It is with a heavy heart we have to announce that World Supersport rider Craig Jones has died.
The 23-year-old succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash at Brands Hatch yesterday in the early hours of this morning.
A statement from his Parkalgar Honda team has just been issued:
PARKALGAR HONDA racer Craig Jones passed away at 00:32 on Monday, August 4th, after suffering a crash in the ninth round of the World Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch in Kent, UK, on Sunday, August 3rd.
Jones had been fighting for the lead in the race when the accident happened, leaving him with serious head injuries. He was transferred to the Royal London hospital but later died from his injuries, with his family by his side.
Craig, 23, from Peterborough, originally from Northwich, was one of Britain’s brightest hopes in World Championship motorcycle racing. In his career he won the 1996 British Junior Mini-Moto Championship, the 1997 British Senior Mini-Moto Championship, 2002 British Junior Superstock Championship and numerous race victories and awards.
In 2005 he finished runner-up in the British Supersport Championship before moving to the World Superbike Championship for 2006. In 2007 he finished fifth in the World Supersport Championship. In 2008 he was a regular podium finisher and contender for race wins and amongst the favourites for the Championship title.
Details on the funeral will be published when available.
Parkalgar Honda’s thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this time. Parkalgar Honda Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “It is with great sadness that we learned Craig passed away in the early hours. The team’s thoughts are with Craig’s family and friends at this very difficult time. Craig’s family passes on its thanks to all well wishers.”
David Miller, www.bikesportnews.com editor said: "Craig was a terrifically talented rider and someone who simply tried hard to be the best. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. When the time is appropriate, we will archive all the Keeping Up With Jonesy columns that he did for us in one place. Our thoughts go to Craig’s mum and dad and to his girlfriend Karen, and her family."
Craig was keeping a Brands Hatch weekend diary with us and, in consultation with the team, we have decided to leave it in place as a tribute to him.
