Ashley Jones: Tribute

A Star In Our Hearts...Forever

Video owner Mike Bennett, found on MySpace, uploaded by Alex.

It is one of the saddest days in King's Lynn speedways history to learn that one of it's championship winning team of their 40th anniversary season has died only 2 weeks after the end of the season. Ashley Jones had returned home to Australia only 7 days ago after telling Keith Chapman, as he dropped him at Heathrow airport, that he had just had the "best year of his life!". Then on Sunday 13th November, in his second speedway meeting on his return home to Australia, racing at Myrtleford speedway in Victoria, he picked up some drive in his last race and a series of events led to the bike landing on his head and causing serious facial injuries, he was immediately airlifted to the Royal Melbourne hospital but unfortunately the injuries proved fatal.

Ashley will be hugely missed after joining the Stars near the beginning of the season and proving to be a huge part of a very successful team, a team that was literally like family. Buster reflects back on his times with him, 'Ashley joined us on a short term loan all the way back in April and when it came to having to let him go I simply couldn't. He was a lovely guy and fitted in perfectly with all of us, so I bought his contract. He had found his new home here with us and the Warnes family. He brought so much enthusiasm and fight to every meeting that it spread around the team like wild fire. He was a real tough little bugger and I will always remember him for the good times because that's all we ever had. The end of season dinner and dance will definitely be one of those that sticks out in my mind, along with our celebrations after winning the KO Cup at Rye House. He was one of the fans favourites as he was such a handsome guy with a lovely big smile and a huge heart. I, along with my family, Rob Lyon and all the riders and staff here at King's Lynn speedway will miss him forever!'

Ashley had always been a keen sportsman, playing Australian rules football as well as riding speedway in his younger years, though he had never won any major trophies with either of his favourite sports until this year. It was a special time for him, a time he could share with childhood best friend Kevin Doolan, who he was fortunate enough to not only share a team spot with but also a house and workshop. This year he rode 210 races for his beloved stars and scored a grand total of 275 points, and there is no doubt that he enjoyed scoring every single one of those points and entertaining the fans along with it.

Originally posted by Buster Chapman on British Speedway Forum in November 2005.