[2] Russell was born at his parents' fish and chip shop and lived most of his life in Downham Market, Norfolk.

He won the British Formula Three Championship for three successive years from 1955 to 1957 in the company of established drivers Les Leston and newcomer John Surtees.

[7] Russell's racing career ended after suffering injuries in a crash at Le Mans in 1959, meeting his future wife Jennifer who was a nurse at a Norwich hospital.

In 1966, Russell trained actors Yves Montand, Brian Bedford, and Antonio Sabàto Sr. for their roles as race car drivers in John Frankenheimer's film, Grand Prix.

Lead actor James Garner had the most natural ability, so Bob Bondurant was assigned to work with him at Willow Springs so he could learn how to handle a race car for his starring role.