A FORMULA One legend is calling on motor sport enthusiasts across the Borders to back a £300,000 crowdfunding campaign for a new Jim Clark Museum.

Sir Jackie Stewart launched the eight-week campaign at the Race Retro 2017 on Friday, February 24 alongside the unveiling of Jim Clark’s historic 1965 Lotus 33 R11.

The Jim Clark Trust, working in partnership with Scottish Borders Council, aims to build a new expanded Jim Clark Museum in Duns in 2018 to celebrate his life and legacy 50 years on from the tragedy of 1968 at Hockenheim. 

SBC has pledged £620,000 towards the new £1.6m museum with a further £645,000 support from the Heritage Lottery Fund with Stage One Development phase approved and the Stage Two Delivery build programme pending.

The £300,000 is now required to give the green light to the delivery build phase to redevelop the existing Jim Clark Room in Duns, into a modern museum with space to display new memorabilia and two of Jim Clark’s race cars.

Sir Jackie said: “Jim Clark was not only the best racing driver I ever raced with and against. He was also a great friend, a wonderful ambassador for motor sport and indeed for Scotland. It is only right that we honour his success and achievements. 

“I am delighted the museum project has reached this crucial stage with the support of the Trust and I would like to thank Scottish Borders Council and Heritage Lottery Funding. The foundations of this project are Heritage, Education and Inspiration bought to life through the story of Jimmy’s incredible career and significant influence on Scottish motor sport. 

“If those values ring true to people around the world, I hope enthusiasts will join me in wishing the fundraising campaign every success.”

Widely regarded as one of the greatest motor racing drivers of all time, Jim Clark became a national hero and international icon of the 1960’s.

Border Telegraph:

Concept plans have been unveiled for the new Jim Clark Museum in Duns

The Jim Clark Trust is now seeking support from motor racing fans across the world to get behind the charity fundraising drive for the new museum by donating to the appeal via Crowdfunder.co.uk at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/jim-clark-museum. 

The campaign will run for only eight weeks with all pledges having to be submitted by April 21, 2017 to meet the aim of raising the full £300,000 target.

If this target is reached successfully and with popular support, the Trust’s ambition is to then consider a further £300,000 for an extension to the rear of the building to display up to 10 cars or more for a wider celebration of Scottish motor sport.