The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Tribute to Jim Clark 50 years after his death
Fife-born F1 legend died in a racing accident in 1968
There will be a tribute to motorsport legend Jim Clark as Scottish Motor Racing Club (SMRC) car racing roars into action at Knockhill this weekend.
As well as the homage to the former F1 champion, the season opener on Sunday also features the annual Knockhill Armed Forces Appreciation Day.
The event has a special significance this year as it falls on the 50th anniversary of the death of the great Fife-born racer who was one of the founding members and leading lights of the SMRC in the 1960s before his tragic death in 1968.
The race day has Scottish classic sports and saloon championship as its main feature on Sunday.
Each SMRC meeting will have a new feature – the nominated class will head to the race grid during the lunch break to park up to allow spectator access on the grid.
The 20-minute open format will allow race fans the unique opportunity to get up close to the cars, on track, just minutes before their feature race.
After the grid walk, a tribute to Jim Clark will be read out over the circuit PA system.
There will be a round of applause for the successes and memory of the double F1 world champion from Duns.
All drivers, marshals and officials are being asked to carry a special commemorative sticker and a souvenir medal has also been struck for distribution to all involved.
Off track, all serving and veterans of all the armed forces will get into the event free of charge with any accompanying adults enjoying a concessionary entry price of only £10.
SSAFA, the official charity for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and their families, will be present for fundraising to help provide life-long support for all the Services.
An impressive display of military vehicles will again be on show with owners displaying army vehicles dating back to the 1930s.
Knockhill events director Stuart Gray said: “We are looking forward to another exciting season here at Knockhill with the Scottish Motor Racing Club.
“There is a new drive from their committee to improve the whole racing scene in Scotland in all the classes, so we are looking forward to seeing the fruits of their efforts over the off season.
“Sunday will be our fourth Armed Forces Appreciation Day with free admission for the services and with the 50th anniversary tribute to Jim Clark, it all adds up to be a great start to 2018.”
leclark@thecourier.co.uk