Craig Jones Passes Away

Gordon Ritchie | August 4, 2008

Parkalgar Hond 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 favorites 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.”

Gordon Ritchie | World Superbike Editor

You may not understand Ritchie and his Scottish accent if you had him on the phone, but you can definitely understand what he writes as our World Superbike editor.