Craig Jones: 1985-2008
PHer and fellow bike rider Craig Robertson (castrolcraig) knew 'Jonesy' and below he tells us what it is that made him one of the country's best up and coming motorcycle racers. Please feel free to leave your messages or memories on the thread attached.
'I'd met 'jonesy' on a few occasions and in terms of the amount of sheer determination and guts, no racer came close, and all that whilst still being down to earth, realistic and funny to boot. Jonesy was one of the rising young stars of British motorcycle racing, loved for giving his all on-track - via a spectacular and unique riding style - and approachable personality off-track.
'After winning the 2002 British Junior Superstock Championship for Roundstone Suzuki, Jonesy graduated to the British Supersport Championship with Triumph Valmoto, where he took the Daytona 600 to pole position at Knockhill and a podium finish at the season-ending Donington Park round. Jonesy made the leap to World Superbikes with Carl Fogarty's ill fated Foggy Petronas Team for 2006, an ambitious move that ultimately backfired - he finished the year in 27th position on the uncompetitive 900cc triple.
'He got his racing career back on course with an impressive debut World Supersport campaign for the Atkins Reve Ekerold Honda team in 2007, when he took three podiums, one pole position and finished fifth in the overall standings. Jonesy then switched to the Parkalgar Honda squad, headed by Simon Buckmaster, for the 2008 season and would have been a firm title contender had it not been for a broken hand sustained from a monumental highside at the monza round and an engine letting go at Brno.
'During the race that ultimately claimed his life Jonesy was running at the front with fellow Brit and best mate Johnny Rea along with Andrew Pitt, Jonesy had also set several fastest laps during the race and was on the pace the whole weekend. A huge character who will be sorely missed, Jonesy would have surely been world champion in the future, he was a true petrolhead, nothing mattered more than sunday 1pm when he would be lining up on the grid waiting for the lights to go green.
'Yes, Pistonheads is more popular with car fans than bikers but the PH slogan "Speed matters" could hardly be more appropriate in this case. I'm sure all PH members will join me in sending my deepest sympathy to Craig Jones's Family, his long term partner Karen, The Parkalgar Honda Team and all his friends both inside and outside the paddock.'
R.I.P Craig Jones, 1985-2008
www.walkerthestalker.com
Just somes Jonesy up!
P.S The music is from Stalkers wedding where Jonesy won the best Air Guitar moves....
Forever young R.I.P Buddy!
Just seemed to fit - an example of just how much these guys put their bodies on the line in pursuit of their dreams.
Total respect, rest in piece.
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