Clark Joins Leyland

Although not planning to announce full details of their rally programme until later this month, Leyland Motorsport just couldn’t keep one story under wraps; Roger Clark’s agreement to drive a Triumph TR7 V8 this season.

Clark had considered driving for the Abingdon based team last year, but eventually decided to spend one more season with Ford. Clark’s return to Leyland — he started his competition career in a Mini and finished sixth overall in a works Rover 2000 on the 1965 Monte Carlo — will see the popular Leicester garage owner tackle the fine, round British Open Championship, plus the Lombard RAC.

Sponsorship comes from Esso and Sparkrite Electronic Ignitions, and Clark will be partnered as usual by Jim Porter. The move to Leyland makes good business sense for Clark who has recently added Austin Morns and Jaguar/Rover/Triumph franchises to his chain of Midlands garages.