Roger Clarke conquered tracks and left a mark in the history of motorsport that cannot be erased. Even after his professional career was over, he could not part with the world of rallying, which was not just a job but a way of life for him. This is the story of how a true racer can leave a legacy, inspiring new generations of drivers.
Is There Any Life After Professional Sport?
As the era of rallying moved to a new level with the advent of four-wheel-drive cars like the Audi Quattro, Clark faced the fact that his time as a factory driver had come to an end. His sponsors were gone, car deliveries had stopped, but Roger wasn’t going to just sit back. He continued to compete in club events, reminding everyone that true passion for racing doesn’t depend on sponsors or teams.
But Clark’s impact on motorsport went beyond his personal appearances. As a committee member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, he was active in helping to develop the infrastructure of motorsport. One of his significant contributions was helping to create the Rallysprint circuit at Silverstone in 1997, a year before his death. This project was one of the shining examples of his dedication, as he continued to work despite his deteriorating health.
His real legacy, however, is not only his victories and involvement in track development. In the 1970s, along with his brother Stan, he focused on growing the family business by opening Roger Clark Cars in Narborough. It wasn’t just a place to sell cars—it was a workshop where cars were transformed and made race-ready.
Unfortunately, in the early 1990s, a severe economic crisis forced the closure of the business, but Clark did not give up. Already in the mid-1990s he founded a new company, Roger Clark Motor Sport. Despite his poor health, he put all his strength into the development of this project, and today, under the leadership of his son Matt, this company continues to prepare rally cars.
His children have inherited his passion for racing. His son Ollie Clarke raced in the Time Attack UK series where he won the championship in 2008. He has also competed in the famous Rally of Great Britain and the FIA Cup for production car drivers. The Clarke family remains part of the world of motorsport, passing on its legacy to new generations.
Roger Clarke’s Contribution
In addition to racing and the family business, Clark has left a huge mark on the history of motorsport:
- Helped develop rally circuits, including the Rallysprint project at Silverstone
- Founded Roger Clark Motor Sport, which is still in operation today.
- Raised a new generation of drivers, including his son Ollie.
- Continued to compete in club competitions despite ending his career
- Author of the book “Sideways… to Victory”, which has become a cult favorite among rally fans.
Clarke’s autobiographical book, co-written with Graham Robson, was symbolically titled ‘Sideways to Victory’. This is an accurate description of his driving style, because he skillfully made Ford Escort “dance” in turns, not yielding in technique even to Scandinavian legends Hann Mikkola and Bjorn Valdegaard.
Roger Clark passed away on January 12, 1998, but his name lives on in the hearts of motorsports fans. To commemorate his achievements, a bronze statue has been erected in Mallory Park to remind everyone that a true racer never fades. He continues to inspire, even after he has left the track.