Discussion
iva cosworth]I have been to the Jim Clark room in Duns twice [during the Jim Clark Rally weekend said:
such a great place to visit.
I too, and to the cemetery where he's buried. Very moving places redolent of a seemingly modest man. Only saw him in the flesh once; at Brands Hatch on a Daily Mail Race of the Champions meeting. He was driving in single seater and saloon cars - his Lotus Cortina lost a wheel out on the back of the GP part of the circuit - exactly opposite where I was standing. He acknowledged spectators commiserations quite readily as he walked back. Still remembered in greatest respect by all who knew him, it seems.iva cosworth]I have been to the Jim Clark room in Duns twice [during the Jim Clark Rally weekend said:
such a great place to visit.
It really is, I was quite humbled at what I saw. I was at the rally a few years back and there was a stage in the town. Struggled to find a space, but got one eventually and went to the trophy room. I gladly gave them a few pound of my money for the privilige, rather than paying for the rugby club carpark along the road! 10 Pence Short said:
We went last year, to the room in Duns, then the graveside. Quite a humbling experience would be a massive understatement.
I keep meaning to do this, perhaps this summer I shall.I'm 98% certain he was the best ever but then I see some footage of a driver with a yellow helmet and doubt creeps in. Mind you, even Senna thought he was the best of the best.
The Stiglet said:
10 Pence Short said:
We went last year, to the room in Duns, then the graveside. Quite a humbling experience would be a massive understatement.
I keep meaning to do this, perhaps this summer I shall.I'm 98% certain he was the best ever but then I see some footage of a driver with a yellow helmet and doubt creeps in. Mind you, even Senna thought he was the best of the best.
I saw Clark at Brands Hatch driving a V8 American Ford, possibly a Galaxy, in a 'filler' saloon car race on the full GP circuit. There was torrential rain.
There was never any doubt that he'd win but there was some doubt as to whether the race would go ahead. I wouldn't have nowadays.
Off they went. It was like a tidal bore along the bottom straight but we could see from Clearways that Clark had a fair old lead. Off they all went into the country.
There was a short wait and then Clark appeared under the bridge, like a speedboat, pushing spray to either side. He slid around Clearways - he would have drenched us if we hadn't already been drenched - and onto the top straight with all of us applauding. Then we waited. He was up almost into Druids before the next car, another Galaxy type came past, in a much more circumspect manner. A lap or two later Clark slowed in order, most felt, to let the others catch up.
It was awe inspiring control.
There was never any doubt that he'd win but there was some doubt as to whether the race would go ahead. I wouldn't have nowadays.
Off they went. It was like a tidal bore along the bottom straight but we could see from Clearways that Clark had a fair old lead. Off they all went into the country.
There was a short wait and then Clark appeared under the bridge, like a speedboat, pushing spray to either side. He slid around Clearways - he would have drenched us if we hadn't already been drenched - and onto the top straight with all of us applauding. Then we waited. He was up almost into Druids before the next car, another Galaxy type came past, in a much more circumspect manner. A lap or two later Clark slowed in order, most felt, to let the others catch up.
It was awe inspiring control.
Paul Dishman said:
The Stiglet said:
10 Pence Short said:
We went last year, to the room in Duns, then the graveside. Quite a humbling experience would be a massive understatement.
I keep meaning to do this, perhaps this summer I shall.I'm 98% certain he was the best ever but then I see some footage of a driver with a yellow helmet and doubt creeps in. Mind you, even Senna thought he was the best of the best.
Northern Munkee said:
Paul Dishman said:
Jimmy would never,ever have punted another driver off the track. That's the difference.
No reason for doubt at all. Clark was different class (in every sense).Gilles was the same, I wonder if that's why both are still held in such high regards.
skeggysteve said:
Northern Munkee said:
Paul Dishman said:
Jimmy would never,ever have punted another driver off the track. That's the difference.
No reason for doubt at all. Clark was different class (in every sense).If any of you haven't seen 'The Quiet Champion' produced for the BBC by Jackie Stewart's son, it's well worth watching: http://vimeo.com/4228678
I am only 28 years old and obviously never saw Jim Clark racing live, but he is my favourite F1 driver of all time (closely followed by Senna).
As others on this thread have said, he was supremely talented, yet humble, and I think society could learn alot from the professionalism and charm that Jim Clark had.
It also has to be said that Jim Clark raced in an era where death was common in racing, which makes his acheivements all the more special. Watching footage of him is brilliant, because he caresses and guides the car, he is the racing example of 'Poetry in motion'.
I remember reading somewhere that Ayrton Senna commissioned an artist to paint a picture of great drivers lining up on the grid. He put himself second on the grid, and when asked by the artist who will be in first postion, his reply was: "Jim Clark of course!"
Heres a nice tribute video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5HgQKqw1wU
As others on this thread have said, he was supremely talented, yet humble, and I think society could learn alot from the professionalism and charm that Jim Clark had.
It also has to be said that Jim Clark raced in an era where death was common in racing, which makes his acheivements all the more special. Watching footage of him is brilliant, because he caresses and guides the car, he is the racing example of 'Poetry in motion'.
I remember reading somewhere that Ayrton Senna commissioned an artist to paint a picture of great drivers lining up on the grid. He put himself second on the grid, and when asked by the artist who will be in first postion, his reply was: "Jim Clark of course!"
Heres a nice tribute video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5HgQKqw1wU
A thread bump and a nod to the great man on this day. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5FpD-r4osk&no...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5FpD-r4osk&no...
Edited by Bebee on Thursday 7th April 13:41
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