Possibly Britain's most naturally talented driver, Jim Clark drove for Colin Chapman's Loturs team throughout his F1 career He was World Champion in 1963 and 1965.
They all were the greatest. Because they shared the same things that all legendary drivers have. They have God given ability to understand a car and racing
JIM CLARK - By far the greatest driver ever - no doubt. He is and was "The Best of the Best" (Fangio and Senna about Clark). No other driver in history until today was so superior as Clark. This man is the Olymp of driving - the Michelangelo of racing - a dynamic art at the highest level. So smooth, so precise, so fast....simply out of this world. One, who won in Spa by 5 minutes (!) in monsoon rain with only one hand at the wheel (!) because of gearbox trouble...One, who takes back a complete lap (!) in Monza and back into the lead... One, who took pole on the original 22,8 km Nürburgring track by 9 (!) seconds and more....One who won Indy by 2 whole (!) laps...For eternity and by lightyears unmatched in the sport. That`s just four examples of his mesmeric unique genius...
I was a great fan of auto racing, growing up in the '60's, which, I believe, was the greatest decade for motor sport! Today's era of racing does not compare, because back then everybody raced everything, in every class. My 2 favorite heroes were Dan Gurney, and Jimmy Clark. I was 14 when I'd heard about Jimmy's crash at Hochenheim, and I cried then, and I still cry now, just thinking about it, and I'm 68 years old! Jimmy won 2 F-1 championships, and could have won at least 3 more, if only his incredibly fragile Lotuses would have held together a bit longer at the end of some of his races, instead of breaking down when he was leading. It must have been tremendously frustrating for him! He was really never out-driven by anyone. He either won, or his car broke down!
@@lylegleason6844 I totally agreed - the 60s are - like Clark - unmatched in history. I was 7 when Jimmy died, my father was shattered, until today I think every day about Jim. It was like the lost of a familiy member. Even as a child i feel how special this man was......
I was at the 'Ring in 1967 when Jim did that fantastic qualifying lap. From where I was watching, he was only visible for 4 or 5 seconds but you could see that he just had 'something' that none of the other greats - Gurney, Hill, Surtees, etc, had and it was no surprise when his qualifying time was announced.
As a former co-owner of a commemorative "Jim Clark" edition Lotus Esprit built for the American market to honor the 25th Anniversary of his winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1965. Beautiful machine, my late Husband and I showed that car at countless British car shows here and as members of Lotus Cars USA we won many first in our class awards at the annual Lotus Owners Gathering we had the pleasure of meeting so many of former famous Lotus drivers. Unfortunately not Jim Clark. Mario Andretti, Sir John Ireland, Sir Jack Brabham, Dan Guerney and many of the Lotus engineers we became great friends with over the years and countless other Lotus owners. "Jimmy" as we lovingly referred to our Esprit has left me with so many awesome memories since my Husband passed away suddenly. I transferred ownership for $1.00 to my Daughter and Son In Law, who lovingly took car of him until about three years ago when they sold him to a Canadian, who hopefully is still loving cared for by our Northern British Car loving neighbors.
Loved seeing the 1.5L cars. No wings, skinny tires and no computers or radios. Real test of driver ability to get the most out of them. Clark, Graham Hill, and their fellow drivers of that era, all absolute legends.
Jimmy was my childhood hero. His death came at the beginning of the 3 litre era. He had of course dominated the earlier 1 1/2 litre era. Would he have dominated the 3 liter era as well? Once others started to get the Ford Cosworth engines Lotus’ advantage with the 49 began to falter an advantage they would not regain until the arrival of the 72. What would Jim have been like in a 72? Would the others even bothered to turn up?
I watched Jim drive in the 1967 Canadian GP at Mosport, raining on and off all day the mist coming off the tires was unbelievable anyone behind the first row became invisible once they got on the power how any of those guys could see was beyond human water pouring off their faces only eye goggles for protection. I was watching on a corner that went downhill to a 90 degree turn of course filled with the water running downhill and here comes Jim his front wheels bouncing off the water with 5-6 inches of air under them as he used the throttle to turn the back as push the front wheels back down, no other car did this, they either slowed right down or drove off unable to control the hydroplaning I had never seen anyone before or after pull this stunt off, it was then I realized this chap was not of this world, lap after lap front tires bouncing up and down steering wheel straight and the sound of him stabbing the throttle to make the rear tires and engine torque kick the backend out to negotiate the turn never missing once lap after lap he made something no one else dared to try and driving like it was dry out while both front tires had bounced 6 inches off the turn and about the same 5-6 bounces for that corner, his car making the corner while others were all over the place. They just don't make men like those old boys who with very little could do so very much, modern men would come up with excuses and reasons why this and that is not possible and very unsafe when these guys only used a lap belt if they chose to a set of goggles without tear offs, their faces totally black by the end of a race this is how much confidence they had in their abilities.. Where have these kinds of spirited souls gone, the world could certainly use their vision, commitment, dedication, and courage to do something because it's the right thing to do..
The visual film quality is remarkable for the quantity of color footage, given the era when black & white was still popular. In addition, the motion film prints were in good shape, too. And the footage with some of the races . . . astounding!
The tragic death of the young, beloved, and brilliant Jim Clark completely validates Jackie Stewart and later Niki Lauda who courageously defied the “old boy” network who ran F1 and thought it somehow ennobling for a “gentleman racer” to be killed while competing. It wasn’t until the commercial interests took over that driver were treated any better than WWI generals treated their “cannon fodder” enlisted men.
I remember years ago reading a comment about Jim -"Today any driver will give 100 reasons why he didn't win a race-with Jim Clark that was never the case,even given a halfway decent car to drive your battle would be for second place!" says it all about Jims ability!
Oscar Piastri and him are so much alike both on and off the track from everything I have watched on him Clarke and well let’s just say he is a bit of an obsession just like Piastri is
Actually, Clark's first podium finish was a 3rd at Zandvoort in 1961. It was probably a more dramatic drive than Reims, as he spent most of the race harassing Phil Hill for second. He also finished 9 seconds ahead of Moss. And the last race at Watkins Glen wasn't a "tradition" in 1961. That was the first USGP held at the Glen; the previous two races had been at Sebring in Florida and Riverside in California.
Not sure if it's just me (I doubt it because all other videos work fine for me) but the audio on this video is extremely jumpy and slightly unpleasant to listen to . Does anyone else have this issue? Apart from that, a very interesting film.
@ 1:45....Masten Gregory wasn't thrown into the air when he hit the bank, he jumped out of the car before he hit the bank. Masten always did that. Rather than ride the car to his death , he'd leap out and take his chances. Masten Gregory won the 1965 24hrs. of LeMan with Jochen Rindt and has the distinction of being the first American to stand on a F-1 Grand Prix podium finishing third at Monaco in 1957. Edit: the engine that power the Lotus 29 at Indianapolis in 1963 was not the twin cam engine that won the race in 1965. It was a fuel injected 260 c.i. ohv pushrod passenger car engine that the 255 4-cam Indy engine was based on.
Yes on the 1963 Indy engine. Ford was starting from an OHV design and didn't have time to develop an OHC version. The 29 was down on power and was a near winner at Indy due to the handling. That was emphasized when Clark won the next race at the mile oval in Milwaukee where power was less important. Lotus might have won in 1964 if Chapman hadn't insisted on using Dunlop tires ($$$$). Dunlop had no experience on ovals and tire problems led to the suspension failure that put Clark out of the race. The 1964 car, the Lotus 34, was good enough that Parnelli Jones finished second to Clark at Indy in 1965 in a 34.
It's. on this day in 1968 Jim Clark had experienced his fatal crash. I'm kinda thinking this about the only natural thing natural about Jim Clark's driving career. His career was short and in development still compared to Aryton Senna. A similarity between Senna and Clark is the previous season was funky frustrating. It was found they both had mechanical error's that led to there accident's. Misfortune Indeed. But I digress the actual naturel was Aryton Senna. I mean not to discredit either of them again misfortune. May they both rest in peace.
@@larryboyes7276 I've never seen either Senna nor Clark. Clark though had been heel-toeing the throttle and brake really getting the car around.Something else. That is talent. I too prefer Jim Clark
@@classiccarsinaction I agree with optyfen - for a start the 1962 French GP was run at Rouen - won by Dan Gurney in a Porsche - and secondly Von Trips died at Monza in September 1961 The footage is in fact the 1961 French GP at Reims.
Interesting video which I found a bit irritating and inconsistent at times. They gloss over some of Clark's wins probably because they have no film of it which is rather odd as it must surely exist. Most odd was the assertion early on that Spa was his 'most hated circuit' then later on it's described as his favourite circuit (it was generally reckoned to be the former). Other faults include pronouncing Ginther as Ginter all of which detracts from some great footage. Sorry but not that good overall - too many gaps to tell the story properly.
Agree with these comments. I think it's well known that Jim didn't like Spa which makes his multiple wins there even more remarkable. I've read that his dislike of the circuit was based on his early experiences with three deaths during his first races there; perhaps his mastery of the circuit meant that he had mixed feelings when he raced there. His annihalation of the opposition particualrly in that amazing wet race was further proof for me, if any was needed, of his absolute domination of his era. For me he was the best ever. The pronouncing of Ginther as Ginter annnoyed me too.
After his experience of colliding with von Trips at Monza in 1961, I'm sure that Clark would have been horrified by the Prost/Senna collisions at Suzuka in 1089 and 1990
I would not include in that list unsportsmanlike racers like Schumacher, Prost, and Senna, all of whom shunted rivals off the track on purpose to gain points.
Interesting that people here are comparing Senna to Ckark. Clark was in a different league, as was Fangio, and Moss, and Rosemeyer, and Schumacher. Senna might just make the top 6 but he's nowhere near as good as people like to think. Additionally if you measure these great mean by their personal stature Senna probably doesn't even make the top 10. Likewise hamilton.
You seem to have a very low opinion of a driver who many respect and laud - if only because of his success record and ability to drive less than perfect cars in less than perfect circumstances. Senna was unbelievably good in the rain (Donington and Estoril are remarkable demonstrations of skill) and his Toleman races were a taste of things to come. Senna did n't have everything his own way and he also wasn't perfect but he raced in an era of four greats (Prost, Mansell and Piquet) whereas Schumacher only really had Hakkinen to contend with (and lost out many times when real competition did not yield to team orders). Sorry, but your memory of Senna is very poor and your Schumi recollection is rose-tinted. There is actually a very good book which compares Senna and Clark which you may want to read to improve your understanding of two great drivers.
Hamilton thinks Senna was the greatest, Senna thought Fangio was the greatest, and Fangio thought Clark was the greatest. End of story.
Senna thought Jim Clark was the greatest actually ;)
They all were the greatest. Because they shared the same things that all legendary drivers have. They have God given ability to understand a car and racing
And Clark thought Colin was greatest. That aged badly
Senna even came to visit Jim’s home town and his old school
Jimmy was simply the best that ever turned a wheel 👏. I still can't believe we lost him?
Si
To quote!.Simply the best.Better than all the rest!!.
JIM CLARK - By far the greatest driver ever - no doubt. He is and was "The Best of the Best" (Fangio and Senna about Clark). No other driver in history until today was so superior as Clark.
This man is the Olymp of driving - the Michelangelo of racing - a dynamic art at the highest level. So smooth, so precise, so fast....simply out of this world. One, who won in Spa by 5 minutes (!) in monsoon rain with only one hand at the wheel (!) because of gearbox trouble...One, who takes back a complete lap (!) in Monza and back into the lead... One, who took pole on the original 22,8 km Nürburgring track by 9 (!) seconds and more....One who won Indy by 2 whole (!) laps...For eternity and by lightyears unmatched in the sport. That`s just four examples of his mesmeric unique genius...
HE WAS SOOOO GREAT THAT HE GOT HIMSELF KILLED...PLS..
I was a great fan of auto racing, growing up in the '60's, which, I believe, was the greatest decade for motor sport! Today's era of racing does not compare, because back then everybody raced everything, in every class. My 2 favorite heroes were Dan Gurney, and Jimmy Clark. I was 14 when I'd heard about Jimmy's crash at Hochenheim, and I cried then, and I still cry now, just thinking about it, and I'm 68 years old! Jimmy won 2 F-1 championships, and could have won at least 3 more, if only his incredibly fragile Lotuses would have held together a bit longer at the end of some of his races, instead of breaking down when he was leading. It must have been tremendously frustrating for him! He was really never out-driven by anyone. He either won, or his car broke down!
@@lylegleason6844 I totally agreed - the 60s are - like Clark - unmatched in history. I was 7 when Jimmy died, my father was shattered, until today I think every day about Jim. It was like the lost of a familiy member. Even as a child i feel how special this man was......
I was at the 'Ring in 1967 when Jim did that fantastic qualifying lap. From where I was watching, he was only visible for 4 or 5 seconds but you could see that he just had 'something' that none of the other greats - Gurney, Hill, Surtees, etc, had and it was no surprise when his qualifying time was announced.
@@twillis449 Yes, the laptime was a 8:04 - After the session he said, a time under 8 minutes was possible for him. Today is the 7th April....
A true sign of greatness is someone who makes it look easy, Jimmy could do that.
The only racing driver I adored completely and cried when he died. Saw him at Zandvoort in 1967 Grand Prix.
The same for me... hearing the news over the radio is etched in memory, just as clearly as when I learned that JFK was shot.
As a former co-owner of a commemorative "Jim Clark" edition Lotus Esprit built for the American market to honor the 25th Anniversary of his winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1965. Beautiful machine, my late Husband and I showed that car at countless British car shows here and as members of Lotus Cars USA we won many first in our class awards at the annual Lotus Owners Gathering we had the pleasure of meeting so many of former famous Lotus drivers. Unfortunately not Jim Clark. Mario Andretti, Sir John Ireland, Sir Jack Brabham, Dan Guerney and many of the Lotus engineers we became great friends with over the years and countless other Lotus owners. "Jimmy" as we lovingly referred to our Esprit has left me with so many awesome memories since my Husband passed away suddenly. I transferred ownership for $1.00 to my Daughter and Son In Law, who lovingly took car of him until about three years ago when they sold him to a Canadian, who hopefully is still loving cared for by our Northern British Car loving neighbors.
There was only one Jim Clark, never to be equaled.
Loved seeing the 1.5L cars. No wings, skinny tires and no computers or radios. Real test of driver ability to get the most out of them. Clark, Graham Hill, and their fellow drivers of that era, all absolute legends.
Absolutely, chassis setup, power and DRIVERS SKILLS. Jim Clark did it without ground effects, DRS, and all the gizmos.
Jimmy was my childhood hero. His death came at the beginning of the 3 litre era. He had of course dominated the earlier 1 1/2 litre era. Would he have dominated the 3 liter era as well? Once others started to get the Ford Cosworth engines Lotus’ advantage with the 49 began to falter an advantage they would not regain until the arrival of the 72. What would Jim have been like in a 72? Would the others even bothered to turn up?
A tragic loss in a race considered by many to be fairly insignificant on a one to ten scale. A gentleman racer! RIP.
I watched Jim drive in the 1967 Canadian GP at Mosport, raining on and off all day the mist coming off the tires was unbelievable anyone behind the first row became invisible once they got on the power how any of those guys could see was beyond human water pouring
off their faces only eye goggles for protection. I was watching on a corner that went downhill to a 90 degree turn of course filled with the water running downhill and here comes Jim his front wheels bouncing off the water with 5-6 inches of air under them as he used the throttle to turn the back as push the front wheels back down, no other car did this, they either slowed right down or drove off unable to control the hydroplaning I had never seen anyone before or after pull this stunt off, it was then I realized this chap was not of this world, lap after lap front tires bouncing up and down steering wheel straight and the sound of him stabbing the throttle to make the rear tires and engine torque kick the backend out to negotiate the turn never missing once lap after lap he made something no one else dared to try and driving like it was dry out while both front tires had bounced 6 inches off the turn and about the same 5-6 bounces for that corner, his car making the corner while others were all over the place. They just don't make men like those old boys who with very little could do so very much, modern men would come up with excuses and reasons why this and that is not possible and very unsafe when these guys only used a lap belt if they chose to a set of goggles without tear offs, their faces totally black by the end of a race this is how much confidence they had in their abilities..
Where have these kinds of spirited souls gone, the world could certainly use their vision, commitment, dedication, and courage to do something because it's the right thing to do..
The visual film quality is remarkable for the quantity of color footage, given the era when black & white was still popular.
In addition, the motion film prints were in good shape, too.
And the footage with some of the races . . . astounding!
The tragic death of the young, beloved, and brilliant Jim Clark completely validates Jackie Stewart and later Niki Lauda who courageously defied the “old boy” network who ran F1 and thought it somehow ennobling for a “gentleman racer” to be killed while competing. It wasn’t until the commercial interests took over that driver were treated any better than WWI generals treated their “cannon fodder” enlisted men.
Those 1.5 cars 🚗 with Those skinny tires you could really see the car control Those bad boys had.
SENNA, FANGIO E CLAK SÃO OS MELHORES ELES ATINGIRAM NIVEIS INALCANCAVEIS 👑👑👑
He was the best of his time!!! I can't say of all time .
I remember years ago reading a comment about Jim -"Today any driver will give 100 reasons why he didn't win a race-with Jim Clark that was never the case,even given a halfway decent car to drive your battle would be for second place!" says it all about Jims ability!
Jim Clark was the GOAT. Senna was great in his generation, Hamilton had Mercedes.
Oscar Piastri and him are so much alike both on and off the track from everything I have watched on him Clarke and well let’s just say he is a bit of an obsession just like Piastri is
Actually, Clark's first podium finish was a 3rd at Zandvoort in 1961. It was probably a more dramatic drive than Reims, as he spent most of the race harassing Phil Hill for second. He also finished 9 seconds ahead of Moss. And the last race at Watkins Glen wasn't a "tradition" in 1961. That was the first USGP held at the Glen; the previous two races had been at Sebring in Florida and Riverside in California.
Not sure if it's just me (I doubt it because all other videos work fine for me) but the audio on this video is extremely jumpy and slightly unpleasant to listen to . Does anyone else have this issue? Apart from that, a very interesting film.
Yeah, the sound quality left something to be desired-- otherwise it taught me some new details about the drivers and the sixties era.
I’ve stopped 9 minutes in because the soundtrack is breaking up so badly that it’s unintelligible much of the time.
I had the same problem for about the first 10 minutes then it settled down.
@ 1:45....Masten Gregory wasn't thrown into the air when he hit the bank, he jumped out of the car before he hit the bank. Masten always did that. Rather than ride the car to his death , he'd leap out and take his chances.
Masten Gregory won the 1965 24hrs. of LeMan with Jochen Rindt and has the distinction of being the first American to stand on a F-1 Grand Prix podium finishing third at Monaco in 1957.
Edit: the engine that power the Lotus 29 at Indianapolis in 1963 was not the twin cam engine that won the race in 1965. It was a fuel injected 260 c.i. ohv pushrod passenger car engine that the 255 4-cam Indy engine was based on.
Yes on the 1963 Indy engine. Ford was starting from an OHV design and didn't have time to develop an OHC version. The 29 was down on power and was a near winner at Indy due to the handling. That was emphasized when Clark won the next race at the mile oval in Milwaukee where power was less important. Lotus might have won in 1964 if Chapman hadn't insisted on using Dunlop tires ($$$$). Dunlop had no experience on ovals and tire problems led to the suspension failure that put Clark out of the race. The 1964 car, the Lotus 34, was good enough that Parnelli Jones finished second to Clark at Indy in 1965 in a 34.
@@jimiverson3085 yes I remember, but thanks for the added detail.
3:05 if you know you know?
I think Masten Gregory was Jim's boyHOOD hero not his boyfriend hero. 😄😄
Jimmy was the best of his time. There's so many great drivers in various applications that it's impossible to say any one of them is the best
What a shame the sound is crap. Otherwise, great film of probably the most talented driver ever - and that includes Max!
It's. on this day in 1968 Jim Clark had experienced his fatal crash. I'm kinda thinking this about the only natural thing natural about Jim Clark's driving career. His career was short and in development still compared to Aryton Senna. A similarity between Senna and Clark is the previous season was funky frustrating. It was found they both had mechanical error's that led to there accident's. Misfortune Indeed. But I digress the actual naturel was Aryton Senna. I mean not to discredit either of them again misfortune. May they both rest in peace.
Senna was a superb talent. I saw him race quite a few times.
Jim was a sublime talent. Saw him win his 5 British GP's.
Jimmy was the best I've seen.
@@larryboyes7276 I've never seen either Senna nor Clark. Clark though had been heel-toeing the throttle and brake really getting the car around.Something else. That is talent. I too prefer Jim Clark
4:14 I doubt that this is the 1962 French GP with Von Trips in the list...
I can assure you that it is
@@classiccarsinaction I agree with optyfen - for a start the 1962 French GP was run at Rouen - won by Dan Gurney in a Porsche - and secondly Von Trips died at Monza in September 1961
The footage is in fact the 1961 French GP at Reims.
Interesting video which I found a bit irritating and inconsistent at times. They gloss over some of Clark's wins probably because they have no film of it which is rather odd as it must surely exist. Most odd was the assertion early on that Spa was his 'most hated circuit' then later on it's described as his favourite circuit (it was generally reckoned to be the former). Other faults include pronouncing Ginther as Ginter all of which detracts from some great footage. Sorry but not that good overall - too many gaps to tell the story properly.
Agree with these comments.
I think it's well known that Jim didn't like Spa which makes his multiple wins there even more remarkable. I've read that his dislike of the circuit was based on his early experiences with three deaths during his first races there; perhaps his mastery of the circuit meant that he had mixed feelings when he raced there. His annihalation of the opposition particualrly in that amazing wet race was further proof for me, if any was needed, of his absolute domination of his era.
For me he was the best ever.
The pronouncing of Ginther as Ginter annnoyed me too.
1:39 'Boyfriend hero'?
I guess Clark was the only one completely natural in F1. The second should be Senna.
Fangio
@@3kneeboi Yes, also.
After his experience of colliding with von Trips at Monza in 1961, I'm sure that Clark would have been horrified by the Prost/Senna collisions at Suzuka in 1089 and 1990
Moss? Schumacher?
I would not include in that list unsportsmanlike racers like Schumacher, Prost, and Senna, all of whom shunted rivals off the track on purpose to gain points.
Clark, what a driver, Chapman, a thief who couldn't give a fk about safety or anyone but himself. great vid.
Heroes and villains, no middle ground. Life must be simple for you.
@@johntechwriter None of your business what my life is, trot on Jr.
Wait, let me guess. I'm from among the bad people, right? @@markholroyde9412
Interesting that people here are comparing Senna to Ckark. Clark was in a different league, as was Fangio, and Moss, and Rosemeyer, and Schumacher. Senna might just make the top 6 but he's nowhere near as good as people like to think. Additionally if you measure these great mean by their personal stature Senna probably doesn't even make the top 10. Likewise hamilton.
You seem to have a very low opinion of a driver who many respect and laud - if only because of his success record and ability to drive less than perfect cars in less than perfect circumstances. Senna was unbelievably good in the rain (Donington and Estoril are remarkable demonstrations of skill) and his Toleman races were a taste of things to come. Senna did n't have everything his own way and he also wasn't perfect but he raced in an era of four greats (Prost, Mansell and Piquet) whereas Schumacher only really had Hakkinen to contend with (and lost out many times when real competition did not yield to team orders).
Sorry, but your memory of Senna is very poor and your Schumi recollection is rose-tinted. There is actually a very good book which compares Senna and Clark which you may want to read to improve your understanding of two great drivers.
@@Exige000 What's the book called?
Due miti a confronti - in Italian. Two myths Head to head.
By Fabio Vandone.