History: Jim Clark And Getting From The Farm To Formula 1

Features, Racing I By Tom Martin I February 13, 2019

We recently read a brief history of Jim Clark nicely written by Jay Bowden, and it brought a blind spot in our sport's story-telling to mind. For context, Clark was the Scottish F1 driver who during the 1960s became F1 champion (twice) and won the Indianapolis 500 when it was perhaps the most important race in the world.

Now, to that blind spot, before we continue with Clark. When we tell stories about great drivers the focus is often on the standard part of the story as they reach an international stage and record successes. We may also tell about their early days as children to try to discern what pixie dust was thrown their way. But we tend to leave out the crucial "hard work, good network and a bit of luck" part of the story. This is the phase where the driver is trying to get track time, learn his/her craft and get noticed. For example, in the Clark story below, notice that Clark "followed his passion and soon was racing Jaguar D-Types and Porsches". Wait a second, there mister! That's like saying about some unknown 16-year-old today "he had a passion for cars as a boy and now is running LMP2 cars at Sebring and Daytona." It ain't that simple, and the complex part of it could be usefully re-told for the benefit of racers. So could the part about hooking up with, say, Colin Chapman, though one suspects that once Clark was running D-Types competitively it was Chapman's business to notice as much as Clark's business to get the news to Chapman. Anyway, with Clark and Chapman gone, we can't really get the detail from them. But we'd love to see more recent heroes tell their, from SCCA to WEC and from quarter midgets to IndyCar stories, at length. If you're aware of any of these, post them in comments, please.

Now back to Jimmy Clark:

Over 50 years since his death, Jim Clark is still hailed as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. Indeed, he’s often hailed as the best ever by those who knew him as well as those who hope to replicate his success. Challenging the old-time stereotype of the F1 driver who comes from family money and prestige, Jim Clark moved his way through the world and through the ranks of racing by sheer ability, along with his close association with Colin Chapman and Lotus Racing. Prior to his untimely death at the age of just 32, Clark had won two World Championships and had even received an OBE from the Queen. These mere accolades barely begin to represent Jim Clark’s success as both a driver and a man.

As the youngest of five children born to a humble sheep farmer, reaching god status in the world of racing was theoretically far beyond the reach of the young James Clark Jr. However, he did not let the position he was born in dictate his future. Instead, Jim Clark followed his passion and soon he was racing Jaguar D-types and Porsches in local events. This caught the attention of fellow enthusiast and Lotus founder Colin Chapman. The duo formed a fast friendship, leading to equally swift success.

If you'd like to read more about Jim Clark, check out this article from The Versatile Gent by Jay Bowden.

Tags:

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

EV Inspired Automobile Renaissance

By the start of the 20th Century, the development of consumer automobiles was in full swing, and, seemingly, everyone was throwing their hat in the…

March 14, 2024
BUGATTI TYPE 35: The Making of A Champion

Setting the blueprint for all Bugatti cars that followed, the Type 35 was designed and engineered like no other, and featured world-firsts to ensure unmatched…

March 14, 2024
Audi accelerates preparations for successful entry into Formula 1 and significantly expands its commitment

Supervisory Boards of Volkswagen AG and AUDI AG vote for complete takeover of Sauber Group Oliver Hoffmann takes over responsibility for Audi’s Formula 1 commitment…

March 08, 2024
Rivian Introduces R2, R3, and R3X Built on New Midsize Platform

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. March 7, 2024 – Rivian today unveiled its new midsize platform which underpins R2 and R3 product lines. R2 is Rivian’s all-new midsize…

March 07, 2024
INEOS Automotive Introduces The INEOS Fusilier – One Vehicle, Two Powertrains

INEOS Automotive has unveiled its third model line – the INEOS Fusilier. The new 4X4 will offer two powertrain options to meet global consumer needs:…

February 23, 2024

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.