BRITAIN'S most prolific motor racing winner, Gerry Marshall, has died of a heart attack aged in his early 60s.

The racing driver whose name was once synonymous with the Vauxhall brand, thrilled crowds in the 1970s as one of the most popular stars of British motor racing.

Vauxhall Motors said: "Gerry died doing what he loved most, driving a racing car.

"He was at the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro at Silverstone when he brought the car to a halt at the side of the track, suffering a heart attack. Gerry was in every sense a larger-than-life character, as famous for his sense of humour as his on-track successes. He entertained crowds with his spectacular driving style in Vauxhall Vivas, Firenzas, and the V8-powered Ventora known affectionately as Big Bertha with which he is pictured.

"Gerry remains the most prolific race winner in British national motor sport, with more than 600 victories to his name."

While Gerry thrilled crowds at Thruxton in his heyday, he's done the same at Goodwood recently and was due to be at this year's Festival of Speed.