Jim Clark

Book excerpt: Out of print for twenty years, a new edition of Jim Clark 'Tribute to a Champion' by Eric Dymock will be published in the spring. Lightly edited and completely redesigned in colour throughout, this eagerly sought classic of motor racing celebrates the life and achievements of Jim Clark (1936-1968), World Champion 1963 and 1965. In the new book, Eric Dymock details his place in motor racing history and total command of Formula 1, portraying him as an individual, nail-biting and insecure, yet the greatest driver in any sort of motor sport. From a Scottish farming family Clark rewrote the annals of American racing at Indianapolis, coming second at his first attempt in 1963, winning in 1965. He seemed a match for any odds during eight dangerous years at the top of motor racing, yet died in an unlikely accident at a minor event at Hockenheim on April 7th 1968. Genius at the wheel was not enough. Rivals' subsequent safety campaigns saved countless lives on and off the track. Eric Dymock observed Clark from before he ever sat in a racing car, covering his professional career as member of The Motor magazine staff from 1962, and then as specialist motor racing correspondent from 1966. This book has photographs of Jim Clark's birthplace, home, memorabilia and archive material from the Jim Clark Room at Duns. The measured analysis throws light on the tense mood of Formula 1 in the hazardous 1960s when Clark narrowly missed four consecutive world titles. Misfortune in the closing laps of the final race of the season twice denied him a unique quartet. Some of his other records remain secure however. Clark's eight "grand slams" (pole position, leading every lap, fastest lap and winning a Grand Prix - his closest rivals Alberto Ascari and Michael Schumacher managed only five) is unlikely to be matched. The new edition will go on sale in the spring at regular bookshop prices for a new generation of Formula 1 fans, as the 50th anniversary of Clark's accident approaches.