By Paul Evans

Welsh rallying has been saddened by the news that driver Mark James has succumbed to the head injuries he sustained on the recent PokerStars Rally.

James crashed his Ford Escort Mk2 on stage eight of the Isle of Man event three weeks ago. He was initially treated in Nobles Hospital on the island, before being flown to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool.

In a statement, Ian Taylor from Ammanford Motor Club said: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we inform you of the passing of club member and friend Mark ‘Jamesy’ James who unfortunately succumbed to the injuries he received in an accident on the recent PokerStars Rally in the Isle Of Man.

“A larger than life character who would help anyone at the drop of a hat knowing it would never be a dull event with him around!

“It is always a shock to lose someone from the rallying community, but even more so one of our own members who I’ve known personally for many years even before our rallying days.

“I’m sure you will join us in offering our sincere condolences to Mark’s family, many friends and co-driver at this difficult time.

“It’s a stark reminder of how cruel this sport that we love can be at times, but I’m sure the close community that we are, we will be strong for each other to show support in this time of grief. RIP/Meddwl amdano chi ‘Jamesy’.