Duns screens celebration of Scots racing legend Clark

Published on Friday 10 July 2009 22:54

A CELEBRATION in film of the life and career of Jim Clark will take place in Duns tomorrow, almost 50 years to the day since one of his biggest early successes, a double victory at the Bo'ness Hill Climb.

Clark, who was twice Formula One world champion, also won the Indy 500 in his short but extremely successful career. He died in a crash at the Hockenheim circuit in Germany on 7 April 1968.

Tomorrow's event takes place at the Volunteer Hall in Duns, and will be introduced by Clark's friend and co-founder of the Border Racing Club, Ian Scott-Watson. Beginning at 2pm, the afternoon will consist of two one-and-a-half-hour film sessions, covering all aspects of his career.

"We have been given access to a wide range of films, which we have edited," said organiser Michael Oliver. "We have footage of him competing in the Tasman Series, which was held in Australia and New Zealand, as well as film of him in the Lotus Cortina saloon car and of his career in Formula 1.

"We have also managed to obtain some very rare footage from a German television interview from the eve of his fatal accident. And, for those who saw the recent Paul Stewart programme about Jim Clark on BBC 4, we have a complete copy of the Flying Scot documentary. It was made in America in 1965."

The Jim Clark Room at Duns, a small museum dedicated to the driver, is opening early at noon on the day of the event, so that people can combine a visit to the room and the film show if they wish. For more information and to book tickets, contact Michael Oliver on 01993 200331 or log on to www.jimclarkfilmfestival.com.