Ben Godfrey: British Superbike rider, 25, dies after crash at Donington Park
Monday 22 June 2020 08:00, UK
British Superbike rider Ben Godfrey has died after colliding with another motorcyclist at Donington Park.
The 25-year-old crashed during a No Limits Trackday at the Leicestershire circuit on Sunday and died shortly afterwards.
The company said Godfrey collided with the other rider on the approach to Redgate corner and "fell from his machine" during the "second advanced group session".
It added in a statement on Instagram: "Tragically (Ben) suffered serious injuries and despite immediate medical assistance trackside, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after."
Director Mark Neate said: "I am so desperately sad that Ben died from the injuries he sustained.
"Ben really was a fantastic young man and friends with so many people in the paddock, he was always smiling and had time for everyone.
"He was very excited for the start of the season and had taken part in many trackdays in the last month. Our thoughts are with his family, his partner Jordan and his team mates and friends"
Godfrey had been due to compete in the Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup later this year. Talking to the competition's website, he said he "started bike racing when I was five-six years old", adding: "One of my dad's friends had a mini moto and I had a go and to be fair I gelled with it straight away."
After that, Godfrey said he "progressed through the ranks".
Stuart Higgs, race director of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, tweeted that Ben was a "great character" and sent condolences to the rider's family.
Fellow competitor Sam Holme said Ben was "taken far too soon".