Ulster rally tragedy as driver dies

On what was described as “a dark day for British and Irish motorsports, the Northern Ireland Motor Club issued the following statement:

“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. His co-driver, Dai Roberts from Carmarthen in Wales, was also injured in the incident and he is currently receiving hospital treatment.

The local driver was competing as part of the British Rally Championship, on board a Citroen DS3 R3.

As with all incidents of this nature, an investigation is now being carried out by the PSNI and appropriate Local Authority.  The Northern Ireland Motor Club and the Ulster Rally Organising Team together with the sport’s governing body, the Motor Sports Association (MSA), are co-operating fully with the investigation. The MSA will conduct its own separate enquiry once the Police investigation is concluded.

The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with the event are with the family and friends of Timothy at this difficult time.

We would ask that all respect the privacy of the families involved and the event volunteers.”

Mark Taylor, Championship Manager, said: “We are all in deep shock following this very sad news. 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.”

Pirelli offers condolences

Pirelli UK is the exclusive tyre supplier to the British Rally Championship and the company offered its sincere condolences to the family of Timothy Cathcart. The Italian tyre firm also wishes co-driver Dai Roberts, who was injured in the accident, a swift and complete recovery.

Pirelli UK Motorsport operations manager Matthew Corby commented: “As the championship organisers have already stated, this is a very dark weekend for British and Irish motorsport. The Cathcarts are a very well-known rallying family throughout Ireland, and Timothy’s loss is keenly felt all over the country. From a personal perspective, Timothy was a charming and enthusiastic sportsman who loved rallying and put all his efforts into achieving his goals. Our sincere condolences to his family and many friends, from all of us at Pirelli.”