Two riders have tragically passed away after a “catastrophic” multi-bike crash at the British Superbikes Championship.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, were both fatally injured in the horror smash during Monday’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park.
The chaos began when one rider lost control, skidding into the path of others and triggering a deadly chain reaction. Eleven riders fell, numerous bikes collided, and one even caught fire as medics rushed to the scene.
Trackside medical teams were deployed immediately. Jenner, rider #86 from Crowborough, East Sussex, was treated at the scene and then taken to the circuit’s medical centre.
He sadly died from a “catastrophic head injury” before he could be airlifted to the hospital. Richardson, #28 and a New Zealand native racing for Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki, suffered “severe chest injuries” and died en route to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
A third rider, 47-year-old Tom Tunstall, sustained serious back and abdominal injuries and was taken to the hospital for further treatment. Five others were treated for minor injuries, and three more walked away unscathed.
Due to the severity of the crash and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.
MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), the event organiser, confirmed in a statement: “At the start of this afternoon’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling,” per Daily Mail.
“The race was immediately stopped, and trackside medical services deployed. This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries,” they added.
Cheshire Police have launched a full investigation alongside the Coroner, the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board, and MSVR. A police spokesperson said: “Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision, which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.”
Jenner was recently crowned the 2024 British GP2 champion after dominating the season with 18 wins from 20 race finishes. He was riding for Rapid Honda and was widely regarded as a rising star in the sport.
Richardson had posted a video just moments before the race, writing: “Race 2 ready, let’s go!” He often shared photos of his young children on social media.
Tributes have poured in online for the two riders. Fellow competitor Ben Currie wrote on his Instagram Story: “Gutted for everyone involved. Two of our finest men lost to the sport we love.”
A friend remembered Jenner: “Young man, not sure what to say. You made time for others when you didn’t have to! This is a terrible day. You will be missed. I feel for all of your family right now. And I am angry that this happened. It shouldn’t have!” cited by Metro.
Motorsport photographer Darren Oliver-Jones also added: “Owen was a very special young man, who, for those of you who know me, I felt he would be British BSB Champion one day.”
Tributes to Richardson also came flooding in. One mourner penned: “Godspeed Shane M Richardson. You are an amazing talent and heck of a nice guy.”
A second shared: “Our racing family is devastated to lose on of our best and my heart breaks for Hannah James, Maddie and Max…Shane’s legacy lives on in each of you and all those who knew and loved him.”
And, one more wrote: “RIP Shane M Richardson, such a gentleman you could barely think he was such a racer…Truly awful day for everyone.”
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.
