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Louis Gerard

Louis Gerard, Le Mans 1939. Copyright has elapsed as per French copyright law. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2023.

Louis Gerard, Le Mans 1939. Copyright has elapsed as per French copyright law. JPEG copyright, Richard Jenkins, 2023.

Born:

16 Apr 1899
Arres, Pas-de-Calais

Died:

11 May 2000
St. Cyr-sur-Mer

Nationality:

France

Indy 500s:

0 (1946)

The first major driver to reach his century, Louis died at the grand age of 101. Continued in motorsport, in some capacity, until the 1950's. He also ran a drinks business called Gersac. Gerard served in the French artillery during World War 1 before trying to establish a tailoring business and then a slot machine business. He also drove a taxi before ending up racing at the late age of 38. The rumour has it that Gerard paid for his racing car with thousands of one franc coins gained from the slot machines! He won the 1938 Tourist Trophy and carried on racing until 1951.

Biography last updated 11 Dec 2015