Saturday, April 7, 2018

Remembering Formula One's Great Jimmy Clark

Front view of Jimmy Clark's 1964 Indy 500 Pole winning Lotus T-34 IndyCar on Display at the IMS Hall of Fame museum, Circa 2012. (The Tomaso Collection)


As how many Sheep Farmers could become Double F1 world Champions today? Whilst it seems most befitting that Formula 1's holding a Grand Prix on the same weekend...

Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Jimmy Clark's Death at Hockenheim while participating in a Formula 2 event. For which the 'Wee Scot Sir Jackie, aka JYS, or better known simply as Jackie Stewart has given credo to his fallen compatriot, along with proclaiming Clark was the Best Driver he ever raced against!


As for reasons I still don't truly understand, I decided to go to Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix ten years ago in honour of then the 40th Anniversary of Clark's passing. As his racing spirit caused me to gravitate to Der Fatherland; Ja-Ja!


Thus seizing upon thou opportunity of this Anniversary, it's good hearing that plans are  afoot to create a New Museum honouring the legendous' "Flying Scot" in his Homeland.


And whilst I've known briefly of his Formula 1 accomplishments, it's funny to Mwah how I'm more captivated by his prowess Abroad, especially on the most Foreign Tracks to this gifted racer. Ultimately besting Mother Speedway with his superb 1965 Indianapolis 500 victory!

As Colin Chapman's IndyCar exploits with Clark and the man who brought Chapman to the Speedway, Dan Gurney, with assistance from FoMoCo'. Along with those Ultra Bad Arse Pratt & Whitney Lotus 56 "Whooshmobiles" were the impetus for my No Fenders three part Brickyard Loti' tome...


As Karmically, Clark's Death precedes just by months, also the 50th anniversary of those glorious Day glow Orange STP Lotus 56 Turbines command performance at the Brickyard, for which hopefully will repeat Thar exhibition lap for this year's Pre-race festivities... 


(Photo c/o No Fenders ‘Offical Photographer CARPETS')