Everyone’s hero
The new issue of Motor Sport, on sale now, is a very special one for all of us on the magazine. Producing each edition always has a ‘labour of love’ element to it, but that feeling was heightened as we worked towards deadline this time. And it was all down to the great man who graces the cover.
As I have written in Matters of Moment this month, Jim Clark died before I was born, but that hasn’t lessened the power of his influence over me. He remains an inspiration to racing fans around the world, from his home town of Duns in Scottish border country to the pilgrims who head to the Indianapolis 500 every year.
To mark the 40th anniversary of his passing, Nigel Roebuck offers a personal tribute to the man who was “everyone’s hero”, as Brian Redman puts it. Also, American writer Robin Miller looks back at Clark’s incredible impact on the Indy 500, speaking to Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, AJ Foyt and Parnelli Jones about how this quiet legend won over the tough Brickyard racers.
David Tremayne recounts that final, fateful day at Hockenheim, while Rob Widdows asks Lotus mechanic Jim Endruweit for the insider’s view of what Clark was like. It was a pleasure to put the pages together and we hope it is just as much a pleasure to read.
Back in the current world, we are enjoying the start of what looks set to be a fascinating Grand Prix season. The first race in Australia got a big thumbs up from everyone at the magazine, as you can read in the issue. The loss of driver aids has been a big gain for the sport.
And if you are a motorsportmagazine.co.uk regular, you will have spotted yet another addition to our coverage during the first couple of GPs. Our web maestro Ed Foster, who is one of Motor Sport’s three ‘bloggers’, has been writing frantically during GP weekends, from Friday through to Sunday, to offer his thoughts on the action. He’s also organised for practice times and race results to be added to these special blogs, so please do take the opportunity to read his words and add your own comments. We’d love to spark some conversations between fans on the site, with Ed’s GP coverage becoming a regular feature.
So enjoy our special Jim Clark issue – and keep logging on to motorsportmagazine.co.uk!
Filed under: Magazine, Notes from the Editor
Tags: AJ Foyt, Brian Redman, Dan Gurney, David Tremayne, Ed Foster, Hockenheim, Indianapolis 500, Indy 500, Jim Clark, Jim Endruweit, Lotus, Magazine, Mario Andretti, Mechanic, Parnelli Jones, Rob Widdows, Robin Miller
DBT:
March 26th, 2008 10:44am
I’ve certainly been enjoying all of the blogs, in particular Mr. Foster’s Grand Prix reports – especially as testing is only lightly covered with visuals, even on the new ITV website.
I love the new look and feel website, I love the new magazine and I can’t wait until lunch time so I can get down the newsagents to read all about Jim Clark!
My hero too, even though he died LONG before I was born – my father made sure I knew my history when I first showed an interest in motor racing!
Keep up the stirling work!
Des Piggott:
June 23rd, 2008 5:26am
Having just purchased the latest copy of THE magazine I was struck by the senstional cover photo of Jim Clark. I have been a fan of Jim's since I first saw him race at Sandown park in the early sixties and was priveliged to see him compete in many Tasman Series races there and while I guess you can't compare drivers between eras, Jim will always be the driver who respresents the greatest in my mind. I wondered wether it is possible to purchase copies of the original photo used on the cover as it is probaly the best colour shot of Jim I have seen.
Keep up the good work with Best Magazine in the sport.
Regards
Des Piggott
Melbourne
Australia