Jim Clark
Born on 4th of March 1936
Died on 7th of April 1968
In his brief life Jim Clark showed amazing driving ability, winning races in a multitude of cars and disciplines. Though true comparison is impossible, he is often cited as perhaps the greatest ever racing driver, in part because of his versatility.
Clark was born on March 4 1936 in Fife, his family prosperous enough to send him to the prestigious Loretto School in Musselburgh. Fascinated by cars and by speed he quickly excelled in rallying, hill climbs, and track races, his ability recognised by fellow enthusiast Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars.
In an era when the driver in the car was more significant than the technology behind it Clark’s outrageous talent was evident. He won the Formula 1 title for Lotus in 1963 and 1965, took three Tasman Series titles in Australasia in 1965, 1967 and 1968, and won the Indy 500 in 1965 (incredibly missing the Monaco Grand Prix that year in order to compete). Though he only took two F1 championships, his record was astounding: he won 25 of his 72 races, and in the 47 he didn’t win he was forced to retire through mechanical problems in 29 of them!
If it was a blessing for the racing of his era that skill surpassed engineering, it was a curse that safety features for car and track were far from the level enjoyed nowadays. Driving in a Formula 2 race at Hockenheim on April 7 1968 Clark crashed at high speed, his car leaving the track and hitting a tree, and he died before reaching hospital. He was just 32.
Museum dedicated to Jim Clark
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1 Response to Jim Clark
From Margaret on 25th April 2009
Won his first motor race in 1956. Became Scottish speed champion in 1958 and 1959. Joined Lotus and won the world championship in 1963 and 1965. Won the Indianapolis 500 in 1965. Killed during a practice for a Formula Two race in Hockenheim, Germany.
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