turn. A very gifted mechanic and car tuner, he had been strongly linked to a F1 drive in 1974, most likely with a dedicated Chevron effort. Birrell left school to become a mechanical engineer to work for BMC Distributors in his home city, and then at weekends supported older brother Graham, acting as his mechanic. Gerry then starting racing when he was old enough in 1961, which paved the way for a successful career, which included the 1967 Scottish Saloon Car series and the 1969 European Formula Ford title. Birrell also raced and won in the British Touring Car Championship in tandem to his single-seater career.

Biography last updated 21 Sep 2015