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Craig Jones: 1985-2008
We're saddened to report the passing of 23 year-old motorcycle racer Craig Jones from Northwich, Cheshire. Jones was a seasoned rider, having been part of the World Superbike and Supersport scene for the past five years. His untimely death was the result of an accident during the FIM Supersport World Championship race at Brands Hatch which took place on Sunday, August 3. During the crash, Jones was unavoidably hit by the rider directly following him after high-siding his Team Parkalgar Honda CBR600. According to reports, Jones sustained serious head injuries in the crash, leading to his death on the morning of Monday August 4. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.[Source: World Superbike]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
RMc 9:20AM (8/05/2008)
To add to the horror, the off didn't even appear to be any worse than any other average high side which riders walk away from weekly. Videos can be found on the web for those who wish to see for themselves.
They say that he was hit by the rider behind him, but I couldn't see it in the video nor did the rider behind him go down. Simply a sobering reality for all motorcyclist whether a track rider or a highway cruiser.
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pmalloy4391 11:07AM (8/05/2008)
Reminds me of Dale Earnhardts crash, It didnt look any worse than any other crashes the legend walked away from, but obviously there was more to it than looks.
This is a sad day that is for sure, I dont follow bike riding but My condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans
Hamud 9:26AM (8/05/2008)
That's very sad indeed, so young... I saw the video, it was a complete fatality.
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FThorn 9:43AM (8/05/2008)
All for entertainment.
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ZeitgeistXIII 1:06PM (8/05/2008)
Not just for entertainment. I raced motorcycles for many years and some people have competitive natures and like the challenges associated with racing. He was very young and just getting started in his career at the professional level. Please have some class and not belittle something that you do not appear to understand. If you ask any person who has ridden for years either for lesiure, competition or working in the industry very few would give it up. Its a passion that goes beyond description and in a world increasingly devoid of freedoms to enjoy life its one of the few ways that you can get away for a little while from everyone and focus on the one thing, riding and enjoying the moment.
Luis 2:13PM (8/05/2008)
It still amazes me that people can be so crass. Entertainment? For those who have actually ridden and know of the danger involved in racing, I hardly think Criag intended to entertain you with his untimely death. Use some sense when posting such derogatory comments...RIP...
FThorn 3:02PM (8/05/2008)
I raced motorcycles, too.
Ermax18 4:38PM (8/05/2008)
I think FThorn lacks a class in his delivery but in his defense people do race for entertainment. When I say that I mean there own entertainment. I am into racing too, not bikes but cars and it is sort of a risk you take. The joy racing can bring outweighs the risks involved.
But still, FThorn shouldn't drop a one liner like that with out elaborating a little.
RIP Craig. :(
s13hybrid 9:48AM (8/05/2008)
RIP, I am not a big fan of motorcycle racing, but it is always a sad thing to loose a racer, especially during an event, and so young.
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MajorGeek 9:53AM (8/05/2008)
Im with you, although I usually stop in awe when I see some of the tricks\stunts that these guys are capable of. RIP, 23 years old is way, way too young.
Ian 10:02AM (8/05/2008)
Oh my!
These guys entertain us with some terrific racing and we become accustomed to riders walking away from spills, then this happens and we are shocked.
So unfair.
RIP Craig.
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Mino 10:12AM (8/05/2008)
Always sad to have an aspiring young person pass on. At least he was fortunate enough to do so pursuing a passion nonetheless a dream.
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Alex 10:18AM (8/05/2008)
my heart stopped when his body just tumbled. what an awful shame to lose someone so young.
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MKULTRABLIZZARD 10:21AM (8/05/2008)
hard to tell in the video what happened. either way, pretty sad. RIP.
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Franz 11:06AM (8/05/2008)
That's sad. RIP.
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Biomech 11:13AM (8/05/2008)
Watching the video really hit the spot, such a shame to see a person go like that. My condolences to his family and friends, it's always sad to see such young people go. RIP.
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Evotec 11:16AM (8/05/2008)
RIP from a motorcyclist.
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Hugh G 11:53AM (8/05/2008)
Atleast he died doing what he loved.
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Iridium 12:22PM (8/05/2008)
I was watching a motorcross race a week ago and saw one rider go down at the bottom of a hill. There was no way for anyone else to see that he crashed. He was literaly landed on by 5 or 6 bikes. Two of which landed right on his head, the others laned right on his torso. I didn't find out if he survived.
Motorcylce racing is extremely dangerous, much more so than car racing. It is sad to see a rider go.
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revvo 12:34PM (8/05/2008)
Way way more dangerous.
A lot of the times on the public, motorcycle accidents happen because of car drivers. Not everyone drives like the nightrider (famous street racer with a turbo Hayabusa).
All that you can and should be doing is to at least wear your gear! A helmet and a jacket is a minimum if you ask me, yet some states in the US allow you to drive without a helmet, that's insane...
RIP Craig Jones, fatally crashing in your early 20's ain't right :/