1965: The Greatest Year in Motorsport History!
1965: The Greatest Year In Motorsport History!
Jim Clark’s season 1965 stands as arguably the greatest year in motorsport for all-round achievement. Jim competed in almost 60 events between New Year’s Day and the end of October ranging across Formula One, Formula Two, Formula Tasman, Indy car, saloons, sports cars, endurance racing and hill climbs. He took the F1 World Championship with 100% points (never done since); also won the Indianapolis 500 miles (pairing never done before or since); plus added the British F2, French F2 and Tasman Series championships.
Jim piloted 8 different types of Lotus on 34 tracks across 5 continents. He came first in 23 individual races – including a triple victory of Formula One, Saloon and Sports car events in the same Easter Monday afternoon at Goodwood; landed a weekend double of British Grand Prix on Saturday and Rouen Grand Prix on Sunday; and even raced on both sides of the Atlantic in a single weekend, flying back from Canada just in time for a bank holiday meeting in London!
Away from the track he also won many awards including American Sports Personality of the Year; became the first-ever Freeman of Duns; and even learnt to fly during a week off between races.
Celebrate an iconic season with a trip to Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in 2025 and explore exhibits dedicated to his legendary achievements!
Starting the Year with a Victory!
1965 South African GP – Friday 1st January, Prince George circuit, East London
Traditionally the South African Grand Prix was held on Boxing Day – but it moved to New Year’s Day for 1965, meaning it had not featured in the Formula One World Championship of 1964, and was now the opening not the closing race of the season.
Jim secured a ‘grand slam’ of fastest time in qualifying, pole position, quickest lap, and leading every lap on his way to victory. In doing so he won the South African GP for an unprecedented 3rd time, and he remains the all-time record winner today.
Jim’s friend Jackie Stewart also made his World Championship debut.
Watch footage of the race below!
