'I didn't expect that to be the last time': Much- loved rally driver had been laughing and joking with friends before fatal crash

Wales Online

25-05-2025

'I didn't expect that to be the last time': Much- loved rally driver had been laughing and joking with friends before fatal crash
Tributes are pouring in following the tragic death of a Welsh rally driver on Saturday
Rally driver Dai Roberts
A Welsh rally driver who died during a race in Scotland had been laughing and joking with colleagues just moments before getting into the car. The death of Dai Roberts, 39, from Carmarthen, has left the rally world stunned and follows the death of his brother in the same sport.
Dai was pronounced dead at the scene near Duns in the Scottish Borders on the morning of May 24. Driver James Williams, 27, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries, but not ones that are deemed life-threatening.
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The Jim Clark Rally is an annual closed-road motorsport race in the Scottish Borders, named after Formula One champion Jim Clark.
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Dai's team, James Williams Rallying announced his passing with the following tribute: "It is with a heavy heart, we have to share this sad news."
Some had been with just moments before the start of the race. Rally co-driver Rob Fagg paid tribute saying: "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.
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"Thinking of all your family and closest friends at this sad time - especially Louise and the kids.
"To James and the whole team my thoughts are with you, and James wish you a speedy recovery.
"We lost one of the sports characters, RIP Dai - back with the main man Jaffa, Craig and Timmy - be some chat between you all this evening."
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Fellow Welsh rally driver Meirion Evans posted the following tribute: "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.
Rally driver James Williams (right) with co-driver Dai Roberts
(Image: Motorsport UK )
"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.
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"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."
Another British rally driver, and close fried of Dai's Andy Davies said: "[I am] still struggling to process and acknowledge the reality of this. The world can be so damn cruel.
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"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.
"I'll look back on the memories, and miss you so very much."
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It is a double tragedy for the family after Dai Roberts' younger brother Gareth died aged 24 in a racing accident in Palermo, Italy, in 2012.
Dai Roberts (right) pictured with James Williams
(Image: James Williams media office )
At the time Dai was beginning his career as a co-driver. He encouraged his followers to donate to his brother's memorial fund which helps injured drivers.
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In 2014 the Jim Clark Rally was halted after the deaths of three people and was cancelled the following year.
It has since been reinstated in the UK racing calendar.