Fallen Racing Heroes:Jim Clark

The golden era of racing, racers like AJ Foyt, Mario Andretti, Sir Jackie Stewart... and Jim Clark. Downforce?  Weight jacking?  Flappy paddle shifting?  These drivers had none of those luxuries, and Jim Clark was a prime example of raw, unassisted driving abilities on loan from God.  No disrespect to racers now of course, but racing during the 50's, 60's, and 70's took a great deal of grit and some "superior attachments" as David Hobbs would put it. The risk of danger was greater than ever.

Jim and his crew with a BEAUTIFUL Lotus 38 at Indianapolis in 1965. (look familiar?)











Jim Clark was born in 1936 in Scotland, and as we know, Scots are fast behind the wheel.  He ran in Formula 1 (2 Championships, 25 wins), Indycar, and even the "Tin Tops" (Nascar) in his magnificent career.  At Indianapolis he saw great success posting 2 runner up finishes, then in 1965 he qualified on the front row and led all but ten laps utterly OWNING the field on his way to a win, adding yet another accomplishment to his resume'.  Unfortunately all brilliant careers come to an end, and few very tragically.

1968 in Hockenheimring, Germany on the fifth lap of heat one of the event, his Lotus veered off the track and into the trees fatally injuring Jim.  After his death his father told American racer Dan Gurney, that he was the only driver that Jim feared...  Never was there such a compliment that made you feel such great pride, and sorrow at the same time.  If he had lived on who knows how much more he would have given the racing world. 


An example of his unmatched driving performance.


So again we salute another driving hero that made a massive impact on automobile racing... Mr. Jimmy Clark.

                                                                          Jim Clark: March 4, 1936-April7, 1968

Fallen Racing Heroes: Scott Brayton

It's around 1989-1990 (age 4-5) That age when you really start understanding things and still remember when you get older, the age I started loving Indy Cars.  Scott Brayton was my favorite.  Was it the bright pink and blue car he drove, his skill, or his great personality?  For whatever reason, he stood out amongst the drivers, and when racing my little MATCHBOX Indycars around the oval shaped rug, Scott seemed to always win (He ran great on carpet surfaced tracks).

 Scott Brayton in his Amway Lola-Cosworth driving for Dick Simon Racing. 

He set the 1 Lap record at Indianapolis in 1985, and as years went on he posted many Top-10s for Dick Simon Racing, and a career best 3rd at Milwaukee in '92 never quite getting to Victory lane.  In 1994 he signed with Team Menard to specifically run at Indy getting the pole in 1995-96.  Unfortunately On may 17, 1996 during practice for Indy, his rear tire blew going into turn 2 causing a spin, colliding with the wall and tragically killing him.   It was heartbreaking seeing your hero perish, and when success was so close for him.  Following his death, a trophy is given every year to the driver who best shows the attitude, spirit, and personal competitive drive as he did.  He was my inspiration for loving this GREAT SPORT.  May he never be forgotten and always be remembered for for what he gave to the fans. Thanks Scott. 

Scott Brayton: February 20, 1959-May 17, 1996