FORMULA One legend Sir Jackie Stewart has asked motor sport enthusiasts across the world to back a £300,000 crowdfunding campaign for a new Jim Clark Museum.
Launched at Race Retro 2017 motor sport show in Warwickshire yesterday, the campaign was announced alongside the unveiling of Clark’s historic 1965 Lotus 33 R11.
Clark, who was born in Fife and grew up in the Borders inspired a generation with his courage and skill behind the wheel, and his dignified and humble personality when not racing.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest motor racing drivers of all time, he became a national hero and international icon of the 1960s.
The Jim Clark Trust, working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, aims to build a new, expanded Jim Clark Museum in 2018, 50 years on from his death aged 32 during a race at Hockenheim in Germany, a tragedy that stunned the world.
The plans have been made possible thanks to the council’s commitment of capital funding towards the building’s design and infrastructure. It has pledged £620,000 towards the £1.6 million cost of the museum with a further £645,000 coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
An appeal has been launched to raise a further £300,000. Clark’s Lotus, which made its first public appearance in more than 40 years, could go on display in the new museum.
Stewart, Clark’s fellow Scot, said: “Jim Clark was not only the best racing driver I ever raced with and against. He was also a great friend, a wonderful ambassador for motor sport and indeed for Scotland. It is only right that we honour his success and achievements.
“The foundations of this project are heritage, education and inspiration brought to life through the story of Jimmy’s incredible career and influence on Scottish motor sport."
Donations can be made to the appeal at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/jim-clark-museum. It runs until April.
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