Crowdfunder set-up following death of competitor at Jim Clark Rally reaches £100,000 target
Last updated 28th May 2025
A crowdfunder set up to support the family of a co-driver who died while competing at this year's Jim Clark Rally has topped its £100,000 target.
Welsh man Dai Roberts - who was aged just 39 - has been described as "one of rallying’s good souls" in tributes following his death in a crash near Duns on Saturday.
The driver of the car he was navigating, 27-year-old James Williams, was taken to hospital with what's being described as "serious, but not life-threatening, injuries".
The online fundraiser was set up by fellow competitors Damian Cole and John Stone. And organisers have described the public's response as "truly overwhelming".
Both Police Scotland and Motorsport UK have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which is named after the late Formula One legend, who lived locally.
Officials at the British Rally Championship say the entire rallying community are mourning his loss.
In a statement, it said: "He was more than just an experienced name in the co-driver’s seat. A standout driver in his own right, Dai had a quiet, calming presence along with a kindness and astounding knowledge that touched everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.
"Hailing from his beloved Carmarthen, he was a man deeply rooted in the sport, with a career spanning over 22 years at both national and international levels.
"His partnership with several talented drivers, including James Williams in recent seasons, was built not only on skill but on unwavering trust.
"Drivers and teams knew they could count on him, his timing was meticulous, his notes delivered with unshakeable calm, and his attention to detail was second to none.
"But beyond the stages, it was Dai’s character that made him special. He was gentle, humble, and unfailingly generous with his time, whether helping a newcomer find their feet or checking in quietly on a teammate after a tough day.
"To many, he was the soul of a service park: never loud, but always present when it mattered."
Roberts' younger brother Gareth died, aged 24, after a racing accident in Palermo, Italy, in 2012.
The tribute continued: "Dai knew all too well the fragility of life in motorsport, yet, despite such heartbreak, he continued, his love for rallying never dimmed, and neither did his strength.
"He is survived by his family, including his wife Louise and children, who were the centre of his world. They and the wider rallying community continue to grieve not only for a competitor, but a man who lived with fire in his belly, gave generously, and left the sport better than he found it.
"Dai Roberts was, simply put, one of rallying’s good souls. His ferocious passion on the stages and quick wit and humour away from them will live on with his incredible legacy that will roll out the service park with every car for years to come."
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