Monday, August 29th 2005 the racing fraternity was to lose one of the most promising riders it had witnessed for a long time. 14-year-old Chris Jones lost his life after he was involved in a start line incident, despite the valiant efforts of the Marshalls, MCRCB Staff and the medics at the scene, Chris’ injuries were serious and he passed away the following day.

Below are some extracts taken from the letter I wrote to Clive (his Dad), Pam (his Mum) and Lucy (his sister) after the fatal crash.

I have been trying to put pen to paper since the day of Chris’ tragic accident and I have been looking for the best words to say to try and make things a little easier, but I know there are none.

I was sat talking with Chris about half an hour before his race was due to start and although only young he was a very mature lad for his age, you would have never believed he was only 14. I didn’t know Chris all that well but we would always stop and have a chat at races as I already felt like I knew him through Marco (chief mechanic to Eugene Laverty and also a good friend of Chris). From the moment Marco saw him he was completely impressed by the way Chris conducted himself and also his raw natural talented that he showed on the race circuit.

I seemed to spend the most time with Chris that I had done all year at Cadwell, he was a lovely lad who had time for everyone, extremely thoughtful and one of the most naturally talented riders that I have seen for a long time.

It was a pleasure to have known Chris and met such a wonderful, kind, genuine and friendly person with such a massive talent.

My heart goes out to you at this very sad time, and although I can’t imagine what it is like to lose a Son, I lost my two best friends DJ and Hizzy in two months and that tore me apart. I can’t begin to think what it is like for you but I hope you know that he is now in very good company with some fantastic people in heaven and may they continue to race in the skies. They will look after him and he will no doubt be looking after you!

He achieved so much in his short life and will always be remembered very fondly by everyone in the paddock and also those who never had the pleasure of meeting such a nice lad. Look back on all the good times and memories.

This Poem was written in the back of Dave Jefferies Funeral Book and the words are very true

Risk

To laugh is to risk looking a fool
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out for another is to risk involvement
To show feelings is to risk revealing your true self
To place your ideas and dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss
To love is to risk rejection
To live is to risk dying
To hope is to risk despair
To try is to risk failure

But risks must be taken
Because one of the greatest dangers in life
Is to risk doing nothing

Those who risk nothing
Do nothing, achieve nothing, become nothing
They may avoid suffering and sorrow
But they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love or live
Chained by their uncertainties, they are slaves
They have forfeited their freedom
Only a person who risks all that he cannot keep
To gain that which he can never lose -
Is truly free!’

I am honoured to have known such a polite, kind and friendly person and my thoughts are with you all at this time and always.

God bless

Chris Jones Memorial Fund
If you wish to donate some money to the Chris Jones Memorial Fund which is raising money to buy an x-ray machine to determine riders injuries track side.

The Bank Details are as follows :

CJMF
Lloyds
The Cross
Worcester

A/C ” 3920637
Sort Code ” 30-99-90