Latest news with #MotorsportUK
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- 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.
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.
ITV News
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- ITV News
British Rally Championships: 'Incredible legacy' of a driver who was killed in crash will live on
The British Rally Championships have paid tribute to competitor Dai Roberts who died in a crash, saying "his incredible legacy" will live on across "every car for years to come". Co-driver Dai Roberts, from Carmarthen in south Wales, died after the incident on the Edrom Mains road, near Duns, before 11am on 24 May 2025. Rally driver James Williams was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police Scotland confirmed that no one else was injured in the incident. The organisation said the 39-year-old "touched everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him." In a statement, they said: "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. "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." The motorsport group say they will honour the welshman's legacy in future events. Motorsport UK, the sport's governing body, are conducting a "full investigation" into the circumstances of Dai's death. In a statement last weekend, the group 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." The Jim Clark Rally event, which is a road competition near Duns in honour of Berwickshire motorsport legend Jim Clark, was cancelled on 25 May 2025.
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Brooklands tribute to Weybridge man who died in Donington crash
The chief executive of Brooklands Museum has paid tribute to the former vice chairman of its Members organisation, who died in a racing crash on Grimwade, 72, died in a crash at Donington Park circuit on 24 May while competing at the Vintage Motorsport Patterson hailed Mr Grimwade, from Weybridge, as a "wonderful character and a wonderful man".National governing body Motorsport UK said it "sends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Julian, as well as the Vintage Sports Car Club". Speaking on Radio Surrey, Mr Patterson said: "He was very passionate about his pre-war cars and about Brooklands."It's truly a tragic loss to us all in the community - not just at Brooklands but across the wider historic car community as well."He was just a true gentleman who always had time for anyone."Mr Grimwade is credited by Brooklands as being one of the founders of the Members organisation as it is today and served as its vice chairman until 2023.A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said it was notified of a single vehicle collision at a licensed track day at Donington Park on 24 force added: "The driver of the vehicle – a man in his 70s – was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased."Enquiries are ongoing on behalf of the coroner, it added, but no criminal investigation is taking UK said it would also conduct into the governing body the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) also issued a statement on X, following the Donington Park death which it said was one of three fatal motorsport incidents, including one in Scotland and a third in Denmark.
Rhyl Journal
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Rhyl Journal
Driver killed in vintage car racing event crash
Julian Grimwade was competing at the Vintage Sports Car Club race at Donington Park, Leicestershire, on Saturday. National governing body Motorsport UK confirmed his death and said an investigation would be carried out into the circumstances. It comes after Dai Roberts, a 39-year-old co-driver, was killed while taking part in the Jim Clark Rally, an annual closed-road motorsport race in the Scottish Borders, on Saturday. 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. Official statement from Motorsport UK following an incident at Donington Park today. Our thoughts go to the family and friends of the driver, as well as those in the VSCC community. — Donington Park (@DoningtonParkUK) May 24, 2025 '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 co-operate with the relevant external authorities.' Donington Park shared the statement on Facebook and added: 'Our thoughts go to the family and friends of the driver, as well as those in the VSCC community.' The international motorsport governing body, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), said there had also been a fatality at an event in Denmark on Saturday. A statement shared on X said: 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of those who have sadly lost their lives. 'Our thoughts are also with those injured in the accidents and we send our best wishes to them for their full and swift recovery. 'The FIA offers its support to Motorsport UK and the Danish Automobile Sports Federation at this difficult time and stands alongside all those affected. 'The tragic incidents have united our global motor sport community as we reaffirm the FIA's full support to our members, officials and competitors.' A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: 'Police were notified of a single-vehicle collision at a licensed track day at Donington Park yesterday. 'The driver of the vehicle, a man in his 70s, was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. 'Inquiries are continuing on behalf of HM Coroner.'
