Scots legends back Jim Clark campaign 24 | 02 | 2017

    SCOTS MOTORSPORT LEGENDS Sir Jackie Stewart and Dario Franchitti have backed plans to create a new Jim Clark Museum in Duns. And Stewart, the three-time F1 world champ, has asked motorsport enthusiasts across the world to support a crowdfunding campaign to raise the £300,000 required for the project.

    The launch of the new campaign, at Race Retro 2017 in Stoneleigh Park near Coventry, coincided with the unveiling of Clark’s historic 1965 Lotus 33 R11. It’s the first time the car has been seen in public for more than 40 years.

    Clark — the double F1 world champ, and the first Scot to win the iconic Indianapolis 500 in 1965 — is widely regarded as one of the greatest motor racing drivers of all time, and was a close friend of Stewart.

    Now the Jim Clark Trust, working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, aims to build a new expanded Jim Clark Museum in Duns in 2018. The new building would celebrate Clark’s life and legacy 50 years on from the tragic crash at  Hockenheim in 1968 which climbed his life.  

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    The plans have been made possible thanks to Scottish Borders Council's commitment of capital funding towards the building design and infrastructure.

    The council has pledged £620,000 towards the new £1.6 million museum, with a further £645,000 support from the Heritage Lottery Fund with Stage 1 Development phase approved and the Stage 2 Delivery build programme pending.

    The project now requires £300,000 to give the green light to the Delivery build phase to redevelop the existing Jim Clark Room in Duns in to a modern museum with space to display new memorabilia and two of Jim Clark’s race cars.

    “Jim Clark was not only the best racing driver I ever raced with and against, he was also a great friend, a wonderful ambassador for motorsport and indeed for Scotland,” Stewart said.

    Related: Dario Franchitti's Jim Clark dream

    “It is only right that we honour his success and achievements. I am delighted the museum project has reached this crucial stage with the support of the Trust, and I would like to thank Scottish Borders Council and Heritage Lottery Funding.

    “The foundations of this project are Heritage, Education and Inspiration bought to life through the story of Jimmy’s incredible career and significant influence on Scottish motorsport.

    “If those values ring true to people around the world, I hope enthusiasts will join me in wishing the fundraising campaign every success.”

    The campaign was also welcomed by Bathgate’s Dario Franchitti. The four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indy500 winner is Patron of the Jim Clark trust.

    “Jim Clark is arguably the greatest racing driver the world has ever seen,” Franchitti said. “He is a hero to many, myself included.

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    “Thanks to the Trust, Scottish Borders Council and Heritage Lottery Fund, big steps have been made in making the new museum a reality, but this is now at a crucial stage.

    “The museum needs the support of motorsport fans and the general public if this fitting tribute to Jim is to become a reality.”

    And Doug Niven, cousin of Jim Clark and a Family Trustee, said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for the project which has been under starter’s orders since 2013. Our attention must now turn to the challenge of fundraising and expanding the museum collection.

    “We welcome the support of the general public and motor sport fans, without whom, this project will not be possible. To this day Jim is remembered with great affection around the world.

    Related: Jim Clark's Indy500 — The Ford Story

    “The plans have received national and international interest from US, Europe and Australia. We have a rare opportunity now to create something very special in Duns, a museum that features the cars in which he raced, attracting thousands of visitors from far and wide.”

    The campaign will run for only eight weeks with all pledges having to be submitted by April 21, 2017 to meet the aim of raising the full £300,000 target. Donations can be made via Crowdfunder.co.uk at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/jim-clark-museum

    If this initial target is reached successfully and with popular support, the Trust’s ambition is to then consider a further £300,000 for an extension to the rear of the building to display up to 10 cars or more for a wider celebration of Scottish motorsport.

    Related: Jim Clark 50th BTCC celebration

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    Jim McGill

     

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