The Scot has won a long list of trophies, including 25 Grand Prix titles, two world titles, and a third-place finish in the 24-hour Le Mans.
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A master of the track and a legend of the sport, Jim Clark met his demise over five decades ago today. Coming up from humble beginnings, Clark drove with style and finesse to win an astonishing 25 Grand Prix titles, two world titles, and a third-place finish at the grueling 24-hour Le Mans. The racing world was shaken to its core when the young driver was met with a tragic accident in Hockenheim, Germany, on April 7, 1968.
Clark is considered by many as the greatest Grand Prix driver by many and with good reason. He has won more Grand Prix titles than anyone with 25. He has also more Grand Prix pole positions than anyone with 33.
Born in Scotland, Clark was the youngest of five and developed an aptitude for racing from a very young age. Despite his parents being opposed to the idea, the Scot started racing in local road rallies and hill climb events where he quickly established himself as a fierce competitor. He made his F1 Grand Prix debut with Lotus in 1960 at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. It was part-way through the season.
Apart from his 25 Grand Prix titles, Clark also won a long list of prestigious titles. He was the F1 world champion in 1963 and 1965, Indy 500 winner in 1965, British Touring Car Championship winner in 1964, Tasman Series Cup winner in 1965, 1967 and 1968, Trophees de France Formula Two champion in 1965, and an overall third place finish in the 24-hour Le Mans in 1960.
From his debut in 1960 to his death in 1968, the Scot had almost never had a trophyless year, and possibly would have dominated the sport had he not met with tragedy.
Clark was killed in a racing accident at a Formula Two race. During the four-month gap between the first and the second Formula 1 season in 1968, drivers would race in other formulas. Clark was initially supposed to participate in the BOAC 1000 km sportscar race at Brands Hatch. He, however, chose to partake in a Formula Two race, Deutschland Trophae in Hockenheim, Germany.
During the contest, Clark’s vehicle veered off-track and crashed into some trees on the fifth lap. The reason for the crash is yet to be identified. The Scot suffered a broken neck and skull fracture and passed away before reaching a hospital. He was 32.
Now, over five decades after his death, Clark’s Grand Prix record is still considered one of the most impressive records in sporting history.
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