Craig Jones was one of Britain’s most promising young talents, already a real contender at World Supersport level at the age of 23, and maybe the man who could follow James Toseland up the ladder in the direction of MotoGP.

© Raceline Photography

British championship titles in Mini-Moto competition were followed by a move up to 125cc racing, with a best result of tenth on a Honda in 2000. Junior Superstock was the next step, and there were six wins on a Suzuki, and four seconds, as he took that crown in 2002.

Craig then moved into the British Supersport series, racing the Triumph Daytona for two years in the Valmoto team. He was seventh and eight in the standings, with a best of third at Donington Park in 2003, and even better in his second season. 2004 included a second place at Silverstone, with fastest lap, and he finished off the team’s last year with victory at Donington.

2005 saw Craig take his number 18 to a Honda Supersport ride, with the Northpoint Racing team. That year saw the title go to Leon Camier, but Craig was second three times, third four times, and fourth five times. It made him into Leon’s closest challenger, and Craig finished his season as runner-up in the British series, also with fastest lap at Donington.

No less an individual than Carl Fogarty picked Craig for his World Superbike team in 2006, following the success he had achieved at home. Craig raced the 900cc three-cylinder Foggy Petronas FP1 in its last and most difficult year, when there were many 1000cc bikes from the big name manufacturers in Superbike, and it was that Italian and Japanese machiney that ruled the roost. There was only one points finish, but experienced team-mate Steve Martin was not much better off.

The door was open for Craig to get a useful ride in World Supersport for 2007, and the slot with Revè Ekerold Honda allowed him to show his capabilities. There were points from the start, but Donington was the first race at home, and it saw Craig take fourth place. He would follow up with a second (at Brno), a fourth, another second (at Vallelunga) and a third from the last five races, rising to fifth in the final standings.

This year, Craig was certainly on for another top six championship finish, and maybe a race win or two would have boosted him above his fifth from last season. He had already been third in Qatar and Spain, and second in San Marino, so it seemed only a matter of time.

This site offers sincere condolences to the Jones family and all those close to Craig, and hopes that there is some comfort in the knowledge that he was so widely supported by the public during a notable career racing motorcycles.

Craig Jones, 16th January 1985 to 4th August 2008

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• A personal tribute to Supersport rider Craig Jones
• Craig Jones family tributes
• Obituary of Parkalgar Honda WSS rider Craig Jones