The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Jim Clark Trust rallies Courier Country fans
Bid to celebrate life and legacy of driving great
Courier Country motorsport fans have been urged to help a museum project honouring two-time Formula One world champion Jim Clark across the fundraising finish line.
The £1.65 million scheme aims to expand the Jim Clark Room in Duns, where a collection of more than 100 trophies amassed by a man regarded by many as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time draws thousands of visitors from across the globe each year.
Clark was born in the Fife hamlet of Kilmany and is recognised there by a bronze statue, unveiled in 1997 by close friend and on-track rival, three-time F1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart.
At just six years old, Clark left Courier Country before becoming the Borders farmer whose talent behind the wheel would bring him iconic status in the history of motorsport.
The museum plan has drawn support from the Scottish Borders Council and is aiming for lottery funding to help expand the facility and allow cars Clark drove to glory to go on display.
The Jim Clark Trust hopes the project will be complete by 2018 – the 50th anniversary of Clark’s death in a Formula Two race at Hockenheim in Germany aged just 32 – and with a community fundraising target of £300,000, would love to see support from the area of his birth.
Trust chairman Ben Smith said: “Our aim for the new museum in Duns is to celebrate his life and legacy for those that knew him and the next generation through heritage, education and inspiration.
“We are very grateful for the support of Sir Jackie Stewart and motorsport, but most importantly the general public, without whom this project would not be possible. Every pound helps, and we would be delighted to receive donations and inquiries,” added Mr Smith.
Donations to the museum appeal can be made at www.justgiving.com/ jimclarktrust.
Our aim for the new museum in Duns is to celebrate his life and legacy. BEN SMITH