Motorsport returns to closed Scottish roads

In a landmark development for motorsport in Scotland, new laws have been signed permitting motorsport to take place on closed public roads, paving the way for prominent events like the Jim Clark Rally and Mull Rally to return to the annual calendar.

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MSA gives initial response to FAI Determination

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has given its initial response to Sheriff Maciver QC’s Determination regarding the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the tragic events of the 2013 Snowman and 2014 Jim Clark Rallies, which was published today (Tuesday 21 November 2017).

Rob Jones, MSA Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the publication of Sheriff Maciver’s Determination. In particular, we acknowledge his thoroughness during the FAI and we are grateful for the fact that he has delivered his report within just two months from the conclusion of evidence.

“We acknowledge the Sheriff’s analysis of the circumstances leading up to each accident, in both cases arising in the context of events that were organised by what were stated to be experienced volunteers demonstrating the highest levels of dedication and responsibility.

NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge Trophy Jim Clark Rally report

Richard Sykes and Emma Morrison won the Jim Clark Challenge Rally at the end of May, leading the NGK Spark Plugs BRC Challenge Trophy and Class 4 of the MSA British Rally Championship in their Citroën C2.

However, the event was marred by the deaths of three spectators at the rally, causing it to be stopped prematurely with no celebrations or prize giving a mark of respect to those involved.

Peugeot 205 crew Ross Hunter and Josh Davison were second, briefly taking the lead towards the end of the rally, but their result puts them joint second in the championship with Neil Matthews and Claire Williams.

Jim Clark Rally reports

Following the deaths of three people on the Jim Clark Rally, round two of the MSA British Rally Championship, and after consultation with the sport’s governing body, the Motor Sports Association, as a mark of respect to those involved, the post event production and scheduled broadcast of the television programme featuring the rally will not go ahead.

For the record, a brief and purely factual championship report of the rally will be issued once the event results are declared final. This is expected to be published on Monday 9th June.

Sykes takes Challenge win on tragic Jim Clark rally

Stourbridge’s Richard Sykes won a tense battle in the British Rally Championship (BRC) Challenge category of the Jim Clark rally last weekend but the event ended in tragic circumstances with an accident involving some spectators.

Jim Clark Rally – MSA British Rally Championship statement

The MSA British Rally Championship and everyone involved in the event are shocked and devastated by the events this afternoon. Our thoughts and condolences are with those involved, particularly the families and friends of those who have lost their lives or have been injured.

Police Scotland statement

Serious road collisions, Jim Clark Rally

Police Scotland is investigating two road collisions at the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders this afternoon.

A serious incident occurred around 4pm when a rally car came off the road near Kelso and collided with spectators.

Steep learning curve for Baker on Jim Clark Rally

MSA British Rally Championship newcomer Kim Baker will head to the Scottish Borders this weekend as she tackles the second round of the Twingo Renaultsport UK R1 Trophy, the Jim Clark Rally. As only her second event in the driver’s seat on a BRC round, the Jim Clark Rally is widely acclaimed as one of the toughest in the seven event calendar and Baker will need to acclimatise quickly to the Twingo’s handling if she is to reach the finish ramp in Kelso at the end of the tough two day event.

Pryce leads Citroën attack on Borders tarmac

– Osian Pryce leads the field ahead of round two of the CRT
– 18 stages of the Jim Clark Rally promises excitement and drama for Scottish rally fans
– Closed tarmac surfaces could be a major challenge in wet conditions

Osian Pryce leads the field away from the border town of Duns this Friday night for the Jim Clark Rally. The 21 year old from Machynlleth, in Wales, has good form on closed road tarmac surfaces having won last year’s Rally NI event, as well as the first round of the 2014 MSA British Rally Championship.

Two days of closed road competition is what the Jim Clark Rally is all about. Starting at 7pm on Friday night, the crews will tackle eight stages.

Preparation is everything for BRC’s Jim Clark Rally

A truly diverse mix of British roads is on offer on the Jim Clark Rally, ranging from the opening blast through Duns town centre, to two-lane white-line B roads and tricky moorland stages.

By the time the crews in the MSA British Rally Championship reach the start line for this weekend’s Jim Clark Rally, they will already have driven these stages and should know what is in store for round two of the 2014 series.

Their low speed reconnaissance allows driver and co-driver to note the corners, crests, compressions and curbs on this event, unique in mainland UK to use closed public asphalt roads. But when they arrive at rally speed on Friday evening, the bumps and bends look distinctly different with an extra 100 miles per hour in some cases.

Sykes looking to build championship lead on Jim Clark rally

Stourbridge rally driver Richard Sykes is aiming to build his lead in the British Rally Championship (BRC) Challenge title race next weekend on the Jim Clark rally after taking victory on the opening round, the Pirelli rally in Cumbria.

Sykes has never won the BRC Challenge on the Jim Clark although he has finished second three times and third once. He was leading the event last year until he lost a lot of time following an accident.