History Driver 1960s

Roger Clark

Overview Achievements Vehicles Style & Legacy

Overview

Roger Clark, born in 1939 in Leicestershire, England, was one of the most successful and influential British rally drivers of the 1960s. Known for his fearless speed, sharp instincts, and smooth control over a range of terrain, Clark became a national motorsport icon. As a key figure in the development of Ford’s rallying program, he played a vital role in transforming the British rally scene into a globally respected motorsport arena. His performances in both domestic and European events earned him admiration from fans and manufacturers alike.

🏆 Major Achievements

1965, 1967, and 1968 British Rally Champion, Claimed multiple domestic titles, setting the standard for UK rally drivers in the decade.
1967 and 1968 Welsh Rally Winner, Dominated gravel stages, demonstrating consistency and outright speed.
1966 RAC Rally – 4th Overall, First British Car, Drove a privateer Lotus Cortina to a historic class victory, gaining national acclaim.
1966 Acropolis Rally – 2nd Overall, Proved his ability on the international stage in one of the toughest rallies of the decade.

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.

Vehicle Highlights

  • 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.

Driving Style & Legacy

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.

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