The opening day of the Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally delivered all the hallmarks of top-flight British rallying—blistering pace, rapidly changing conditions, and late drama that has shaken up the leaderboard going into Saturday’s stages.
It was Meirion Evans who came out flying in the early afternoon loop. The Welshman, co-driven by Dale Furniss in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, was immediately on the pace over the opening trio of tests around Duns. Evans set the benchmark as others found their feet, building a lead and showcasing the speed he delivered on a recent outing in Ireland.
But as the crews regrouped and headed out for the second loop, Estonian rising star and round two winner Romet Jürgenson began to find his rhythm. On his first competitive outing on Scottish tarmac, Jürgenson and co-driver Siim Oja steadily dialled themselves into the unique challenges of the Borders lanes in their Ford Fiesta Rally2. The pace was impressive. Stage by stage, he clawed back time on Evans and looked poised to try to overhaul the rally leader.
Then came SS6 – Bothwell, run under darkness and suddenly soaked by an unexpected blast of late rain. Jürgenson was one of several drivers caught out. A front puncture cost him dearly, undoing much of the hard work he’d put in over the afternoon and dropping him back down the order.
With Jürgenson’s charge halted, Evans maintained a slender lead overnight, but he’s now under pressure from a tightly packed BRC field.
Meanwhile, James Williams and Ross Whittock got stronger as the day progressed in their Hyundai i20 Rally2. A cleaner second loop saw them vault up the leaderboard, and they’ll be eyeing Evans and his 15-second advantage with a strong run on Saturday.
Callum Black and Jack Morton overcame a niggling rear diff issue to end the day in the podium positions in their Ford Fiesta Rally2, with third whilst Max McRae/Cammy Fair [Citroen C3 Rally2], are hot on their heels in fourth. Garry Pearson/Hannah McKillop round out the top five after a troubled start which included a spectacular spin at the Langton watersplash.
Kyle McBride/Darragh Mullen head up the Junior BRC and BRC4 charge, whilst Sam Touzel/Max Freeman are in control in the Open Category. Several changes of leader in the National Rally Title battle saw Chris Richmond Hand/Izzie Holman take the overnight lead, but only by four seconds.
With more than 50 competitive miles still to come, and unpredictable weather looming, Saturday promises an all-out scrap for top BRC honours.
