Jim Clark Rally crews and BTCC and British GT racers ready to thrill crowds

MOTORSPORT competitors and fans are geared up for one of the most iconic events on the calendar as the Jim Clark Rally starts in the Borders tomorrow night.

More than 240 crews are set to tackle the closed public roads in Berwickshire as the Duns-based gathering hosts various championships over three days.

A dazzling list of entrants from across the UK and beyond will bring the sport into the heart of the community.

The British Rally Championship, UK Asphalt Rally series, Scottish Rally Championship and an impressive list of popular regional rally challenges are all part of the mix.

After a two-year break because of Covid, organisers of the Beatson’s Building Supplies-sponsored contest are promising a fresh, intriguing event.

There about 115 miles of special stages using classic tests from previous encounters, coupled with new twists to challenge the crews to the limit.

Top Scottish contenders to look out for include local ace and BRC competitor Garry Pearson, who has Dale Furniss in his Ford Fiesta Rally2 co-driver’s seat.

But the fight for bragging rights will be on between him and fellow Duns driver Euan Thorburn in his familiar Ford Focus WRC, with Paul Beaton on the notes.

Sunday’s Reivers Rally also sees a sensational entry thanks to the SRC, headed by 2011 rally winner David Bogie driving a MINI JCW WRC with co-pilot John Rowan.

They will no doubt be challenged by Cornhill’s Michael Binnie in his Mitsubishi Evo and Duns co-driver Claire Mole.

Adding to the local interest, Duns driver Dale Robertson tackles his first rally since 2019 and has World Rally Championship co-driver Stuart Loudon, from Lanarkshire, in the co-driver’s seat of their Fiesta R5.

Spectators will have plenty of opportunities to catch the action