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The British Rally Championship have issued this kind tribute to Dai Roberts, which we would like to share with you all.


The British Rally Championship and the entire rallying community are mourning the loss of Dai Roberts, a hugely respected co-driver whose life was tragically cut short during the 2025 Jim Clark Rally. 

Aged 39, he was more than just an experienced name in the co-driver’s seat. A standout driver in his own right, Dai had a quiet, calming presence along with a kindness and astounding knowledge that touched everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Hailing from his beloved Carmarthen, he was a man deeply rooted in the sport, with a career spanning over 22 years at both national and international levels. His partnership with several talented drivers, including James Williams in recent seasons, was built not only on skill but on unwavering trust. Drivers and teams knew they could count on him, his timing was meticulous, his notes delivered with unshakeable calm, and his attention to detail was second to none.

But beyond the stages, it was Dai’s character that made him special. He was gentle, humble, and unfailingly generous with his time, whether helping a newcomer find their feet or checking in quietly on a teammate after a tough day. To many, he was the soul of a service park: never loud, but always present when it mattered.

Dai knew all too well the fragility of life in motorsport, yet, despite such heartbreak, he continued, his love for rallying never dimmed, and neither did his strength.

He is survived by his family, including his wife Louise and children, who were the centre of his world. They and the wider rallying community continue to grieve not only for a competitor, but a man who lived with fire in his belly, gave generously, and left the sport better than he found it.

Dai Roberts was, simply put, one of rallying’s good souls. His ferocious passion on the stages and quick wit and humour away from them will live on with his incredible legacy that will roll out the service park with every car for years to come.

The British Rally Championship extends its deepest condolences to Dai’s family and friends. The series aims to honour Dai’s legacy in the upcoming events. We also continue to support James Williams in his fight for recovery.

The 2025 Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in over a decade as an expanded route, top-tier entries from across Europe, and a refreshed format bring renewed interest to the Duns-based event, which takes place from 23-25 May.

Centred in the heart of the Scottish Borders, the Jim Clark Rally is widely regarded as one of the premier stage rallies in the UK and has been a cornerstone of the national motorsport calendar for more than half a century. The 2025 edition continues that proud tradition, drawing an impressive 260 competitors from the Probite Motorsport UK British Rally Championship, the Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship, and the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship for an action-packed weekend

Backed for the first time by leading online competition business and local firm Borders Competitions, this year’s rally boasts over 100 stage miles across Friday and Saturday, the longest since its heyday, with Sunday’s Jim Clark Reivers Rally offering almost 60 competitive miles, reflecting the event’s commitment to progress and innovation.

Following the now-customary ceremonial start in the heart of Duns Square on Friday evening, the rally kicks off with the fan-favourite Langton Mill stage, setting the tone for an action-packed weekend. Adding a twist, the crews will then tackle a reversed version of the Fogo stage before facing the return of a classic Jim Clark test – Bothwell – which hasn’t featured since 2012.

This challenging 14-mile stage is the standout feature of the opening leg, which covers 46 competitive miles in total. Each of the three stages will be run twice, with the crews returning to Duns just before 11pm for the overnight halt.

Saturday’s action begins with another run through Langton, followed by revised versions of the Edrom and Blackadder stages. The loop concludes with a fresh test at Polwarth, before service in Duns around midday and a repeat of the loop in the afternoon. After a demanding 55-mile day, the finish celebrations and champagne spray will return to Duns Square in the mid-afternoon.

Sunday’s Jim Clark Reivers Rally, taking place on 25 May, also starts from Duns Square and features several iconic stages, including Westruther, Macks Mill, Scott’s View and Eccles. With extended mileage across these tests, Sunday’s route totals 60 stage miles. The winners will return to Duns for a mid-afternoon finish and champagne celebration.

The entry list is packed with championship contenders and local heroes, all eyeing victory across the Scottish asphalt.

Leading the field on Friday and Saturday is Estonian driver Romet Jürgenson. The young ace is the reigning Junior World Rally Champion and FIA Rally Star winner, and after dominating the Carlisle Stages, carries huge momentum into the Jim Clark. Co-driven by Siim Oja, Jürgenson’s M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2 could well be the car to beat.

A major shift in the BRC title race adds extra spice. Points leader William Creighton and last year’s Jim Clark Rally winner Keith Cronin are both missing — Creighton due to family commitments, and Cronin after a heavy crash at the Rally of the Lakes. Their absence leaves the door wide open for a new winner on the top step.

Flying the flag for local honours are three Duns-based drivers – Euan Thorburn, Garry Pearson, and Dale Robertson – all competing in cutting-edge Rally2 machinery. Thorburn, behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, scored the Reivers Rally win in 2024 after a tense final stage shootout, but hasn’t been out on a sealed surface for some time.

Pearson, another past Jim Clark podium finisher, will be a serious contender too, driving the latest-spec Ford Fiesta Rally2 prepared by the factory M-Sport team. Meanwhile, Robertson also lines up in a Fiesta. While always quick on home soil, Robertson enters the event with less recent seat time, having not competed since last year’s edition.

Scottish hopes are also pinned on Max McRae, the latest rising star from the legendary McRae rallying dynasty. Max, son of 1995 BRC champion Alister, is hunting for his first BRC finish of the season in his Citroen C3 Rally2 after a promising but luckless start to his campaign.

James Williams (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) seeks redemption after a difficult Carlisle round. The Welshman previously showed strong asphalt form with a podium on the BRC opener. Also in the mix is James Ford, who steps up to the BRC in a Citroen C3 Rally2. Ford was a standout performer at last year’s Jim Clark and will be aiming to build on that experience.

Another major threat is Callum Black, fourth in the standings, piloting a Fiesta Rally2. He’ll be joined in the top pack by Meirion Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2), who arrives off the back of a second-place finish at the non-championship Rally of the Lakes in Ireland. Both are aiming to exploit the opportunity left by the absence of Creighton and Cronin.

The Reivers Rally on Sunday is no less competitive and over 120 cars will line up to tackle the event. Thorburn aims to take a record tally of wins with four in a row, but he’ll be pushed by Robertson and Pearson, which could make it a Duns 1-2-3 on the road. Hugh Brunton and Elliot Payne add some BRC flavour to Sunday, whilst multiple Scottish Rally Champion David Bogie steps back into Rally2 machinery for his Jim Clark Rally return.

Fans will be treated to plenty of accessible viewing points and centralised activity in Duns across all three days of the rally, including mid-day regroups and start/finish ceremonies. A large screen in the town will also broadcast live stage footage and results, enhancing the atmosphere across the weekend.

Many stages offer spectacular viewing spots for spectators, including the iconic Langton watersplash [run four times] stage, Fogo, Polwarth, Westruther, Mack’s Mill and Scott’s View. Full spectator information is available in the Rally Programme, stocked at a wide range of outlets across the region.

Full spectator information is available on the Jim Clark Rally website HERE where the entry lists for both events can also be viewed.

-Ends

In the high-speed, high-pressure world of rallying, most competitors spend years mastering either the driver’s seat or the co-driver’s pacenote book — but rarely both. That’s what makes Nikki Addison’s upcoming weekend at the Jim Clark Rally so impressive.

The Scottish talent is already making waves as co-driver to Meghan O’Kane in the British Rally Championship’s BRC4 class. The all-female crew head into this weekend leading the category, an achievement that speaks volumes about their pace, consistency, and teamwork. But Nikki isn’t just stopping there.

After completing her BRC duties on Friday and Saturday, Addison will switch roles — and seats — to drive in Sunday’s Reivers Rally, piloting her own car on the closed roads of the Scottish Borders. It’s a remarkable display of commitment, and one that sets her apart in British rallying.

While many rally fans know Addison for her work on the notes, she’s a seasoned driver in her own right, with past experience in the Protyre National Asphalt Championship and various Scottish events behind the wheel of her Honda Civic. This weekend, though, demands a whole new level of focus — transitioning from a navigator’s mindset to a driver’s rhythm with little time to reset.

“It’s not something you see very often,” she says. “Most people dedicate all their preparation to either co-driving or driving — to do both in one weekend, especially on such challenging roads, is a serious feat, but the event is fantastic and I wanted to get behind the wheel at least in part of the weekend.”

And the challenge is real. The Jim Clark Rally’s stages are notoriously fast and unforgiving, with narrow margins for error and changeable conditions. After completing two full days alongside O’Kane in a championship fight, Nikki will barely have time to decompress before refocusing for Reivers.

“I love driving too and am always looking for the opportunity to compete in events. But this year’s focus has been the BRC and co-driving with Megan, which I equally enjoy. It’s a big challenge but I’m up for it”.

Garry Pearson is aiming to continue his podium form next week in both the British Rally Championship (BRC) and the Jim Clark Rally (May 24-25).

Based in the Scottish Borders town of Duns, the Jim Clark is the third round of M-Sport driver Pearson’s BRC campaign – and is also the Scotsman’s home event.

Pearson heads into the closed-road, Tarmac test in a rich vein of form having claimed a fine third place behind two Junior World Rally champions at last month’s Carlisle Stages Rally.

He also claimed a podium at the Jim Clark the last time he visited in 2024, as well as in 2022, so is aiming to maintain that trend behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta Rally2 in 2025.

“I’ve been in a process of development in the BRC, which I believe any driver has to go through unless they’re able to be in a rally car week in-week out. The step from a national championship to the British championship is not to be underestimated but I’ve been learning my craft and I feel we’re starting to break some boundaries,” Pearson said.

“There’s still plenty more work to do, but I think our pace and the results show that we’ve moved from being a top-five or six crew to regularly being contenders for the top-four and in the conversation for podiums.

“The Jim Clark hopefully won’t be any different. A lot of people ask me if I feel any more pressure because it’s my home rally, but it’s worth the same 25 points as any other event we’ll go to this year so the approach can’t be any different.

“Of course we would love to win it, and who’s to say we can’t one day, but we have to also be realistic. We know how strong our competitors are so we’re aware how big an ask it’ll be to reach the podium, let alone the top step. The goal is to build on what we achieved in terms of pace at East Riding, and result at Carlisle, and secure my third Jim Clark podium in four years.” 

Jim Clark Rally factfile

Dates: Friday May 23 – Saturday May 24

Based: Duns

Stages: 14

Length: 100.9 miles

Held on the closed, public roads of the Scottish Borders since 1997, the Jim Clark Rally is hugely important to both the local community and motorsport fans across the country.

The rally provides entertainment for many, but more importantly a big boost for the economy which benefits greatly from the swarm of people who stay in the area over the course of rally week.

Pearson said: “The Jim Clark Rally is always an awesome weekend – both for the local area in the Scottish Borders and the passionate motorsport community in the UK. 

“The rally generates millions of pounds every single year for the local economy – something which I’m also very aware of as a business owner in Duns outside of my rallying. The organisers always do a great job in working with the residents to ensure an enjoyable weekend for all, and behind the wheel it’s just such a privilege to be able to drive these roads in anger and feel the support from the spectators.”

The 2025 edition of the rally is the longest in over a decade, making it a real challenge for drivers and festival of speed for onlookers.

“This year’s rally is longer than in previous years which makes it a real treat for drivers and fans alike,” Pearson added. “As a member of a local car club, I am aware of the effort the organisers put in every year to make the rally happen and I’m honestly speechless by their commitment. It’s fantastic the rally is part of the British Rally Championship and therefore broadcast on ITV4 – I hope I can do well and make the local community proud.” 

Spectator information is available on the Jim Clark Rally website.

Rally Programmes

Spectator Programmes are now available
Cost: £7.50

To get yours, click HERE to find local outlets https://jimclarkrally.co.uk/spectators/

The 2025 Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally is set to offer competitors and motorsport fans the longest route in over a decade, with more than 100 stage miles from May 23-25.

Based in the Scottish Borders town of Duns and sponsored by Borders Competitions, a leading name in UK raffles and draws, the rally will see a significant increase in stage mileage over its two-day schedule on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24.

After running 88 miles in 2024, the 2025 edition will expand to 102 competitive miles, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s most challenging and prestigious stage rallies. Additionally, the Jim Clark Reivers Rally on Sunday, May 25, will also see an increase in mileage, now featuring 60 stage miles.

Following the reintroduction of the iconic Langton stage in 2024, which includes the fan-favorite water splash near Gavinton, organizers have continued to evolve the event by refreshing the format and route. A comprehensive survey conducted after the 2024 rally led to significant changes for 2025, ensuring a thrilling experience for competitors and spectators alike.

The action kicks off with the traditional ceremonial start in Duns Square on Friday evening before crews tackle the opening Langton Mill stage. A reversed version of the Fogo test follows, leading into the revival of a classic Jim Clark stage last used in 2012—Bothwell. This 14-mile stage serves as the highlight of the Friday night leg, which comprises 46 miles across two runs of each stage. Crews will return to Duns for an overnight halt just before 11 p.m.

Saturday begins with a second pass through Langton, followed by revised versions of Edrom and Blackadder, before concluding the loop with a new Polwarth stage. After a midday service in Duns, the stages will be repeated in the afternoon, culminating in a total of 55 miles for the day. The rally will conclude with the traditional champagne celebrations in Duns Square.

The Probite British Rally Championship and the Protyre National Asphalt Rally Championship return for the Friday and Saturday legs, alongside the AS Performance North of England Tarmacadam Rally Championship and the SG Petch ANECC Championship.

On Sunday, May 25, the Jim Clark Reivers Rally will start in Duns Square and feature well-known stages such as Westruther, Macks Mill, Scott’s View, and Eccles, with several stages extended to accommodate the increased mileage. The event will wrap up with a mid-afternoon finish and a celebratory champagne spray for the winners.

The Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship and the Scottish Tarmack Rally Championship will take part in Sunday’s action, promising another thrilling battle on the demanding Borders roads.

DOWNLOAD REGULATIONS AND ENTER HERE

The Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally will offer competitors and motorsport fans the longest route in over a decade this 23-25 May, running over stage 100 miles with a brand-new format.

Nestled in the Scottish Borders town of Duns and sponsored by Borders Competitions, a leading name in online raffles and draws across the UK, the Jim Clark Rally will bolster its stage mileage over the Friday [23 May] and Saturday [24 May] event.

Having run 88 miles in 2024, it will increase the offering to 102 competitive miles in 2025, ensuring the popular event remains one of the country’s most challenging and highly respected stage rallies.

In addition, the exciting Jim Clark Reivers Rally which takes place on Sunday 25 May, will also enjoy increased mileage for the 2025 edition, taking its total to 60 competitive stage miles.

After re-introducing the iconic Langton stage in 2024 which features the fan-favourite water splash just outside the village of Gavinton, organisers sought to continue the Jim Clark Rally’s progressive nature and ensure the format and stages remained fresh and exciting for all.

As a result, an extensive route survey was completed shortly after the 2024 running and plans were put into place to reinvigorate the offering for 2025, which will see a wealth of premier rally series join the Jim Clark Rally weekend this May.

After the now traditional ceremonial start in the heart of Duns Square early on Friday evening, the Langton Mill stage offers the perfect opener to warm up the rally fans and crews. In a twist, a reversed version of the Fogo test is next on the billing, before the introduction of a classic Jim Clark test last used in 2012, Bothwell.

The 14-mile challenging stage is the jewel in the crown of the Friday night leg which totals 46 miles, with a double run over each stage planned before the end of the day back in Duns just before 11 pm for the overnight halt.

Saturday kicks off back at Langton, before a revised Edrom and Blackadder feature on the roster. The loop will finish with a new Polwarth stage, ahead of service in Duns around midday and a repeat loop that afternoon. After 55 miles during the day, the traditional champagne spray and finish celebrations will take place back in Duns Square mid-afternoon.

The top-flight Probite British Rally Championship returns for the Friday and Saturday legs, as does the Protyre National Asphalt Rally Championship. They will be joined by the AS Performance North of England Tarmacadam Rally Championship and SG Petch ANECC Championship.

Sundays [25 May] Jim Clark Reivers Rally will again start in Duns Square and feature event staples such as Westruther, Macks Mill, Scott’s View and Eccles, with extensions to several stages making up the 60 miles on offer. A mid-afternoon finish back in the square will welcome the award winners for the champagne celebrations.

The Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship and Scottish Tarmack Rally Championship join in the action on Sunday and will likely provide another scintillating battle in the Scottish Border lanes.

“We are very proud to release our outline route for the 2025 Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally and we are confident that it offers one of the most challenging and exciting propositions for many years,” said Dan Wright, Chairman of the organisers, the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club.

“We have always wanted to ensure the rally remains progressive and challenging for the hundreds of competitors who make the trip to the Scottish Borders to contest the event and the changes to the route this year can be enjoyed by crews and fans alike.

“The reintroduction of Bothwell for the Friday night loop adds an extra dimension to the opening leg and most competitors will not have done the stage in this way before. We have also additional miles on several other stages to give over 100 competitive stage miles for the Jim Clark Rally and 60 for the Reivers, making it one of the longest events in over a decade.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to Duns in May”.