Border Counties Rally - Positive About Motorsport

Carbon Positive Motorsport is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally, set to take place on Saturday, 10th May 2025.

Organised by Hawick & Border Car Club and Berwick & District Motor Club, the Border Counties Rally is a round of the Protyre BTRDA Rally Series and the REIS Motorsport UK English Rally Championship. The collaboration with Carbon Positive Motorsport marks the second consecutive year of the event's commitment to environmental sustainability.

For 2025, all event organisers' vehicles will use Carbon Positive Motorsport's 200% offsetting package, and 35 competitors have voluntarily chosen to include carbon offsetting in their entries.

Together with the emissions offset in 2024, this brings the total offset for the event over two years to approximately 30,000 kg of CO₂e, significantly contributing to the reduction of the event's overall carbon footprint.

The rally will feature two of Carbon Positive Motorsport's ambassadors: BTRDA championship leaders Matthew Hirst & Declan Dear, and Ashleigh Morris with co-driver Matt Baddeley.

BTRDA championship leaders Matthew Hirst & Declan Dear

Speaking ahead of the event, Matt commented, "Dec and I are fired up to hit the ground running on the fast and flowing Borders stages this weekend, as we look to extend our lead in the BTRDA Championship.

"It won’t be easy though," he added, "Our main rival Elliot Payne is always quick on these roads, so we’ll need to be fully committed and sharp from the first stage. The stages demand a flat-out approach and full focus, so getting into the right headspace by Saturday morning will be crucial.

"We’re happy with our pace so far this season, especially as we've stepped up to the BRC for an extra challenge. One of the biggest tests still lies ahead: the Jim Clark Rally in a few weeks. It’ll be our first time in a while running with a lamp pod for the Friday night stages, and it’s also the longest event we’ve taken on yet. The stages there are more technical and “3D,” with plenty of elevation changes - very different from flatter events like East Riding - so we’re expecting a proper challenge."

Joining Matthew in the BTRDA championship this season is Carbon Positive Motorsport ambassador, Ashleigh Morris. “The Malcolm Wilson Rally was a big learning curve for me," said Ashleigh. "It was my first time driving on gravel in three years, my first time competing on the Malcolm Wilson, first-ever BTRDA event, first time with new co-driver Matt Baddeley in the co-driver’s seat, and my first event with the Ignition Motorsport team who will be running JIG for the season!

Ashleigh Morris competing on the Malcolm Wilson Rally in her Fiesta R200. Photo credit: Andrew Farqhuar

"Without any pre-event testing I was very cautious as I got used to driving on gravel again and focused on building up my pace and confidence throughout the day. The stages were fantastic, and I absolutely loved being back driving on the loose.

“I was pleased to get to the end with no drama and I’m really looking forward to competing in the rest of the BTRDA – all the events are new to me so I’m excited for the new challenge!

“I’m looking forward to Border Counties – it’s close to home for me and the stages look fantastic, so I’m hoping to build up my confidence and have a good run. I’m delighted to be partnering with Carbon Positive Motorsport once again as a brand ambassador as we work together for a more sustainable future for our sport."

Paul Glass, founder of Carbon Positive Motorsport, commented: “It’s fantastic to be partnering with the Border Counties Rally once again. We’re especially encouraged to see so many competitors, including regular supporters like Steve Petch, embracing the event’s environmental roadmap by incorporating carbon offsetting into their entries.”

Amongst the competitors who regularly include carbon offsetting in their entry is Steve Petch who comes to the event fresh from the Speyside Stages. 

"With the collective support of our ambassadors and the rally community, the 2025 Border Counties Rally is set to offset an estimated 30,000 kg of CO₂e—a remarkable achievement in just our second year of collaboration."

Co-founder Steve Smith added, " We must thank our ambassadors and the competitors who have voluntarily chosen to offset their carbon emissions for this event. Your commitment plays a vital role in driving sustainable change within motorsport.

"Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable rally - let's continue to go greener, faster!"

For the Border Counties Rally, the CO₂e created is offset through our international partner project, La Primavera in Colombia - a reforestation initiative verified by the BioCarbon Registry - and matched with Pending Issuance Units (PIU's) from a UK project near Loch Ness, certified under the Woodland Carbon Code. This project is planting native tree species to restore natural habitats and enhance biodiversity in the Scottish Highlands.

The Loch Ness project is planting native tree species to restore natural habitats and enhance biodiversity in the Scottish Highlands.

We encourage all competitors, teams, and enthusiasts to extend their commitment to sustainability throughout the season, using our Offset Your Season package.

This is a straightforward and impactful way to offset the carbon emissions from your entire season's fuel usage. By offsetting your season, you not only mitigate your environmental impact, but also support the long-term viability of motorsport.

offset your season

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