Tributes Pour In for Co-Driver Dai Roberts After Tragic Fatal Crash At Jim Clark Rally

Heartfelt tributes have been paid from across motorsport following the death of Welsh rally co-driver Dai Roberts.

Roberts lost his life during a crash on Saturday morning at the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders.

The 39-year-old from Carmarthen was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which took place near Duns. 

His driver, James Williams, 27, was seriously injured and transported to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, though his condition is not life-threatening.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club confirmed the cancellation of the remaining events, including Sunday’s Jim Clark Reivers Rally.

The incident has prompted an outpouring of sadness and moving tributes from across the rallying world, remembering Roberts not just as a top-level co-driver but as a beloved figure in the sport.

“It is with a heavy heart, we have to share this sad news,” said James Williams Rallying in a statement.

“The motor sport community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time.”

Roberts had spent many years immersed in motorsport, earning respect across the circuit for his skill, determination, and camaraderie. 

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His tragic death comes more than a decade after enduring a similar heartbreak — having survived a 2014 crash during the Ulster Rally that killed driver Timothy Cathcart. 

Two years earlier, his younger brother Gareth Roberts, also a co-driver, was killed during a rally in Palermo, Italy, at the age of 24.

Despite these past tragedies, Dai remained a resilient and admired presence in the sport.

His longtime friend and fellow co-driver Rob Fagg shared a poignant memory from the hours before the crash:

"Dai, as we walked back this morning from collecting our time cards, laughing and joking, I didn’t ever expect that to be the last time.

“One of the best in the seat, great friend in the sport over many many years of competition. You will be missed by so many, my friend."

Welsh rally driver Meirion Evans also paid tribute, reflecting on Dai’s unwavering drive and broad talents:

“24 hours ago we geared up to go and fight for the win on the last day of the Jim Clark Rally. I’ve raced James and Dai before and knew they would give everything. But a few hours later, none of this mattered.

“It’s hard to know what to say, something like this hits hard and it still feels a bit numb. But there aren’t many like Dai.

“A proper co-driver, driver, decent footballer, all round competitor and one of the most determined and strong people I have ever come across.

“My thoughts go out to the entire Roberts family and to James, Mark and the whole JWR team. I would also like to wish James a speedy recovery.”

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Another touching tribute came from Andy Davies, a close friend and fellow rally driver:

“[I am] still struggling to process and acknowledge the reality of this. The world can be so damn cruel.

“Never more than a phone call away, Dai stepped up when I needed it most. He always had the answers. Someone I always had the utmost respect for, and someone I was lucky to call a friend.

“A life lived, a mark left on the world for so many. We all have a story about Dai.”

Motorsport UK, the governing body of the sport, confirmed it had launched a full investigation and extended its sympathies:

“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 relevant authorities.”

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Superintendent Vincent Fisher of Police Scotland also acknowledged the loss:

“Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

The Jim Clark Rally — named in honour of the late Formula One world champion — has faced tragedy before. 

In 2014, three spectators were killed during the event, prompting a five-year hiatus before returning in 2019 with enhanced safety protocols.

This year’s edition, which was set to feature around 260 participants across several major championships, has been brought to a sombre halt.