Farmer

The novelty of livestock sales and grain markets soon wore off. They started early in the morning and continued until late afternoon, often ending in the bar, when the day’s dealings and prices were discussed while Jim waited outside. Soon after Jim started full-time work, one of the shepherds left, so he was given a stick and a dog and told to take over.

Jim Clark on Ford tractor

Works drive for Ford

Shepherding was never going to be his career but did provide good photo opportunities in the years to come. im Clark, ‘the shepherd who became a world champion’, was predictably popular with journalists. A neighbouring farmer Ian Scott-Watson, was six years older than Jim and also in Ednam Young Farmers Club. They became friends, and this helped launch Jim’s motor racing career. Unlike Ian, Jim had not been to Winfield circuit but motor racing seemed to seek him out. Works drive for Ford Returning home from cricket at Jedburgh, he saw three C-Type Jaguars driving towards him. These big sports cars, in the dark blue livery of Ecurie Ecosse, were braking heavily from high speed and darting about the road as the drivers controlled them. This excited Jim and he felt a twinge of envy.

 

Comments are closed.