About Gunnar Nilsson
Gunnar Axel Arvid Nilsson (20 November 1948 – 20 October 1978) was a Swedish racing driver, who competed in Formula One from 1976 to 1977. Nilsson won the 1977 Belgian Grand Prix with Lotus. Born and raised in Helsingborg, Nilsson initially studied engineering at Stockholm University and served as a submarine radio officer in the Swedish Navy. Nilsson began his racing career in the late 1960s, progressing into Formula Super Vee in 1973 with Ecurie Bonnier. His junior formulae career culminated in his victory at the 1975 British Formula 3 Championship, in only his second season of Formula Three racing. Nilsson signed for Lotus in 1976, making his Formula One debut at the South African Grand Prix. Qualifying for every race in his rookie season, Nilsson scored podium finishes in Spain and Austria. Retaining his seat for 1977, Nilsson scored his maiden win at the Belgian Grand Prix, with a further podium at the British Grand Prix. Having signed to Arrows for 1978, Nilsson was diagnosed with testicular cancer in December 1977, experiencing a rapid decline in health prior to his death ten months later. Outside of Formula One, Nilsson was a race-winner in both the World Sportscar and European Touring Car Championships with BMW. The Gunnar Nilsson Memorial Trophy was held in 1979, won by Alan Jones.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.