Friday 30 August 2019

Rally - Jim Clark Rally


If anyone thought organising a Closed Road Rally would be easy (compared to forest stage events) then an 'Information Release' issued earlier this week by Scottish Borders Council will enlighten those misguided optimists that such an undertaking is not for the weak willed or faint hearted.

The Council was responding to the results of their recent SBC consultation on the organiser’s plans. This process received more than 700 responses, with an overwhelming majority supporting the proposals for 12 rally stages, using four routes, over the two days.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Sport thanked everyone who took part, and added: "A number of specific points were raised and these have been passed to the event organiser and discussed through our Safety Advisory Group meetings. We are all operating under new legislation in planning for this event, however, we are confident that the outstanding matters can be dealt with through the intense planning process that is ongoing and for the event to take place as currently proposed.”

Councillor Mark Rowley, Executive Member for Business and Economic Development, said: “Whilst a smaller event than in previous years, there is no doubt that a Jim Clark Rally in November would provide an economic boost to the Berwickshire area, and the Scottish Borders generally. This would be a great finale to the year which has seen the successful opening of the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns. The economic impact of the proposed event is, as written in the new legislation, a consideration for the Council in assessing whether it should go ahead, however our priority, first and foremost, is that it is as safe as possible for all involved.”

The organising team at the Jim Clark Memorial Rally also had their own announcement with the appointment of a new addition to the team. David Gray from Newry in Northern Ireland will become Clerk of the Course for the event which is scheduled to take place on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th of November 2019.

Already well known across the water David brings with him huge experience and knowledge of running Closed Road events in Northern Ireland. A former competitor turned organiser, he was CofC for the Ulster Rally for 5 years during which time it became a round of the FIA ERC. He is also Chairman of a unique Northern Ireland body called '2&4' which represents both Regulated Car and Motorcycle Clubs at Government Level.

Long may the 'craic' reign, eh?

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