The superbike rider who crashed badly during a race at Brands Hatch racing circuit last week has undergone surgery and remains in a coma.

Brad Jones suffered serious head, chest and pelvic injuries during a race at the north Kent track, and was placed in an induced coma on Saturday, July 24.

A fundraiser has also been set up for 'Bradders', who is known in the sport for the "caring, polite but talented young man he is," and so far over £20,000 has been raised for the racer.

Jones, 23, crashed on the exit out of Clark Curve during the first lap of the opening championship race at Brands Hatch on Saturday.

News Shopper: Brands Hatch in north Kent - Motorsport UKBrands Hatch in north Kent - Motorsport UK

He was flung from the saddle of his bike at high speed in the 'highside' crash, and collided with a barrier.

The rider, born in Dorset, suffered a variety of serious chest, head and pelvic injuries, with medics later placing him in an induced coma.

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship race was immediately red flagged as vehicle medical teams rushed to help, with Jones unconscious at the scene.

The iForce Lloyd & Jones BMW rider was unconscious at the scene and was airlifted to Kings College Hospital.

A MotorSport Vision Racing statement said: "Operations have not been required for his head or chest injuries, but a procedure is planned to stabilise his pelvic fracture today."

"Following that, it is anticipated that he will kept in the medically induced coma until the beginning of next week.

"The MSVR BSB Medical Team remain in direct contact with the family and hospital staff."

The crowdfunder said: "Brad has put up a strong fight despite his injuries and continues to do so.

"His head and chest injuries will not need surgery, however his pelvis injury will be operated on today (Thursday 29th July 2021) to stabilise the area.

"It is yet unknown to how long Brad will be kept in the induced coma but he is fighting every inch of the way and with all the support he has from the Motorsport community, friends and family we know he can do this."

The organisers said Brad had his girlfriend and parents at his bedside, and with a lot of people asking how they can help, they set up a fundraising page to help cover the cost of his family, rehab and any further treatment needed.

There will be T-shirt’s, caps and stickers for sale at Brad’s home BSB round this weekend at Thruxton.

 

 

Jones' team, PR Racing, have since adorned their bikes with messages supporting Jones.

The 23-year-old is riding in his debut British Superbikes season, stepping up to Britain's elite level after two runner-up seasons in Supersport, the tier below.

At the time of the crash, it was thought Brad would remain in a coma for 24 to 48 hours, and MSVR said they were in direct contact with the rider's family.

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