Aug 04 2008
Craig Jones loses life after Brands Hatch crash
Masthead Photo: crash.net
Craig Jones, who rode for Parkalgar Honda, based not 100 yards up the road from where I work, has died from his injuries after falling during the Brands Hatch round of the World Supersport series. It’s always immensely sad to lose a rider in any race, but Craig’s death is one I find particularly hard to swallow. Craig was a young man who gave every ounce to his racing. A friendly, likable and determined character, who was as great off the track as he was on it.
I’ve followed Craig through his career for years, from his days as a British Supersport rider aboard the Valmoto Triumph, through his time at Northpoint Honda, his rather frustrating season with Foggy Petronas in World Superbike, and his recent exploits in the World Supersport series aboard a privately run Honda. Wherever he went and whatever he did, Jonsey never gave up and never gave quarter, he rode to the limit, and occasionally over it, but his talent and determination have never been in doubt.
As a mark of this, it was fighting hard for the lead of the Brands Hatch race with fellow Brit Jonathon Rea, despite Rea being on a faster factory Honda bike, that Craig lost control of his Parkalgar Honda, falling and being struck by a following rider. The race was halted immediately and Craig was treated trackside, and flown straight to the Royal London Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of this morning.
Craig Jones will be sadly missed by myself and everyone else that knew him, followed him and supported him. My deepest sympathies at this time are with his family, his girlfriend, his friends and his colleagues at Parkalgar Honda.
