Fundraising campaign puts Jim Clark Museum in pole position

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A successful crowdfunding campaign has raised more than £250,000 and unlocked the next stage of plans for the new Jim Clark Museum in Duns.

Over the past six weeks 739 people pledged their backing for the project online and made donations ranging from £1 to £10,000 - raising £100,316 in total.

At the same time, the publicity generated by the campaign led to further donations made by private individuals totaling another £100,000, and confirmation was received of a further £75,000 in grants from other charitable Trusts and Foundations.

The current plans will redevelop the existing Jim Clark Room in Duns, Scottish Borders, into a modern museum with space to display new memorabilia and two of Jim Clark’s race cars.

Features will include new image galleries, film footage, interactive displays and a technology and education zone.

Exhibiting the cars in which Jim Clark raced will be the star attraction for the new museum, which is expected to generate significant economic and tourism benefits to the Scottish Borders and Duns community by attracting thousands of visitors each year.

"It’s been heartwarming to see hundreds of people from countries around the world backing this project, and their support over the past couple of months has been vital in ensuring the plans for the museum stayed on track," said Doug Niven, cousin of Jim Clark and a Family Trustee

“We still need to raise more money to ensure we reach the required £300,000 required, we’ll be working hard in the months ahead to make it happen and people can still donate if they so choose via the Jim Clark Trust website."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.