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.