He was a farmer, he was a Formula 1 champion and became the owner of a historical record

In the Formula 1 There are plenty of life stories of humble pilots who have triumphed in such a competitive environment and in a dangerous sport. Many of these stories have become known and even movie scripts, but some still remain without reaching the general public. Who is the farmer who was a champion and owns a historical record?

In the world of motorsports, where speed and precision are keys to success, the history of Jim Clark stands out for one particularity: this legendary driver, two-time champion, combined his passion for racing with his work as a farmer.

Clark stood out for his aggressive and precise driving style, while maintaining great calm and control under pressure. His versatility allowed him to shine in different categories, including Formula 2, IndyCar and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

He owns a record that is still in force and that not even the best drivers today have yet been able to break: he is the leader of the Grand Chelema title given in motor sports that indicates that a driver obtains the following achievements in the same race weekend: pole position, victory, fastest lap and leading all laps of the race. He has eight Grand Chelems, while Lewis Hamilton with six, he is the active pilot that follows him.

Jim Clark, was nicknamed “Flying Scotsman” and was born on March 4, 1936 in a town called Kilmany. His parents had a farm and he, being the only male child, he had to stay taking care of the business. However, fate got in his way and, although he did not have the approval of his father, at the age of 18 he ran the regional rally.

“Of his career, the Formula 1 titles in 1963 and 1965 stand out, in addition to the Indianapolis 500, also in ’65. Juan Manuel Fangioone of the best drivers in history, praised him repeatedly: ‘For me he had an aura of invincible’,” highlighted the Web portal.

The brand in which Clark raced was Lotus, of which its owner, Colin Chapman, was his number 1 fan. It was in 1960 that Clark debuted in Formula 1 and his impact was immediate, achieving victories and podiums in his first seasons. In 1963, he reached the pinnacle by winning his first world championship, a title he revalidated in 1965.

Unfortunately, his career and life ended quickly in 1968, when he died in an accident during a Formula 2 race. That did not stop him from being one of the most popular drivers of his time and an icon, as he had an aggressive style that It made him very attractive.

“His rivalry with Graham Gillalso two-time champion of the category (1962 and 1967), boosted the level on the track and the popularity of both. In 1962, they were the two outstanding drivers in the category, although Clark could not take first place against the BRM rider. The following year, he retaliated by achieving 7 wins that allowed him to become Formula 1 champion for the first time,” wrote TyC.

Then, in 1965 with his new Lotus 33, he dominated the championship from start to finish. Of the first seven dates the Scot won 6. Beyond his two championships, Clark established a historical record that still stands: between 1962 and 1965, he achieved 32 victories in 72 Grand Prix, a success rate of 44.4% , the highest in the history of Formula 1.

He is remembered as one of the most complete and talented pilots in history, to which are added his skill, competitive spirit and humility, since he wanted nothing more than to get away from fame.

As said before, His tragic end occurred in 1968racing in the Hockehnheim race in European Formula 2. His car lost control at 270 km/h and crashed head-on into a tree. There is a mysterious fact surrounding that accident: although the official versions of the authorities were never released, it was speculated that the puncture in one of his four tires was what caused the loss of control.