British Superbike News

Craig Jones - Brands Hatch

The British Superbike riders are at Knockhill this weekend for round eight of the Championship as spectators, teams and riders remember Craig Jones.

Craig Jones, 23, died last week after injuries sustained in round seven of the Championship when he crashed.

The HM Plant Honda rider, Cal Crutchlow will be wearing one of Craig’s crash helmets during the race as a mark of respect to his best friend, he said,

“I’m so fired up for this weekend.  I want wins – nothing else.  Knockhill is tight and twisty and it’s up-hill and down-dale but I do enjoy going north of the border.  I’m hoping the sun will shine but we will do our best whatever the weather.

This will be a special, but hard weekend for me, after one of my best mates – Craig Jones – passed away at the start of the week.  I will be wearing one of his actual helmets that he wore this season for the weekend and I’ll be proud to do so and I hope my results will make him proud of me.”

Jim Moodie will also take a lap of honour on the Valmoto Triumph which Craig won the British Supersport series on four years ago.

The tribute by Moodie will take place at 11am on the Sunday morning, with the triumph bearing the number 18.

In the free practice today, Leon Haslam and Shane Byrne were joint leaders at the Fife circuit, followed by Tom Sykes and Cal Crutchlow.

Stuart Easton was back on track today after suffering a broken wrist at the Snetterton round, however, after a dozen laps out of the circuit, he was replaced for the afternoon session by Steve Mercer.  Easton felt he could not ride competitively as his wrist was too weak.

John Laverty high-sided heavily off his Ducati in the first free practice session and suffered concussion and rib injuries.

Here are the top ten riders;

1. Leon Haslam (HM Plant Honda) 49.004s

2. Shane Byrne (Airwaves Ducati) +0.000s

3. Tom Sykes (Rizla Suzuki) +0.002s

4. Cal Crutchlow (HM Plant Honda) +0.008s

5. Michael Laverty (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 0.193s

6. Michael Rutter (North West 200 Ducati) +0.317s

7. Leon Camier (Airwaves Ducati) +0.324s

8. Billy McConnell (MSS Discovery Kawasaki) +0.396s

9. Scott Smart (Hawk Kawasaki) +0.494S

10. Karl Harris (Rob Mac Racing Yamaha) +0.537s