**Tragedy Strikes Welsh Rally Driver’s Family for Second Time**
A renowned co-driver from Carmarthenshire, Dai Roberts, has died following a crash at the Jim Clark Rally, an annual motorsport event held in the Scottish Borders. The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday near Duns, where emergency services rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, the 39-year-old was pronounced dead at the location.
The tragic event underscores a profound sense of loss, as it comes thirteen years after the death of Dai’s younger brother, Gareth Roberts, who also lost his life during a rally accident in Italy in 2012. Gareth was just 24 at the time of his passing, and his memory has since been honoured through a memorial fund supporting injured drivers—a cause Dai himself had publicly endorsed.
Dai Roberts was an experienced and respected figure within the UK rallying circuit. On the day of the fatal crash, he was navigating alongside driver James Williams. Williams, aged 27, sustained significant injuries during the incident and is currently being treated in hospital; his condition is reported as serious but stable.
Police Scotland have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the collision. Superintendent Vincent Fisher commented, “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.” Authorities will likely look into all aspects of the incident, from course conditions to vehicle safety, to try and understand what led to the accident.
The Jim Clark Rally is widely regarded as one of the most high-profile events in the British rallying calendar. Named after legendary Formula One champion Jim Clark, the event draws top talent from across the country. It had previously been marred by tragedy in 2014, when three spectators lost their lives, prompting the cancellation of the following year’s event. After a period of improvements and reassessment, the rally was reintroduced to the motorsport calendar, with enhanced safety measures.
Motorsport UK, the governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the United Kingdom, issued a statement of condolence. “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,” a spokesperson said. They further confirmed an official investigation would be conducted in close collaboration with event organisers and authorities, aiming to shed further light on the circumstances of the tragedy.
For the Roberts family, the incident is a painful echo of the past. After Gareth’s fatal crash in Palermo, Dai had only narrowly survived a serious rally accident himself in 2014. On that occasion, his driver, Timothy Cathcart, tragically died, while Dai was airlifted to hospital in Northern Ireland with serious injuries. Remarkably, Dai made a full recovery and courageously returned to competitive rallying, demonstrating resilience and dedication to the sport that had also claimed his brother.
The rallying community has been united in grief, with drivers, co-drivers, and fans paying tribute across social media platforms. Many have described Dai Roberts as a consummate professional and a source of inspiration for others, given his perseverance and positive outlook even after suffering personal loss and injury.
The Jim Clark Rally continues to be a linchpin in various national and regional championships, including the Probite British Rally Championship, Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship, and Protyre National Asphalt Championship. However, the latest incident is certain to prompt further discussions around the challenges and inherent dangers of motorsport, as well as the persistent need for vigilance regarding safety for all participants.
As investigations continue and supporters mourn, the rallying world is left reflecting not only on Dai Roberts’ sporting achievements but on the courage and passion with which he pursued a sport that brought moments of both exhilaration and heartbreak.