Jim Clark Museum expansion gets government grant

Plans to expand and improve a museum celebrating the two-time Formula 1 world champion and Indy 500 winner Jim Clark have secured a major cash commitment from the local council, Britain's BBC reports.

The Scottish Borders Council has agreed to give more than £500,000 [$772,000] to the project, which aims to expand the existing Jim Clark Room in Duns to allow cars and trophies to be put on display.

"The existing trophy room is a popular visitor attraction in its own right, but what will be created really befits the incredible achievements of this adopted Borderer and unassuming Berwickshire farmer," Councillor Vicky Davidson told the BBC. "The new museum will give us space to display some of Jim Clark's actual race cars along with his trophies and will put the museum up there with Scotland's foremost visitor attractions.

The Jim Clark Room contains a display of trophies, photographs and other memorabilia. It provides a full and compelling account of the life and career of a man considered among the greatest racers of all time. He dominated Formula 1 during his brief career, winning two World Championships in 1963 and '65. Also in 1965, driving a Lotus-Ford he became the first European driver in 40 years to win the Indianapolis 500.

A newly opened second room, created with the assistance of the Jim Clark Trust, allows visitors to view new images and watch Mark Stewart’s biographical film on Jim Clark, “The Quiet Champion.” Click here for more information and to plan a visit.