One of the joys of Facebook and Wikipedia is that you can find out about things that you didn’t know that you needed to know. I have shared a few of these stories on Classic Yorkshire where relevant. To date my favourite was the wealthy playboy from Milnsbridge who became the first and only person to race the 24 hours of Le Mans for 24 hours.
Recently I came across a picture of Jim Clark at Shipley Bowl which was posted on Facebook. At the time I lived in Shipley and the idea that one of the world’s greatest racing drivers had visited Shipley was mind boggling.
Of course there is a perfectly logical explanation and it says a lot about motorsport in the 1960’s. In 1965 Jim Clark, who would become a two time world Formula One Champion in 1965 and winner of the Indianapolis 500, came to Shipley to open the Shipley Bowl. This was not just another paid gig for Jim, but a favour for a friend.
Above: Jim Clark and Peter Procter in 1965.
Many of you will know of Peter Procter, the champion cyclist turned racing and rally driver. When the British team failed to select him for the Olympics he concentrated on his building company whilst developing a successful racing and rallying career. Peter was later badly burned in an accident at Goodwood and became an active campaigner for the introduction of fireproof overalls in racing.
Peter not only built Shipley Bowl but owned it too. He invited his friend and racing colleague, Jim Clark to perform the opening ceremony. It is hard to imagine Lewis Hamilton taking a day out to open a local bowling alley.
I love these little snippets of memorabilia,, especially when they’re relating to local places/people I can relate to.
Fascinating story Mike. An an aside I saw Peter Proctor recently at the funeral of that great Yorkshire cyclist Brian Robinson. Pleased to say that Peter appeared to be in good health.
Great story Mike – fascinating, and the bowling centre is still going strong in the town!