On-circuit rival and off-track pal Sir Jackie Stewart is to officially open the museum dedicated to Fife-born motor racing legend Jim Clark.
Three-time Formula One World Champion Stewart will be joined by guests from the world of motorsport at the ceremony in the Borders town of Duns on August 29.
The expanded Jim Clark Motorsport Museum has already welcomed thousands of visitors since its unveiling last month following a £1.6 million redevelopment.
The 15-month project followed a five-year fundraising campaign, creating a fitting venue to celebrate the achievements of the double F1 world champion, who was born in the fife hamlet of Kilmany and is honoured with a life-sized statue there.
Sir Jackie has always maintained that close friend Clark – with whom he lived in London at a house which earned the tag the Scottish Embassy – was the finest racing driver he ever competed against.
A static display of Jim Clark and Lotus sports cars is being put together for the official opening, with an opportunity for the public to hear Sir Jackie talk about his friendship and racing career with Clark.
Doug Niven, cousin of Jim Clark and Jim Clark Trustee said: “We are delighted that Sir Jackie, honorary president of The Jim Clark Trust, is able to come to Duns to officially open the new museum.
“He has given the museum and this project great support and encouragement over many years, for which we are very grateful.
“Given Sir Jackie’s close personal relationship with Jim during their racing careers there’s no doubt that this will be a memorable and moving occasion for all those involved.
“Jim and Jackie have together helped inspire a generation of success for Scottish motorsport and we hope the new museum can inspire future generations for many years to come.”
The museum, operated by charity Live Borders, includes two of Clark’s iconic race cars, a Lotus 25 and Lotus Cortina.
At the heart of the new attraction is the original collection of more than 100 trophies from Clark’s incredible career, gifted by his parents James and Helen Clark in 1969, with new interactive interpretation displays.
The original Jim Clark Memorial Room opened in 1969 and was refurbished in 1993 for the 25th anniversary of his death in a Formula Two race at Germany’s Hockenheim circuit in April 1968.
Formula One World Champion in 1963 and 1965, Clark remains the only driver to have won both the F1 and Indianapolis 500 titles in the same year.
