Tom Sykes

This weekend the World Superbike Championship takes place at Donington Park for the European round with a host of Wild-Card riders.

Tom Sykes, the British Superbike rider for Rizla Suzuki, will again be on track after appearing at the Brands Hatch round of the championship last month.

Sykes is currently running in second place in the BSB after three victories so far in only his second season in the Superbike series.

Both the HM Plant Honda riders, Cal Crutchlow and Leon Haslam will be riding their CBR 100RR Fireblades with WSB specification.

Haslam has already raced in the World Superbike series but it’s a first for Crutchlow who has only ridden in the World Supersport race before.

James Ellison who races for the Hydrex Bike Animal Honda, is looking forward to the race this weekend and it’s his ambition is to ride in the World series.  He wants to be the next British rider to bring the title home.

Chris Walker will again be racing the VentAxia VK Honda after scoring points for the team at the last British round at Brands Hatch.

The World Superbike team Yamaha Motor Italia will be sporting a special livery this weekend after a special readers competition in MCN in collaboration with the Yamaha manufacturer.  The winning design has been chosen by a panel of judges including the two team riders will be revealed after the Saturday Superpole press conference.

Also this weekend there will be a tribute to Craig Jones with a special on track celebration of the young rider who lost his life at Brands Hatch last month.

Craig Jones

Superbike fans the world over have been devastated by the tragic accident that took the life of the young rider Craig Jones, who died from the injuries he received at Brands Hatch on Sunday August 3rd.

Craig’s funeral will take place on Monday, August 18th at 13.00 at St Mary and All Saints Church, Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire and is open to the public who wish to pay their respects.

Flowers are welcome but donations to the the Association of Air Ambulances are another option.  There will also be a memorial service for Craig in his home town at Witton church, Northwich on August 30th at noon, everyone is welcome.

Parkalgar, the brand new race circuit in Portugal, and owners of the team Craig raced for, Parkalgar Honda, are to name the most difficult corner of the track in honour of Craig for the recognition of his talent and skill as a rider.  They will also be erecting a memorial at the circuit to allow fans, friends and family to pay their respect to the 23-year-old rider.

There is also to be a tribute to Craig at Donington Park World Superbikes on the 7th September.

Craig Jones - RIP

World Supersport rider, Craig Jones, 23, was hospitalised on Sunday after an horrific accident in the British leg of the Championship.

The Honda rider from Peterborough, suffered serious head injuries when fighting for the lead at the Brands Hatch track, he lost control of his bike at Clarke curve and was hit by Andrew Pitt on the Ten Kate Honda, who had know where else to go to avoid Jones.

Jones suffered serious head injures in the crash and was treated at track before being airlifted to hospital where despite intensive medical attention, the young rider died during the early hours of this morning.

Such a sad ending for such a talented rider, condolences to his family, friends and team, he will be missed,  RIP Craig Jones.