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International New Zealand racer Damon Rees has tragically passed away following a short battle with a sudden medical condition, it has been sadly confirmed by his family.

The 28-year-old former NZ Supersport champion – who had also spent his share of time competing in Australia – was a regular within the British Superbike Championship (BSB) paddock in recent years.

“He fought an extremely hard battle to overcome his illness, but passed in the early hours of the morning surrounded by a lot of love,” the Rees family announced on Friday, 30 June 2023. “We would like to thank everyone for their support and messages. It is an extremely hard time for the family and we would appreciate if their privacy could be respected as they navigate this time.”

A statement from Carl Cox Motorsport with Uggly & Co by Binch Racing, read: “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 clinched the New Zealand Supersport Championship in 2017 and went on to finish runner-up in NZSBK the following year, while also shining in Australia at that stage of his career across multiple seasons. He transferred to the UK in 2020 and had achieved immense success across both the National Superstock 1000 and Supersport categories since arriving in BSB.

Each of us here at Foremost Media and CycleOnline express our condolences to the entire Rees family at this difficult time.