Latest news with #JamesWilliamsRallying
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- 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.
Western Telegraph
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Western Telegraph
James Williams Rallying pays tribute to Dai Roberts
James Williams of Newcastle Emlyn and Dai Roberts, 39, from Carmarthen, were involved in a crash during the Jim Clark Rally, near Duns in the Scottish Borders, on Saturday May 24. Tragically Dai did not survive his injuries while James, 27, was taken to hospital with critical injuries that were not life-threatening. James Williams Rallying has posted a tribute to Dai, as well as an update into James' condition in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Hospital. 'Our hearts are with the Roberts family,' said the tribute posted on Facebook. 'Dai was a deeply loved member of our rallying family and the rallying community across the world. '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. His warmth, humour and passion touched everyone who knew him and love that transcended motorsport.' The post sent love and support to Dai's family and to 'everyone who was lucky enough to know and love Dai'. 'He will always be with us in our hearts and in our stories,' it read. 'We will all step-up for the Roberts family, the way Dai always showed up for so many on so many occasions.' James from Newcastle Emlyn has undergone successful surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He is now stable, able to communicate and slowly gaining strength with each passing day. 'He has received incredible care from the emergency services and hospital team, for which we are endlessly grateful,' said the James Williams Rallying team. 'While there is still a long journey ahead both physically and emotionally, the trajectory so far has been positive.' The update said that the messages sent by supporters had been shared with James and 'truly meant so much'. 'The support from the rallying and wider community has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated by everyone around James,' said the post. 'Thank you for your continued compassion, respect, privacy and support to both families during this incredibly difficult time.' James and Dai were in a Hyundai i20N Rally2 as they battled for the lead of the British Rally Championship contest. Police Scotland said that inquiries were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash. Motorsport UK has also initiated a full investigation and says it will work closely with the Jim Clark Rally event organisers and Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and will co-operate with the relevant authorities.
Western Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Western Telegraph
West Wales co-driver Dai Roberts killed and driver James Williams hurt
Dai Roberts, 39, from Carmarthen, was co-driver for James Williams of Newcastle Emlyn in the Jim Clark Rally when their car crashed near Duns in the Scottish Borders. James Williams, 27, was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening. The pair were in a Hyundai i20N Rally2 as they battled for the lead of the British Rally Championship contest The tragedy is the second to hit the Roberts family. In 2012, Dai Roberts' younger brother Gareth died aged 24 after a racing accident in Palermo, Italy. James Williams Rallying posted on Facebook yesterday: 'It is with a heavy heart we have to share this sad news this afternoon. 'The motorsport community is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts – who lost his life in an incident at the Jim Clark Rally on Saturday 24 May 2025. James Williams, from Newcastle Emlyn is in hospital with serious injuries., (Image: James Williams Rallying) 'James has been taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious but not life-threatening injuries. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time. 'We will provide updates as and when we have them. 'Please respect the privacy of the families and team at this time.' More than 500 tributes and messages on the page alone show the respect in which Dai Roberts was held throughout the rallying community. Dai Roberts (left) and James Williams were a formidable motorsport pairing. (Image: Motorsport UK) Said one sympathiser: 'The only comfort is Dai died doing what he loved.' Another commented: 'A wonderful rally man who will be greatly missed', while a third posted: 'He's now up there with his brother and the rest of the legends in rally motorsport." International motorsport platform Autosport described Dai Roberts as 'one of the British rallying fraternity's best co-drivers'. The Jim Clark Rally is an annual closed-road motorsport race in the Scottish Borders. The event is named after Formula One champion Jim Clark. In 2014, the event was stopped after the deaths of three people and was cancelled the following year. It has since been reinstated in the UK racing calendar. 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.' Motorsport UK said: '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 co-operate with the relevant authorities.'
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
'I didn't expect that to be the last time': Much- loved rally driver had been laughing and joking with friends before fatal crash
'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. The Jim Clark Rally is an annual closed-road motorsport race in the Scottish Borders, named after Formula One champion Jim Clark. 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. Article continues below "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." 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. "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. "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." 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. Article continues below 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.
South Wales Argus
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
West Wales co-driver Dai Roberts killed and driver James Williams hurt
Dai Roberts, 39, from Carmarthen, was co-driver for James Williams of Newcastle Emlyn in the Jim Clark Rally when their car crashed near Duns in the Scottish Borders. James Williams, 27, was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening. The pair were in a Hyundai i20N Rally2 as they battled for the lead of the British Rally Championship contest The tragedy is the second to hit the Roberts family. In 2012, Dai Roberts' younger brother Gareth died aged 24 after a racing accident in Palermo, Italy. James Williams Rallying posted on Facebook yesterday: 'It is with a heavy heart we have to share this sad news this afternoon. 'The motorsport community is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts – who lost his life in an incident at the Jim Clark Rally on Saturday 24 May 2025. James Williams, from Newcastle Emlyn is in hospital with serious injuries., (Image: James Williams Rallying) 'James has been taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with serious but not life-threatening injuries. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time. 'We will provide updates as and when we have them. 'Please respect the privacy of the families and team at this time.' More than 500 tributes and messages on the page alone show the respect in which Dai Roberts was held throughout the rallying community. Dai Roberts (left) and James Williams were a formidable motorsport pairing. (Image: Motorsport UK) Said one sympathiser: 'The only comfort is Dai died doing what he loved.' Another commented: 'A wonderful rally man who will be greatly missed', while a third posted: 'He's now up there with his brother and the rest of the legends in rally motorsport." International motorsport platform Autosport described Dai Roberts as 'one of the British rallying fraternity's best co-drivers'. The Jim Clark Rally is an annual closed-road motorsport race in the Scottish Borders. The event is named after Formula One champion Jim Clark. In 2014, the event was stopped after the deaths of three people and was cancelled the following year. It has since been reinstated in the UK racing calendar. 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.' Motorsport UK said: '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 co-operate with the relevant authorities.'
