Roger Clarke is a name that has become a symbol of British rallying. He was the first British driver to win a round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) and was the British Rally Champion four times. His career was full of triumphs, tough challenges and, of course, unforgettable rallies.
Clark was born in Leicestershire and developed a passion for motorsport from a young age. His first serious car was a Mini Cooper, on which he won several local competitions. However, his real fame came when he started driving for the Ford factory team. At the wheel of Ford Escort RS Clark showed himself as an outstanding racer, able to fight with the best drivers in the world.
Roger Clarke’s main achievements include:
- First British driver to win a round of the World RallyChampionship, winning the 1976 RAC Rally.
- Four times British Rally Champion (1965, 1972, 1973, 1975).
- Two-time RAC Rally winner (1972, 1976).
- Winner of the 1968 Rally Acropolis, one of the most difficult rallies in the world.
- Six victories in Rally Scotland, an all-time record.
- Over 40 wins in national and international competitions.
- Champion of the Avon Tour of Britain 1974.
- Winner of the Segrave Trophy (1975), a prestigious award for outstanding achievements in motorsport.
- He was awarded the MBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1979.
After his professional career ended, Clark did not retire from motorsport. He opened the family workshop Roger Clark Motorsports, which still prepares cars for rallying.
Clark passed away in 1998, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of racers. The historic Roger Albert Clark Rally has been held in his honor since 2004, bringing back the spirit of classic British rallying.
Roger Clarke will forever remain an icon of rally sport, a man who proved that perseverance, passion and skill can lead to greatness.