On a weekend which should have echoed to the sounds of rally cars and huge excited crowds enjoying themselves watching motor sport, there will be instead be the sound of silence and a feeling of emptiness around the Berwickshire roads this weekend.
Thousands of organisers, competitors, marshals and rally fans who should have been in the Scottish borders over the weekend of 29-31 May for the Beatson’s Building Supplies Jim Clark Rally are instead confined to home. Covid-19 has not only blighted all sports and leisure activities, it has scarred the whole nation’s domestic and business life.
It is now two months since the organisers of this year’s event announced its cancellation, but that hasn’t stopped the work or the planning. Already the team are looking ahead to a resumption of something like ‘normal’ next May a year from now.
A vital part of the team is the event sponsor, Beatson’s Building Supplies, who have already committed their support for next year’s event giving the whole amateur organising team a boost. John Marshall, MD, said: “Things are looking bleak at present for all sports, and although times are tough for businesses too, Beatson’s Building Supplies have agreed to support next year’s event. The volunteers did a tremendous job getting the show back on the road last November and things were looking good till Covid-19 struck. So the best we can do is continue to back their hard work and efforts. Here’s to a cracking event next year.”
Rally Chairman Dan Wright welcomed that commitment: “The work that has already been undertaken will not go to waste and will provide a sound basis for next year’s event, whatever is required. To have the continued support of Beatson’s Building Supplies is a mark of confidence in what has been achieved over recent years and takes a great weight off our shoulders as we prepare for next year.”
At this stage, no-one is quite sure how badly the sport of rallying will be affected. The sport’s governing body, Motorsport UK, are already looking at new formats and these will of course be determined by any new regulations and requirements by local and national government.
Like any front running rally crew, the team is poised on the start line just waiting for the flag to drop, and get motor sport back on the road for the weekend of 28-30 May next year.
Fingers crossed everyone, stay safe, and stay healthy.
From all of the 2021 Beatson’s Building Supplies Jim Clark Rally organising team.
Attached copyright free photos (Credit: John Fife) highlight Beatson’s continued support.
Issued by John Fife on behalf of the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club