Martin loses fight for life after Cadwell fall.

The latest round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Cadwell Park has been overshadowed by the death of Supersport rider Ashley Martin.

The 18-year-old Tool Shop Direct Racing Honda rider was involved in a fall during qualifying on Sunday and was treated for head injuries at the circuit before being airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary, where he passed away early this morning [Monday].

A full statement issued by MCRCB race director Stuart Higgs reads as follows:

"MCRCB-Events regret to announce that Ashley Martin, aged eighteen from Shiptonthorpe, Yorkshire has died in hospital after sustaining injuries in an accident at the Gooseneck Corner at Cadwell Park circuit. The incident occurred during a qualifying practice session on Sunday August 27th for the British Supersport Championship. There were no other riders involved and the practice session was immediately stopped.

"He was unconscious at the scene after suffering a major head injury. He was treated by the BSB Medical Team at trackside and subsequently in the medical centre, where he was anaesthetised and ventilated. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance transferred him from the circuit to the Leeds General Infirmary to be assessed by the neurosurgical unit.

"He sadly succumbed to his injuries early this morning.

"The circumstances of the incident will be subject to investigation by the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and the relevant authorities.

"At this desperately sad and tragic time, our thoughts and profound sympathies are with the family and friends of Ashley and when appropriate we will be seeking instruction form them as to how to provide the best possible tribute."

Crash.net joins the British motorcycle racing community in extending our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ashley at this tragic time.