Speedway mourns Jones loss.

The Australian speedway fraternity is in mourning following the passing of 23-year-old Ashley Jones last Saturday night.

Just a week after returning from a season in the UK Premier League, the Albury rider was competing in an Interstate Solo Challenge at Myrtleford (Vic) when he crashed in his final race, suffering serious facial injuries.

Despite being immediately airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital, his injuries proved fatal.

Ashley was one of Australia's brightest speedway prospects, and had finished 13th and 12th in the past two Australian solo championships.

In 2005, he was a member of the King's Lynn championship-winning combination in the UK, and averaged 5.25 in 31 appearances. Furthermore, he shared a house and workshop with best mate and fellow speedway star Kevin Doolan, in what he described as "the best year of my life".

Ashley's funeral will be held in Albury on Friday, November 18.