He was born in 1968, and although he didn’t have a big motor racing career, he was the heartbeat of the SuperUte category.

He debuted in 2021 and finished 5th outright and highest-placed rookie. He followed up with 12th outright the following year when his cancer was getting worse, and his last event was at the opening round of 2023 in Perth.

Last year the category announced that its Rookie of the Year award would be forever known as the Craig Jenner Perpetual Cup. It was by Jimmy Vernon and Jenner was able to attend the end of year awards at the Gold Coast, his last event with the fraternity in person.

He initially battled prostate cancer before it spread throughout his whole body and by the end of 2022, he decided to sell his #50 Mazda BT-50 and all his team equipment to deal with his health battles. In 2022 he ran with the Get Checked livery on his SuperUte as a message for everyone to look out for their health.

That Mazda was sold to Rob McMahon who did one meeting and then to Lachlan Gardner for the remainder of 2023. It has since been purchased by a new competitor who will make their debut in Darwin.

“From the beginning, during the rebirth of the V8 SuperUte Series back in 2020, Craig Jenner was one of the biggest supporters of mine helping to push the category forward,” said category manager Luke Sieders in his tribute.

“His belief, support and passion for what we all believe in at the Tyrepower V8 SuperUte Series is part of the reason we have made it here and so quickly as a great series.

“He will be sorely missed but never forgotten and everything we do as a category will be in honour and dedication to the commitment, belief and passion Craig showed for our category and sport.

“The Craig Jenner Rookie of the Year Trophy is truly an amazing way for us to celebrate a great man and his passion for our series and will be special to us all.”

Craig Jenner’s funeral service is on Tuesday April 16 from 12:30pm at Bunurong Memorial Park on Dandy Frankston Road  His wake to be held at Blue Hills Rise Retirement Village on Cranbournr Road Main Reception/Function Room.