The 2025 Border Counties Rally delivered high drama and thrilling action over the weekend, culminating in a dramatic victory for Elliot Payne and co-driver Patrick Walsh. The event, based out of the picturesque Borders town of Jedburgh, was marked by close competition, intense dust-filled stages, and ultimately, a controversial penalty that decided the winner.
Payne and Walsh claimed the top step of the podium after their main rivals, Matthew Hirst and Declan Dear, were handed a ten-minute time penalty following an alleged incident on a public road section. Prior to the penalty, the two crews had been locked in a fierce battle throughout the rally, trading stage wins and separated by mere seconds as they tore through the fast, dry forest tracks of the Scottish Borders.
The penalty, which dramatically dropped Hirst and Dear to 26th place overall, cited “driving in a manner not compatible with good driving on the public road” as the reason. While details of the incident have not been disclosed publicly, the ruling sparked debate among fans and competitors alike.
In a brief but composed post-event statement, Matthew Hirst acknowledged the penalty without elaborating further. “Regrettably, we have been handed a ten-minute penalty for — and I quote — ‘driving in a manner not compatible with good driving on the public road.’ I won’t be commenting further on the matter. However, congratulations to Elliot and Patrick on their win; a well-driven rally and a deserving result. Now to regroup, refocus, and come back fighting for the Jim Clark in two weeks’ time. Thanks to everyone for the support!”
Finishing second overall were Icelandic duo Daniel Sigurðarson and Ásta Sigurðardóttir in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, just 36 seconds adrift of Payne after a strong and steady run across all stages.
Rounding out the podium were the Scottish crew of Scott Macbeth and Dan Forsyth, who piloted their Škoda Fabia R5 to third place, finishing 54 seconds behind Sigurðarson.
The 2025 Border Counties Rally, known for its fast-flowing gravel tests and technical forestry routes, once again proved why it remains a staple of the British rally calendar. Despite the controversy, it delivered high-octane competition and a reshuffling of the championship order heading into the next event.
Attention now turns to the British Rally Championship and the Jim Clark Rally, taking place in just two weeks’ time. With tensions high and rivalries heating up, the tarmac stages of the Scottish Borders are set to host another chapter in what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable rally season.
