I have just now finished reading a biography of Scottish World Champion driver Jimmy Clark. I consider this a must read book. The book is written by Claek and his close friend Ian Scott Watson. Clark's style is easy to read and his words invoke visions of motor racing in the 1960s. The biography was written before Clark's untimely death. In the end there is a listing of every single race win Clark accomplished, from Saloon club racing through the Indy 500 and his World Driving Championships. Clark does not portray himself as some young dashing figure of romantic proportions, but just a Scottish farm lad who had a knack for racing motor cars. The book is not an easy to locate these days, but Barnes and Noble lists several hardbound copies in the used book inventory for a low price. The copy I read was loaned to me from a friend who has an original Pocket Book printing in paperback from 1966.
If anyone else has read this book, please let me know what you thought of it.
Off topic, but right now, in the lobby of Ford Motor HDQ (I live in Detroit), is Clark's Indy winning Lotus 38. It looks like nothings been touched since '65, except the mirrors are gone, and the windscreen looks too new.
It sits almost ignored by most people. It is not roped off, and you can go around, over, under, everything but in.
Very primitive by today's standards. Reminds me of my '70's vintage Formula Fords. I couldnt help but feel reverence for the memory of one of the very best racers ever to turn a wheel.
If anyone visits Detroit in the near future (CART race?), let me know, I'd be glad to arrange a visit.
KC you just made my day.
I was about to embark on a serious research to try to come up with an entry list for Jimmy Clark's race career.
Now you've shown me where to go and look for one ready made.
Most excellent thanks. Now, if someone can do the same for my Barrie "Whizzo" Williams research...
Surely the VSCC would know of any books about "Mr Sideways".
Or why not write to Motorsport (the mag)?
Is "Jim Clark at the Wheel" the title of the book?
It is indeed.
I was looking at a copy yesterday in Chris Knowles' Collectors Carbooks in Woburn. I just couldn't afford the £40 price sticker on it. It's quite a little book.
I did get two great NASCAR history books (1949-1960), an American Sportscar racing picture book, and a monograph on the Ards TT, but that's all for another thread.
It's dangerous visiting Chris. There's always something that's going to loosen the chains around my wallet.
Know of any shops like that 'round yer' in Dorsetshire? I'll be yer friend, loike.
Dorset I can't do, Graham.
The best I can suggest is Simon Lewis Transport Bookshop in Lydney, Gloucestershire. It'll require a trip across the Severn bridge, but it's worth it. Simon is an enthusiast himself, and pushes any profits into racing his Rover 220 Turbo Coupe.
His prices are not at all bad, either. He's even got a copy of Paul Frere's Competition Driving. I know 'cos I flogged my spare copy to him the other day!
Ah. Where does he race that Rover then? There's two at Combe but no Lewis fellow.
Too far for me, sadly. Website? On-line ordering?
There's a reasonably good model shop down here. In Yeovil that is. Mark's Models. They had an Ayrton Senna helmet for sale once (FFord helmet) for £700. I little out of my price range...
