Two drivers killed at UK racing events as police issue statements on incidents
Julian Grimwade died in a crash at Donnington Park in Leicestershire on Saturday, while Dai Roberts lost his life while competing in the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders
The world of motorsport is mourning after the deaths of two drivers at separate events on Saturday. Julian Grimwade died in a crash at the Vintage Motorsport Festival at Donnington Park, while Dai Roberts passed away following an incident at the Jim Clark Rally.
Grimwade was driving in a Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC) event in Leicestershire when he crashed. A police spokesperson said: "Police were notified of a single vehicle collision at a licensed track day at Donington Park yesterday (24 May).
"The driver of the vehicle – a man in his 70s – was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Enquiries are continuing on behalf of HM Coroner. Identification of the deceased is a matter for the coroner."
Motorsport UK said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that Motorsport UK confirms the passing of Julian Grimwade, who was competing at the Vintage Sports Car Club's race event at Donington Park today.
"Motorsport UK joins the entire UK motorsport community in mourning and sends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Julian, as well as the Vintage Sports Car Club.
"As with all serious incidents, Motorsport UK will conduct an investigation into the matter and cooperate with the relevant external authorities."
Roberts, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene near Duns, on the D41/6 Edrom Mains road, in the Scottish Borders on Saturday morning. He was the co-driver for James Williams, 27, who was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries.
Superintendent Vincent Fisher of Police Scotland said: 'Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.'
A statement read: "Motorsport UK is deeply saddened to announce that co-driver Dai Roberts lost his life in an incident at the Jim Clark Rally on Saturday 24 May 2025. Driver James Williams was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious but not life-threatening injuries.
"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 Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and will cooperate with the relevant authorities."
The rally is named after two-time Formula One champion Jim Clark and takes place on closed roads in the Scottish Borders every year.
International motorsport governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, also released a statement, which mentioned another incident at the Nykøbing Falster Motor Sport's Anniversary Rally in Denmark on Saturday.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of those who have sadly lost their lives," it read. "Our thoughts are also with those injured in the accidents and we send our best wishes to them for their full and swift recovery."
It added: "The tragic incidents today have united our global motor sport community as we reaffirm the FIA's full support to our members, officials and competitors."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
5 days ago
- Metro
Boy, 11, dies weeks after another child killed in M4 minibus crash
An 11-year-old boy has become the second child to die after a minibus overturned on a busy motorway. Othniel Adoma, from Bracknell, Berkshire, died on Thursday, more than three weeks after the single-vehicle crash. The white Ford Transit minibus overturned on the exit slip road at junction 10 of the M4 eastbound, near Wokingham, on Sunday, May 11. A six-year-old boy, who has not been named, also died in the collision. Five other children who were injured have now been discharged from the hospital. No arrests have been made following the smash, which involved only the minibus. The motorway was closed in both directions to allow more air ambulances to land at the scene. Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby said: 'My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone at Thames Valley Police, are with the family and friends of Othniel Adoma. 'Othniel's family has released these beautiful pictures of Othniel in his memory. Othniel's family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.' More Trending South Central Ambulance Service said it was first alerted to the crash at 2.24 pm, with its first units arriving at the scene eight minutes later. Five critical care units, including two air ambulances, attended the incident along with six ambulances. One motorist said she saw the huge emergency scene just before the road was closed off as she drove past it. She claimed 'idiots were still driving down the inside lane they had closed so the emergency vehicles could get through – hope they all get tickets.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Two drivers die within hours of each other at Motorsport UK races MORE: Major change to car parks could make drivers' lives easier MORE: A major driving licence change is about to hit 50,000,000 people
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Wales Online
Huge sum raised for family of 'one of the best' killed in crash
Huge sum raised for family of 'one of the best' killed in crash Dai Roberts from the Carmarthen area died 13 years after his brother was also killed in a rally crash. He's been described as a 'winner in life' who had a 'big, big heart' Rally co-driver Dai Roberts from Carmarthenshire, who died in a crash on May 24 (Image: Motorsport UK ) Almost £150,000 has been raised for the family of 'one of the best' who tragically died in a rally car during an event in Scotland. Dai Roberts, from Carmarthenshire, was killed on Saturday, May 24, having been involved in a crash while taking part in the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders. Emergency services were called to the crash site that morning but Mr Roberts, who was 39, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was co-driver in the rally car, while the driver, James Williams, was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries. To make matters even more tragic for the Roberts family, Dai's brother Gareth also died while rallying in Sicily 13 years ago. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here . In the wake of Mr Roberts' death last month, a fundraising page was set up in order to raise 'as much as possible for the funeral and on-going support for Dai's wife and children'. Incredibly, more than £100,000 was raised to help Mr Roberts' family in less than two days, while now, less than two weeks later, the total stands at £147,855. Motorsport journalist Luke Barry wrote on the website Dirtfish: 'It never, ever gets any easier. It never, ever feels fair. But for a family that has gone through so much pain, the heartbreaking loss of Dai Roberts has been particularly tough to take. 'The impact he made on the rallying community is immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism and, above all, kindness. Article continues below 'Everybody has a story about him - each and every one unique and now so dearly cherished. But all underpinned by one common theme: Dai's big, big heart. Even when he didn't have time to speak to you, he made time to speak to you. 'The outpouring of emotion and online tributes since the heartbreaking news speak volumes. Dai improved lives. Dai was a winner on the special stages, but more importantly a winner in life.' Dai Roberts (right) with driver James Williams, who was also injured in the crash (Image: James Williams media office ) Other tributes paid to Mr Roberts since his death help paint a picture of the type of man he was. Co-driver Rob Fagg said: 'Dai as we walked back this morning (Saturday) 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.' Fellow Welsh rally driver Meirion Evans said: '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.' Andy Davies, a British rally driver and close friend of Mr Roberts, said: '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. I'll look back on the memories, and miss you so very much.' Article continues below If you would like to contribute to the fundraising page set up for Mr Roberts' family, you can still do so here. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.
Pembrokeshire Herald
03-06-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Tributes paid to co-driver Dai Roberts after fatal rally crash
James Williams recovering in hospital following Scottish Borders incident TRIBUTES have been paid to co-driver DAI ROBERTS, who tragically lost his life during the Jim Clark Rally in the Scottish Borders. Roberts, aged 39 and from Carmarthen, was taking part in the rally alongside local driver JAMES WILLIAMS, 27, from Newcastle Emlyn, when their Hyundai i20N Rally2 was involved in a serious crash near Duns on Saturday, May 24. Williams was critically injured in the collision and airlifted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. His injuries, though serious, were not considered life-threatening, and his team have confirmed he is now stable and slowly regaining strength following surgery. In a heartfelt message posted by James Williams Rallying, the team paid tribute to Dai Roberts, describing him as a 'deeply loved' member of their rallying family and someone whose 'warmth, humour and passion' touched everyone he met. Recovering in hospital: James Williams (Pic: JWR) 'He was not only a co-driver to James, but a best friend, a pivotal part of our family-run team, and a loving and devoted husband and father,' the post read. 'His love transcended motorsport.' The team also thanked the emergency services and hospital staff for their care and said the outpouring of support from the rallying and wider community had been overwhelming. 'The support truly means so much to James and all of us. Your compassion and respect have brought comfort during this incredibly difficult time.' James and Dai had been competing at the top level of the British Rally Championship when the incident occurred. Police Scotland confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the crash. Motorsport UK has launched a formal investigation and is working closely with the Jim Clark Rally organisers and relevant authorities.
