The world of Rallying is in mourning after the death of Irish rally driver Timothy Cathcart in an accident on the third stage of the Ulster Rally. The 20-year-old succumbed to his injuries after leaving the course on the Fardross stage.
His co-driver Dai Roberts was also injured in the crash, and is currently in hospital having treatment. There is no news on the extent of his injuries.
The remainder of the Ulster Rally has been cancelled as a result of the accident as a mark of respect for the friends and family of Cathcart.
Cathcart was in his first season in the headline class of the MSA British Rally Championship in a Citroen DS3 R3, stepping up from a Ford Fiesta R2 in which he competed last season. His best finish of 2014 so far came with a sixth in the Pirelli Carlisle Rally.
“It is with deep regret that the Northern Ireland Motor Club can confirm that twenty-year-old Timothy Cathcart from Enniskillen, was sadly killed when his car left the road on the Fardross stage of the Ulster Rally,” said a statement from the Northern Ireland Motor Club. “His co-driver, Dai Roberts from Carmarthen in Wales, was also injured in the incident and he is currently receiving hospital treatment.”
British Rally Championship chief Mark Taylor was deeply saddened by the news of Cathcart’s passing, and said it was a huge loss to the sport.
“We are all in deep shock following this very sad news,” said Taylor. “Timothy was a very popular competitor and a budding young talent. He is a huge loss to the sport.
“The thoughts and condolences of the MSA British Rally Championship are with Timothy’s family and friends. Our thoughts are also with his co-driver Dai Roberts. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”
It is the second tragedy of a sad season of the British Rally Championship, after three spectators lost their lives in an accident at the Jim Clark Rally in May.
The Checkered Flag would like to add our condolences to the family and friends at this sad time.
