BSB: Damon Rees dies following battle with unexpected medical condition

British Supersport racer Damon Rees has died at the age of 28 after losing his battle against a sudden unexpected medical condition.

The New Zealander raced in the Supersport class this year onboard a Yamaha R6 for the Carl Cox Motorsport with Uggly & Co by Binch Racing squad. The team released the following statement on Friday morning:

“It’s with a very heavy heart that we confirm Damo passed away last night. Despite putting up a fight and battling as hard as he could, he was just too poorly.

“Damo meant so much to us all at Binch Racing. We’re absolutely devastated. His passion for motorcycle racing was there for all to see, but Damo was more to us than just a racer, he was our friend.

“His dedicated approach to everything he wanted to do, his infectious personality and his wicked sense of humour made his time with us truly unforgettable.

“We wish to send our condolences, love and support to his amazing wife Talia, all the Rees family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him back in his native New Zealand.”

Rees came from a racing family back home in New Zealand. Father, Tony is a three-time New Zealand Superbike Champion, and won his final title aged 49 in 2017. That same year, Damon became NZ Supersport champion.

Brother Mitch finished runner-up in the Superbike class in 2018, whilst Damon, Mitch and Tony all competed together in six-hour endurance races.

Rees moved to the UK in 2020, despite leading the NZ-SBK series, to take part in the National Superstock 1000 Championship with the support of Carl Cox Motorsport. He finished eighth overall that season, podiuming in his first two races at Donington Park.

The following season Rees joined Lee Johnston at Ashcourt Racing BMW, with continued backing from Carl Cox Motorsport, before remaining with the team in the Supersport class the following year.

Rees finished ninth overall in 2022 with a best result of fourth at Cadwell Park. Back under the full Carl Cox banner for 2023, Rees finished eighth and 10^th at Knockhill in what turn out to be his final races.

Our thoughts are with Damon’s family, friends and team at this difficult time.