39-year-old Dai Roberts was competing in the Jim Clark Rally, named after two-time Formula One champion Jim Clark, near Duns in the Scottish Borders.<\/p>\n
Police Scotland have said that the driver of the Hyundai i20N Rally2 car, 27-year-old James Williams from Newcastle Emlyn, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh hospital after suffering serious but not life-threatening injuries.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Vincent Fisher of Police Scotland said:<\/strong> \u201cOur thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n Race organisers have cancelled the remainder of the rally.<\/p>\n A spokesperson for James Williams Rallying said:<\/strong> \u201cIt is with a heavy heart, we have to share this sad news.<\/p>\n \u201cThe motorsport community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved Dai Roberts.<\/p>\n \u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with the Roberts family at this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n Governing body, Motorsport UK said that it<\/strong> \u201csends its condolences to Dai\u2019s family and friends, the Jim Clark Rally, Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and members of the motorsport community.<\/p>\n It added that it has \u201cinitiated 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.\u201d<\/p>\n This is the second time tragedy has struck this motorsport family, as Dai\u2019s brother Gareth died competing in a rally in Sicily in June 2012.<\/p>\n Dai himself had a near escape in 2014 after surviving a horrific rallying accident at the Ulster Rally in Northern Ireland, which saw his driver, Timothy Cathcart killed.<\/p>\n Tributes from motorsport colleagues have poured in for the popular co-driver.<\/p>\n Posting on social media, Sambo Collis said: <\/strong>\u201cCan\u2019t believe I\u2019m typing this. The first time I met Dai was on the classic tracks some 20 years ago, he made us feel very welcome competing in South Wales, from then on I was happy to class him as a mate.<\/p>\n \u201cA wicked sense of humour, a fantastic co driver and a lunatic behind the wheel! What rallying has put the poor Roberts family through certainly makes you question things.\u201d<\/p>\n Nick Young added: <\/strong>\u201cRest in peace Dai, you\u2019re finally reunited with Gareth Roberts, Craig Breen, and Timmy, my thoughts are with your family and friends sir.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a pleasure to know you. James Williams Rallying I wish you a speedy recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n Rally driver, Andy Davies said<\/strong> he was<\/strong> \u201cstill struggling to process and acknowledge the reality of this. The world can be so damn cruel.<\/p>\n \u201cNever 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.<\/p>\n