Dai Roberts dies and driver seriously injured in crash

A rally co-driver has died and a driver has been seriously injured after their car crashed during a race in Scotland.

Co-driver Dai Roberts, 39, who was competing in the Jim Clark Rally, was pronounced dead at the scene near Duns in the Scottish Borders on Saturday morning.

Driver James Williams, 27, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital after suffering serious but not life-threatening injuries, Police Scotland said.

The incident happened around 10.50am on the D41/6 Edrom Mains road. No one else was injured, the force said.

The rally, named after two-time Formula One champion Jim Clark, is a closed-road race staged every year in the Scottish Borders.

Race organisers the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club said on its website it was cancelling “the remainder of the event and tomorrow’s Jim Clark Reivers Rally”.

Motorsport UK said on social media site X that it was “deeply saddened” by Roberts’ death and Williams’ injuries and said in a statement: “Motorsport UK sends its condolences to Dai’s family and friends, the Jim Clark Rally, Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and members of the motorsport community.

“Motorsport UK has initiated a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident and will work closely with the Jim Clark Rally event organisers and Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and will co-operate with the relevant authorities.”

James William Rallying said in a statement it was “with a heavy heart” that it confirmed “the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts”, adding “our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time”.

In 2014, the event was stopped after the deaths of three people and was cancelled the following year.

It has since been reinstated in the UK racing calendar.

Roberts’ younger brother Gareth died aged 24 after a racing accident in Palermo, Italy, in 2012.

Superintendent Vincent Fisher of Police Scotland said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

Separately, Motorsport UK confirmed the death of another driver at a race event at Donington Park in Leicestershire.

The organisation said Julian Grimwade died while competing at a Vintage Sports Car Club’s race event on Saturday.

“Motorsport UK joins the entire UK motorsport community in mourning and sends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Julian, as well as the Vintage Sports Car Club,” Motorsport UK said.

“As with all serious incidents, Motorsport UK will conduct an investigation into the matter and co-operate with the relevant external authorities.”