The Flying Scot, 50 years on

Plans announced for Jim Clark anniversary celebrations

Is it really 50 years? This year marks the half-centenary of the death of Jim Clark, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the most fondly remembered of all British drivers.

To mark the milestone, major events are set to take place across Europe with celebrations planned at Goodwood in the summer and at Hockenheim – the track where he was killed during a Formula 2 race on April 7, 1968.

The first, and potentially most poignant, commemoration for the man who inspired a generation will take place in Clark’s native Scotland. Over the weekend of April 7-8 the Jim Clark Trust, Club Lotus, Live Borders and Chirnside Common Good Association will all come together to welcome visitors to the Scottish Borders.

Visitors will be paying their their respects in an area where a new, eagerly anticipated Jim Clark Museum is scheduled to open in 2019.

The organisers say there will be a church service of remembrance, a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Clark museum in Duns plus a dinner and an open exhibition at Chirnside Village Hall for anyone who would like to showcase their own Jim Clark memorabilia. All are welcome. In addition Classic Team Lotus is planning to exhibit some of Clark’s famous race cars.

“Everyone is welcome over the weekend, said Doug Niven, cousin of Clark and trustee for the Jim Clark Trust. “It is quite incredible how his memory remains so strong and emotional even 50 years on. We feel honoured that so many people have shown interest and we want this weekend to be an appropriate commemoration.”

For further information visit The Jim Clark Trust, www.jimclarktrust.com