Jim Clark

[klingon]

Today-(7 april) is the anniversary of another British hero-Motor racing champion Jim Clark who died at Hockenheim in 1968-

[Pullman99]

44 years ago today, I can remember exactly where I was when I heard the sad news. Apart from following him in the press, and watching whatever small snippets that TV allowed us in those days, I never saw him race but I am sure that, on this date, he will forever be in my thoughts. Like Donald Campbell, Jim Clark was a truly great Briton who gained enormous respect and recognition for Britain during a hugely innovative period in motorsport as well as having had a considerable influence on so many people. They must never be forgotten.

[mtskull]

As a young boy in the 60's there were two men who I Idolised. No prizes for guessing who one of them was; Jim Clark was the other one. I'll never forget how eager my older brother was to inform me when each of my heroes died (Kids being what they are).
In later life as I learned more about their personalities, their motivation, their strengths and their weaknesses, the simple hero-worship of a child gave way to a much deeper respect and admiration for these great men.
Let us never forget.

[malcolm uk]

Jim Clark was an all round driver of all types of fast cars and I was able to watch him race on UK circuits.

My only personal photograph, in black and white, was taken at the Motor Show 200 event at Brands Hatch from the main grandstand. It is an F2 race with Rindt on pole, Brabham in the centre of the front row and Jim Clark in position three of the front row (3, 2, 3 grids in those days). In the second heat he is at position 5. The helmet 'colour' was easy to see, without any sponsors logos or painted patterns and flags. His drives at Indianapolis in the 500 with Team Lotus were an inspiration.

The manner of his passing was all too common in the sixties when trackside safety was minimal.

[Dangermouse]

Autosport had a conversation with one of his mechanics a few years ago which made very amusing reading. Apparently Clark wouldn't change the setup at all - he actually asked them to change a tiny adjustment back as he was walking to the podium having just won the race! He was also prone to making brake pads last for two or three races while Graham Hill would get through at least one set per event.