Roger Clark

Clark’s consistent success, both at home and abroad, helped raise the profile of British rallying and paved the way for future World Rally Championship contenders.

• Ford Cortina Lotus: Delivered some of his earliest rally wins and became a symbol of his early driving style — fast, fearless, and calculated.
• Ford Escort Twin Cam (Mk1): Debuted in 1968, and Clark quickly became the car’s most successful driver, dominating British gravel rallies and contributing to its development.

Clark’s feedback and driving skill were crucial in helping Ford refine the Escort into a rally-winning machine. His mastery of rear-wheel-drive cars made him nearly unbeatable on forest and mixed-surface events.

Clark was known for combining smooth, precise driving with aggressive pace when needed. He had a natural feel for car behavior and could adapt his approach to changing terrain and conditions. His rapport with engineers made him instrumental in developing rally suspensions and tire setups for Ford. By the end of the 1960s, he had become Britain’s top rally star, laying the groundwork for the UK's rallying prestige in the decades to follow.

His popularity also contributed to the rise of television and media coverage of rallying in the UK, turning it into a spectator sport with a national following.

Clark formed a renowned partnership with co-driver Jim Porter, a relationship that brought stability and sharp pace note execution to each event. Porter’s meticulous preparation combined with Clark’s driving talent led to multiple victories and podiums during the late 1960s. Their teamwork became a model for successful driver-navigator dynamics in rallying.

Clark’s humility and professionalism helped foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration in rally teams, both within Ford and across the rally world.