Jim Clark Rally promises the biggest battle yet in the Borders

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

Addison: A role reversal

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”.

Podium for Pearson? Duns ace has his sights on a top three

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.

REGULATIONS NOW AVAILABLE – ENTRIES OPEN IN APRIL

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

Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally set for bumper route in 2025

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”.

Borders Competitions named as title sponsor of the Jim Clark Rally

Borders Competitions, a leading name in online raffles and draws across the UK, will become the title sponsor of the Duns-based Jim Clark Rally, Scotland’s premier closed-road motorsport event.

Taking place on 23-25 May in 2025, the Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally marks an exciting three-year collaboration, further cementing its reputation on the national rally calendar as one of the best events in the UK.

The long-standing annual event across the picturesque roads of the Scottish Borders is named in honour of the legendary Formula 1 World Champion, Jim Clark, whose roots trace back to the very same region. The Jim Clark Rally attracts competitors and fans from around the globe, all eager to witness some of the best rally drivers contest the demanding stages.

The 2025 edition will continue to welcome some of the UK’s most popular rally championships to Duns as the Probite British Rally Championship and Protyre National Asphalt Rally Championship have already announced their intention to return for the Friday and Saturday [23-24 May] legs of the rally.

Sunday 25 May sees the return of the exciting Reivers Rally and a host of other championships are expected to announce their attendance in the coming weeks. With the support of Borders Competitions, the rally will continue to diversify and grow, whilst preserving the thrilling atmosphere that makes it unique.

Borders Competitions is an online skill-based raffle site that hosts weekly draws offering its players a wide variety of amazing prizes, from TVs to phones and cars to luxury holidays. The Borders Cash Draw offers the chance for one lucky winner to win a life-changing amount of tax-free cash every week, with over £5,000,000 in prizes given, and the local business strives to offer amazing prizes for low price entries.

Owned and run by local businessman Jack Crowe, the firm has strong ties to the local community which has fuelled his ambition to be able to give away significant prizes and support local businesses and charities on his doorstep. Established in 2023, Borders Competition has gone from giving away £100 in the first-ever cash draw, to a huge £100,000 to one winner in November 2024.

“We at Borders Competitions are absolutely thrilled to have sponsored the Jim Clark Rally, an event that holds a special place in the hearts of many, including mine” says Crowe.

“Supporting this iconic rally, which showcases the rich motorsport heritage of the Borders, is not just a privilege but a reflection of our commitment to celebrating the region’s passion and competitive spirit. At Borders Competitions, we’re all about bringing excitement and opportunity to our participants, and partnering with the Jim Clark Rally aligns perfectly with our values of community and thrill. We’re proud to play a part in it and look forward to seeing the rally grow even bigger in the future.”

Dan Wright, Chairman of the organisers, the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club, is delighted to welcome Borders Competitions on board.

“We are very excited to announce that Borders Competitions will become title sponsors of the Jim Clark Rally for the next three years” he said.

“They are a vibrant, up-and-coming local business which fits in with exactly the ethos of the rally and we are very excited to kick start our partnership together. Having a successful Borders firm alongside the Jim Clark Rally is a real boost for the event, our stakeholders, and local regions. I`m looking forward to driving further engagement within the rally community and starting this new journey. Our thanks must go to Beatson’s Building Supplies for their support over the years and we wish them all the best for the future.”

The 2025 Jim Clark Rally, now proudly presented by Borders Competitions, is scheduled for 23-25 May with a highly anticipated lineup of competitors and a series of stages set to captivate fans of rallying. Fans and participants alike can look forward to yet another unforgettable experience that combines thrilling action with the timeless legacy of Jim Clark.

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2024 Marshals Draw

We would like to extend our thanks and wholehearted gratitude to each and every volunteer that gave up their valuable time to help run yet another successful event.
Whilst we are a little OTL with the results, here are the winners of the marshals draw which was held at the Border Union Show in Kelso.

PrizeWinner
A rally experience for two people, to include a contribution to accommodation and travel. (Max value £1000)  Lee Armstrong
An accompanied day out for two, driving alternately a Jaguar E Type V12 and an Aston Martin DB7 6i supercharged including an opportunity to drive, (dependent upon licence!)  Rob Lowe
A pair of tickets to the BTCC Weekend at Knockhill Circuit, donated by Knockhill.  Maurice Ellison
A £50 voucher to spend in the event online shop.  Gary Bulmer
A £50 spa gift voucher / Amazon Gift Voucher.  Deirdre Harrington
Afternoon Tea for Two at the Potting Shed donated by Garry Pearson Rallying  Bryan Hamilton
Afternoon Tea for Two at the Potting Shed donated by Garry Pearson Rallying  Andrew Bruce
£50 voucher donated by the Asset Alliance Group Motorsport UK Scottish Rally Championship.   Matthew Fleming
£50 voucher donated by the Asset Alliance Group Motorsport UK Scottish Rally Championship.   Claire Headridge
£50 voucher donated by the Asset Alliance Group Motorsport UK Scottish Rally Championship.   Brenda McRae
Bottle of Whisky donated by the Asset Alliance Group Motorsport UK Scottish Rally Championship  John Harrington
A Copy of John Fife’s book ‘The Scottish Rally Championship 1980 – 1989’.  Matthew Alexander

We hope to see you back in Duns during May 2025!


Someone from the event will be in touch to discuss arranging delivery of the prizes.

Cronin takes the Jim Clark Rally spoils as Thorburn reigns at the Reivers

The Beatson’s Building Supplies Jim Clark Rally lived up to its reputation as one of the finest stage rallies in the UK as a thrilling weekend of motorsport action unfolded on the closed public roads near Duns [May 24-26].

Named in memory of two-time Formula 1 world champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Jim Clark, the Scottish Borders-based event has been running for years, regularly thrilling competitors and onlookers alike, and 2024 was no exception boasting the most crews, most stages and the most competitive miles of the last decade.

Based in the market town of Duns – which entertained spectators all-weekend long with start and finish ceremonies, regroups and live action broadcast on big screens – 21 demanding tests were staged throughout Friday and Saturday’s Jim Clark Rally and Sunday’s Jim Clark Reivers Rally, with a world-class entry of 270 cars testing their mettle against the clock.

Sponsored for a third year by leading construction merchants Beatson’s Building Supplies, the Jim Clark welcomed thousands of spectators who watched crews from the Probite Motorsport UK British Rally Championship, Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship and Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship, as well as several regional championships, slug it out for glory.

Running as the first car for the main two-day event, 2019 European Rally Champion Chris Ingram and his co-driver Alex Kihurani were quickest out the blocks on Friday evening, but the going was far from straightforward as rain on the lead up to the event, and showers throughout the first leg, ensured the stages were particularly demanding.

Four-time British Rally Champion Keith Cronin was the only man capable of keeping Ingram honest, as he and co-driver Mikie Galvin recovered from a conservative tyre choice on the first loop of stages to close to within 10s at the rally’s overnight halt.

Sunny skies greeted the region on Saturday with a red-hot battle set to commence, but Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 pilot Ingram ran wide due to a slow puncture on the day’s second stage, clipped a tree and broke his suspension – ending his victory hopes on the spot.

That left Cronin out front, and after a difficult start to his campaign in the British Championship the Irishman got the job done on the Borders lanes to record a 19.1-second victory over Junior World Rally Champion William Creighton. Cronin’s win moves him to the top of the Jim Clark Rally winners’ list with fellow Irish driver Andrew Nesbitt.

“It’s been a really long time coming,” said a relieved Cronin. “This win gives us a fighting chance again, but it’s still a long championship.

“I really didn’t think this would be possible after the first loop last night as we’d made a wrong tyre choice, but we went out on the wet tyres for the last two last night and made some real good time back.

“It didn’t feel like we were doing anything extra special, but everything was working really well in the car. It was unfortunate to lose Chris this morning, which left us the lead which we’ve had to manage. “

Euan Thorburn upheld local honour in his VW Polo, lifting his pace as the event progressed to secure a terrific third place finish – his second in as many years. The Duns driver was also fastest on the final stage alongside co-driver Paul Beaton.

There was more Duns delight as Garry Pearson and co-driver Daniel Barritt stood on the British championship podium in third place, securing sixth place overall to boot after a mature drive in his Ford Fiesta Rally2.

Max McRae, the latest talent from the McRae family dynasty, had never driven a Rally2 car at night before the Jim Clark, and was low on mileage compared to his rivals around him. But the 19-year-old demonstrated why he’s set to be Scotland’s big rallying talent of the future with a measured run to seventh place overall and fourth place in the BRC.

Top Asphalt championship points were awarded to James Ford/Neil Shanks in their Citroen C3 Rally2 (fourth overall), closely followed by Callum Black/Jack Morton (fifth overall) and David Henderson/Chris Lees (seventh overall).

Sunday’s Reivers Rally staged the second round of this year’s Scottish Rally Championship, as crews tackled the reworked Westruther stage three times along with two passes of the famed Scott’s View and Eccles tests. But persisting rain showers made life very testing for the competing crews.

Victors last year and out to make it a record-equalling four Reivers Rally wins, Thorburn and Beaton rekindled their fight with Henderson and co-driver Chris Williams from a year ago, trading seconds with each passing stage.

Henderson held the advantage into the afternoon but Thorburn was closing, only for the pair of them to make separate mistakes on the penultimate stage which grew Henderson’s lead to 8.9.

But a simply supreme stage time on the final stage from home hero Thorburn, some 12.9s quicker than Henderson, earned him a record-equalling fourth Reivers win.

“This feels really good,” said a delighted Thorburn.

“I had nothing left, that was all on the line on that last stage. We had a few moments, but we knew we had it in us to pull it off.

“We really wanted to win this one, and after the podium yesterday it’s been the perfect weekend.”

Neil Roskell/Patrick Walsh guided their Fiesta Rally2 to third on the event, while Mark McCulloch/Michael Hendry took third in the Scottish Championship and fourth overall.

A one-hour highlights show of the Jim Clark Rally will be broadcast on ITV4, first televised on Wednesday June 5 at 8pm. A repeat programme will be shown on Sunday June 9 at 7.55am, and available to view anytime on the ITVX streaming service.

Scottish Borders brace for best-ever Jim Clark Rally

The 2024 Beatson’s Building Supplies Jim Clark Rally [May 24-26] promises to be the best in over a decade with more stages, more cars and world-class drivers tackling the famous closed-road event.

Hailed as one of the best stage rallies anywhere in the United Kingdom, the Jim Clark Rally has been a staple of the national motorsport calendar for over 50 years with 2024 set to be no exception as, across the weekend, the event welcomes the very best drivers from the Probite Motorsport UK British Rally Championship, Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship and Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship.

Sponsored by leading construction merchants Beatson’s Building Supplies for the third successive year, the rally is once again based in the market town of Duns for all three days of spectacular action, but the organisers have upped the ante for this year’s closed-road spectacular.

Catering for an extra 20 crews, 140 cars will take Friday evening’s Ceremonial Start on Duns at 18:00 before tackling six daunting stages in the moorlands and lanes around the town. Making its return is the popular Langton Mill test and its famous water-splash, forming part of a new three-stage loop which will be repeated as the sun begins to set over the Scottish Borders.

Saturday’s itinerary is largely unchanged from previous years, but another two passes of the Langton Mill stage help create a demanding schedule of eight stages which includes the likes of classic Jim Clark tests Ayton and Fogo. The winner of the 86-mile event will be crowned at the Duns Ceremonial Finish at 14:16.

Sunday’s Reivers Rally is a meatier affair than the past with 58 miles of action split across seven stages with just one service halt back at Duns in the middle. The reworked Westruther stage starts and ends the day which also includes two visits to the beautiful vistas of Scott’s View. The event starts and finishes in Duns at 09:30 and 15:54 respectively.

With last year’s winner Adrien Fourmaux fully focused on his World Rally Championship programme with M-Sport Ford, 2019 European Rally champion Chris Ingram and co-driver Alex Kihurani will lead the field away in their Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. A proven pairing on asphalt with victory on the opening round of the British championship, Ingram returns to tackle the Jim Clark for the first time since 2013 when he drove a Renault Twingo R2.

One driver who has far more Jim Clark experience is Keith Cronin, who will line up as the second seed alongside co-driver Mikie Galvin in his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Cronin won the event as recently as 2022 and was the only one to challenge Fourmaux last year, so is a certain contender for a record-equalling third Jim Clark victory this time around.

Both however will face stern competition from the Fiestas of 2022 British Rally Champion Osian Pryce and 2023 Junior World Rally Champion William Creighton. Pryce arrives in Duns in red-hot form having won the most recent round of the British championship, while Creighton – who’s been second on both BRC events thus far – is match-fit from the latest world championship round in Portugal.

Meirion Evans brings the fan favourite Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 to the party, while recent Manx Rally winner James Williams represents Hyundai. Williams will compete for both British and National Asphalt championship points in his i20, fending off competition from the likes of 2023 champion Callum Black (Fiesta), Neil Roskell (Fiesta), Mark Kelly (Skoda Fabia R5) and James Ford (Citroen C3 Rally2).

Fighting to uphold local honour are a trio of Duns drivers – Euan Thorburn, Garry Pearson and Dale Robertson – in state-of-the-art Rally2 cars. Volkswagen pilot Thorburn would appear best positioned to become the first Scottish Jim Clark winner since 2011 thanks to his overall podium last season, but Pearson too is a former Jim Clark podium finisher and will compete in the very latest Fiesta Rally2, run by the factory M-Sport outfit.

Robertson is also Fiesta mounted, and welcomes Kelso co-driver Douglas Redpath into the navigators’ seat, 40 years since Redpath won the Jim Clark alongside Dominic Buckley Snr. Robertson is always fast on his local lanes but is down on seat time compared to his direct rivals as he hasn’t competed since the Jim Clark last year.

Also flying the flag for Scotland is Max McRae – the latest talent from the world-famous McRae rallying dynasty. Co-driven by Cameron Fair, the 19-year-old is already a winner in the Junior European Rally Championship this year and showed well on his Rally2 debut in the BRC back in March. Like Pearson, McRae is armed with an M-Sport Fiesta with hopes to fare better than last year when he retired on the opening stage with mechanical gremlins.

The Reivers Rally has attracted a similarly stunning entry, with 2023 winner Thorburn aiming to draw level with old foe David Bogie as the event’s most successful driver in history.

But the Polo pilot will be pushed hard by David Henderson (Fiesta Rally2), who came just 3.2 seconds away from beating Thorburn 12 months ago. Asphalt aces Kelly and Roskell will do battle with the very best from the Scottish championship, including Rory Young (Polo R5), Michael Binnie (Fiesta R5), Jock Armstrong (Skodaru) and Bogie (Ford Escort Mk2).

Spectators will have plenty of opportunities to watch the battles unfold with access to an array of stages, while Duns will be a hub of activity with a mid-day regroup on both Saturday and Sunday as well as the start and finish ceremonies, as well as a big screen in the town broadcasting live action from the stages.

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

-Ends