Two drivers die within hours of each other at Motorsport UK races

Two drivers died during races in the UK yesterday, in a dark 24 hours for the motorsports community which also mourned a death in Denmark.

Julian Grimwade and Dai Roberts were killed during separate events on Saturday.

Classic car driver Mr Grimwade had been competiting in the Vintage Sports Car Club’s race at Donington Park in Leicestershire.

Meanwhile, Mr Roberts, a 39-year-old co-driver, was taking part in the Jim Clark Rally, a race along closed roads in the Scottish Borders.

Compounding the tragedy, he narrowly escaped another crash which killed his co-driver Timothy Cathcart in Northern Ireland in 2014, and his younger brother Gareth died 12 years ago during a race in Sicily.

Motorsport UK said in a statement: ‘It is with great sadness that Motorsport UK confirms the passing of Julian Grimwade, who was competing at the Vintage Sports Car Club’s race event at Donington Park.

‘Motorsport UK joins the entire UK motorsport community in mourning and sends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Julian, as well as the Vintage Sports Car Club.

‘As with all serious incidents, Motorsport UK will conduct an investigation into the matter and co-operate with the relevant external authorities.’

Regarding the death of Mr Roberts, they said: ‘Motorsport UK has initiated a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident and will work closely with the Jim Clark Rally event organisers and Jim Clark Memorial Motor Club and will cooperate with the relevant authorities’.

Donington Park shared the statement on Facebook and added: ‘Our thoughts go to the family and friends of the driver, as well as those in the VSCC community.’

A third fatality took place at an event yesterday in Denmark, international motorsport governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said.

A driver lost control of his car and crashed into two rally officials, killing one of them, Danish media reported.

In a statement shared on X, the FIA said: ‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of those who have sadly lost their lives.

‘Our thoughts are also with those injured in the accidents and we send our best wishes to them for their full and swift recovery.

‘The FIA offers its support to Motorsport UK and the Danish Automobile Sports Federation at this difficult time and stands alongside all those affected.

‘The tragic incidents have united our global motor sport community as we reaffirm the FIA’s full support to our members, officials and competitors.’

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