The Jim Clark Rally returns to the Borders

One of the most famous events on the British motorsports calendar will return to roads in the Scottish Borders today.

The Jim Clark Rally will be held in Berwickshire on the 8th and 9th November, following the passing of new regulations by the Scottish Government to allow closed-road motorsports in Scotland.

The race has not taken place since 2014 after an investigation was launched into the death of three spectators who were killed after being hit by a rally car.

The race was the only closed-road tarmac rally on the mainland and pulled in thousands of spectators every year. Due to the nature of the rally being held on public roads, people could get really close to the action.

Since Iain Provan, 64, Elizabeth Allan, 63, and Len Stern, 71, died at the well-known race in 2014, it has not been held on its traditional route.

In April of this year the Scottish Government published new legislation allowing motorsport to take place on closed roads in Scotland, replacing a former Act of Parliament that permitted the event.

Three spectators were killed in 2014 after they were struck by a rally car. Credit: PA

  • The history

The race was created to commemorate the life and achievements of famous borderer and Scotland's first Formula 1 Motor Racing Champion Jim Clark.

Clark was killed on 7 April 1968 when his Lotus-Cosworth skidded off the track and somersaulted into a forest at around 150mph during a Formula Two Race in Germany.

He was 32-years-old, world champion in 1963 and 1965 and winner of a record-breaking 25 Grand Prix races.

A museum honouring the life and legacy of Jim Clark officially opened in the summer and has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors.

Borders farmer and F1 champion Jim Clark. Credit: PA

It has been previously estimated the rally brings about £3.5m to the Scottish Borders economy every year.

Organisers hope to return to their traditional May date next year.

Roads that form the stages will be shut by a “road closure order” for a seven hour period while the race is ongoing.

The event will kick-off on Friday at 15:00 in Duns.

  • You can find more information about the Jim Clark Memorial Rally stages on their website.

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