The 2025 Probite British Rally Championship charges into Scotland for round three of the season next weekend [23-24 May] as the legendary Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally takes centre stage at the halfway point of the season.
One of the longest-running and most revered events on the BRC calendar, the Jim Clark serves as a true test of the series, with the closed-public roads around the Duns rally base offering a breathtaking mix of high-speed action coupled with the technical challenges of narrow country lanes.
Hailed as some of the UK’s most demanding asphalt stages, rallying legends and modern heroes have tackled the treacherous lanes over the decades and in 2025, the challenge is increased with around 100 competitive miles spread over two days. A mix of new tests and nostalgic favourites that have defined the rally’s character are in store.
The Classes: BRC1 – BRC4
As the championship reaches its halfway point, the title race begins to take shape – but not without a major shakeup and a dramatic shift to the leaderboard, likely after the weekend in Scotland. Current points leader William Creighton will miss the Jim Clark due to family commitments, while fellow title favourite Keith Cronin is also sidelined after sustaining damage in a heavy crash at the Rally of the Lakes in Ireland.
That leaves M-Sport ace Romet Jürgenson perfectly placed to capitalise. The FIA Rally Star and Junior WRC champion stormed to a commanding victory at the Carlisle Stages in Kielder and now carries the momentum, and possibly the championship lead, into the Jim Clark aboard his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Jürgenson and co-driver Siim Oja’s performance could prove pivotal in the title fight.
Behind Jürgenson on the road, the battle will intensify. James Williams and a returning Dai Roberts in the co-driver’s seat will look to return to strong form in their Hyundai i20 N Rally2 after a difficult Carlisle for the rapid Welshman, although Williams’ opening round podium on asphalt signifies his sealed surface pace.
Callum Black and Jack Morton find themselves in a strong 4th spot in the championship standings in their Fiesta Rally2 and traditionally go well in the Borders lanes, but will have Meirion Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) hot on their heels and fresh from an impressive second overall at the non-championship Rally of the Lakes. Evans and co-driver Dale Furniss sit just a handful of points shy.
The Jim Clark roads require respect, and hometown hero Garry Pearson knows how to treat them. Having scored a podium on the rally last year on familiar soil, he will be one to watch, and along with co-driver Hannah McKillop, the pairing is fresh from a third overall at Carlisle in their Fiesta Rally2.
After a strong showing in the FIA European Rally Championship in Hungary, Citroen C3 Rally2 driver Max McRae has his eyes on his first BRC finish of the season after a challenging start. Several top times have proved his and Cammy Fair’s pace, but now the pair are looking to grab vital points for their challenge.
Other challengers outside the top ten include Neil Roskell/Robb Fagg [Fiesta Rally2], Elliot Payne/ Patrick Walsh [Fiesta Rally2], Matthew Hirst/Declan Dear [Skoda Fabia Rally2] and Jason Pritchard/Phil Clarke [Toyota GR Yaris Rally2]. Jonny Greer/Niall Burns [Toyota Yaris GR Rally2] are also set to make their first BRC appearance of the season.
With no Creighton or Cronin in sight, a new winner may emerge from the shadows.
In BRC3, Robert Proudlock and Dan James continue their learning curve in the Fiesta Rally3, while in BRC4, Meghan O’Kane and Nikki Addison hope to replicate their dominance at the top of the leaderboard in their Fiesta R2. Colin Minton returns to the fold after loaning his Fiesta R2 to David Higgins in Carlisle, as does Michael Jenkins [Fiesta R2] and Charlie Wright [Fiesta R2T]. Last year’s BRC4 champions James Lightfoot and Ula Budzynska return to the fold, this time equipped with a Peugeot 208 Rally4.
Junior BRC
All eyes will also turn to the support categories in the Borders, and the Junior BRC promises another fierce battle with a three-way tie for the lead, offering an insight into the competitive nature of the category.
Kyle McBride and Darragh Mullen took round one spoils but suffered a brutal end to their Carlisle in the Peugeot 208 Rally4, which left Joe Kelly and James McBrearty to maximise and grab a maximum score in their 208 example. However, the likes of Kalum Graffin and Mark McGeehan are building their score with every passing event, and the only contender to finish both rounds in their Peugeot. Sam Mason and James Seymour hope to make the start after engine issues last time out. Jack Brennan and Eoghan Doherty will also be in the mix as the Juniors get their second full asphalt test of the year.
Open Title
For Rally2 and R5 cars running outside of their homologation, the Open Rally Title sees Darren Martin and Dan Hurst head to the Jim Clark at the top of the tables in their Fiesta R5, but there is a strong field ready to pounce. Duns driver Dale Robertson makes his annual BRC appearance in a Fiesta Rally2, whilst fellow Scot Hugh Brunton [Fabia Rally2] has impressive pace in the Borders lanes. Alan Carmichael returns to asphalt in his Hyundai i20, whilst Carlisle winner Alexander Vassallo [Fiesta Rally2] will aim to capitalise on his maximum score as does round one winner Sam Touzel [Fiesta Rally2].
National Rally Title
The National Rally Title is a home for all other machinery, and after an impressive start to their season, Chris Richmond Hand and Izzie Holman take their Toyota Starlet back to more familiar territory in a bid to extend their lead in the category.
Rob Cotton’s round one win was followed by a second round retirement in his Subaru, so he will be looking to up the ante in Scotland. Alyn Welsby welcomes the return of asphalt in his Ford Escort, whilst 2024 National Rally Title holder William Mains also makes a comeback in his Nova.
With three rounds remaining after Jim Clark, the pressure is mounting – but the Border roads have a habit of levelling the field.
An impressive 100 stage miles lie ahead, including a brutal leg after dark on Friday night. Demanding stages, narrow margins for error, and the possibility of changeable Scottish weather promise a rollercoaster weekend that could reshape the 2025 title hunt yet again.
