By 1960 Jim had graduated to the front rank of motor racing. His succession of victories throughout the year, with Lotus cars running in all three single seater categories, marked him out as a driver of distinction. There was no longer any doubt that he was a gifted and committed sportsman.
From 1961 Jim was a fixture in the Lotus team and by the end of the season, he was their main driver, winning the non-championship Grand Prix at Pau. In the 1962 season he won four Grand Prix and came second in the World Championship to Graham Hill. An oil leak had forced him to retire from the South Africa Grand Prix, the final race of the season. Between races Jim would still get home and relax, it was a peaceful haven where he could take stock. The family farm was his way of unwinding. He soon reverted to his old self after a few days with the locals but invariably the phone would ring and it would be back to testing or racing.
1963 was incredible, Jim won seven out of ten World Championship races, clinching the
championship with three races to spare and a total of 54 points compared to Graham Hill and Ritchie Ginther’s 29. He came back home to a hero’s welcome.