Jim Clark: Racing Legend, by Eric Dymock
A control freak on the track - but not off it
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A sixties study of racing drivers in the British Journal of Psychiatry observed their need to feel in control, of themselves and the things around them. Jim Clark may have been indecisive and unsure of himself off the track, but his mastery behind the wheel puts him in his sport's pantheon next to Fangio, Ascari and Senna.
A sixties study of racing drivers in the British Journal of Psychiatry observed their need to feel in control, of themselves and the things around them. Jim Clark may have been indecisive and unsure of himself off the track, but his mastery behind the wheel puts him in his sport's pantheon next to Fangio, Ascari and Senna.
Colin Chapman, the charismatic Lotus entrepreneur who guided him to his two world titles, said he hardly ever drove to his limits.
Eric Dymock probably knew Clark better than most journalists, and does a decent job of narrating the story of the Fife farmer's boy. Motor racing was still a gentleman's sport, and Clark could show great gallantry, for example, towards a promising young rival like Jackie Stewart. But in personal relations he could be ruthless, especially with the women in his life - of whom there seem to have been a paddockful. He refused to commit himself to his one true love, Sally Stokes, who eventually married another driver, Ed Swart.
Damon Hill was a very young wedding guest, and a picture of Clark driving the toddler's toy tractor in the Hills' back garden is one of the many evocative photos in a beautifully illustrated book.
Clark died of a broken neck in a Formula 2 race at Hockenheim in 1968 after a slow puncture altered his car's handling. For once, he lost control.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments