SportBiKeZ

More than 1000 people turned out to pay their last respects to racer Craig Jones at his funeral today with dozens of famous racers also there.

Jones, 23, was injured after an accident at Brands Hatch on August 3rd when he suffered severe head injuries, he died the next morning.

Jones’ coffin was decorated in the colours of the St George’s cross and marked with his racing number 18. His Parkalgar Honda CBR600RR was also brought to the church in Fotheringhay, Northants where speakers had to be set up outside the church due to the extensive crowds.

Riders who were there included Carl Fogarty, James Whitham, Troy Corser, Shane Byrne, Chris Walker, Broc Parkes and good friends Tommy Hill and Cal Crutchlow.

During the service tributes were paid by TV commentator and family friend Keith Huewen, Jones’ manager Steve Chick and a poem written by Jones’ younger sister Cassie was read out by Doris Valentine, wife of his former team boss Jack Valentine. Jones’ leaves long term partner Karen Atkins.

British GP winner Scott Redding has been rewarded for a series of brilliant performances in his rookie campaign with Aprilia guaranteeing him a factory Aprilia 125 machine for 2009.

Redding was told after meetings with Aprilia boss Gigi Dall’Igna in Misano last weekend, and he is likely to remain with the Blusens squad having secured the top level bike.

Redding has an offer to replace current world championship Mike di Meglio in the Ajo Motorsport Aprilia squad, and also been approached about a factory KTM ride in the 250GP series.

Redding though will stay in the 125 class and he told: “I’m not sure where I will be riding, but to get a factory bike is brilliant news. I’ve won a race this year on an old bike, so the latest spec factory bike hopefully will let me fight for the championship next season.”

The good news for Ryuichi Kiyonari and his Hannspree Ten Kate Honda Team is that he will enter the Donington race on a wave of confidence after his double win last time out at Brands Hatch. The bad news for his rivals is that he actually thought he would stand more of a chance of his first World Superbike win at his most favoured UK racetrack, Donington Park!

Said Kiyo, "I like Donington, although it is quite a difficult circuit, with a very fast part followed by the very tight area around the hairpin. Before the season, I thought that Donington would be my strongest circuit but, after winning at Brands Hatch, I will be trying extra hard for another victory".

Having made an instant name for himself in WSB circles at the recent Brands Hatch WSB round, Tom Sykes and his Rizla Suzuki BSB Squad will be back for more global action at Donington on September 7th.Since the Brands WSB round Sykes has scored a third BSB win and then a fourth place at Knockhill, and most recently two second places at Cadwell Park; results which put him second in the championship with three rounds remaining.Said his Team Manager, Jack Valentine, "It's off to World Championship duty for Tom and Rizla Suzuki in a fortnight and we want to be challenging for the podium if possible. The GSX-R1000 is right on the money and so is Tom - the fans really helped us at Brands earlier in the month and I hope they'll come and show their support again at Donington".