Craig Jones Dies Following Brands Hatch Crash
World Supersport Tragedy Claims Young Rider
Motorcycle racing lost one of its brightest young talents when Craig Jones succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash at Brands Hatch. Jones, 23, was battling for the lead of the World Supersport race when he lost control at Clark Curve. The race was immediately stopped and medical assistance quickly arrived. Jones was resuscitated four times before being airlifted to the Royal London Hospital, where doctors placed him in a pharmacological coma. Sadly his injuries proved too severe and Jones passed away at 00:32 on Monday, 4th August.
Craig Jones was a fan favourite, known for his spectacular riding style. At the time of his accident he looked on the verge of scoring his first ever World Supersport victory as he fought with the Ten Kate Honda team-mates Jonathan Rea and Andrew Pitt. Despite a performance disadvantage Jones was riding an inspired race in front of his home crowd.
At only 23 years of age Jones was already a highly experienced rider. Born in Crewe and growing up in Peterborough his career began in 1995, racing Mini-Motos. By the following year he was the British Junior Champion, taking pole position and victory at every round.
Jones adapted just as effectively to larger machinery, winning the British Junior Superstock Championship in 2002. A move up to British Supersport came in 2003 and Jones won the Steve Hislop Young Rider of the Year trophy, awarded in memory of the great Scottish racer. Staying in the category for another season, Jones scored the only win for the Triumph Daytona.
2005 saw Jones make an impact on the world stage. In addition to finishing second in the British Supersport Championship he also rode as a wildcard on three occasions in the World Supersport Championship. His best result was sixth at Brno, although he led at Silverstone before being forced to retire.
Carl Fogarty recognised the potential of Jones and signed him to race for his Foggy Petronas team in the 2006 World Superbike Championship, but it was to be a frustrating year with an uncompetitive bike. For 2007 Jones returned to World Supersport with the Reve Ekerold Honda team, finishing the year fifth overall.
This year saw Jones move to the Parkalgar Honda team. Injury and unreliability had hindered his title chances but he was a rider always capable of challenging for race victory. Despite his accident Jones was classified as finishing second in his final race.
Speaking to the Northwich Guardian, Jones' father Steve spoke of the tragedy:
"Craig fought his utmost - like he always has done - but this was one battle he just couldn't win".
James Toseland, the double World Superbike Champion and current MotoGP rider, will wear a black armband at this week's MotoGP round in Brno as a mark of respect for his friend. Toseland ended a gig early with his band to rush to the Royal London Hospital. World Superbike rider Tommy Hill was also present at Jones' bedside. Another of the rider's friends, Cal Crutchlow, will wear one of Jones' helmets at this weekend's Knockhill round of the British Superbike Championship.
In a year that has already seen the loss of road racers Martin Finnegan and Robert Dunlop the death of Craig Jones casts a further shadow over the season. Few racing fans doubt that the sport has lost a potential World Champion.
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