Two Riders Killed in Major Multi-Bike Crash at British Superbikes Championship

Amid the grief and disbelief, some questions have started to arise regarding the events leading up to the crash.

According to witnesses, the first rider who lost control seemed to be dealing with an unexpected mechanical problem just before the chain reaction of accidents occurred.

Rumors are circulating regarding the extent to which safety measures and bike maintenance checks were rigorously implemented on that particular day.

As the ongoing investigation by Cheshire police and racing authorities progresses, the racing community anxiously awaits answers that could potentially prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future. 

Two riders met with a tragic end after a devastating multi-bike accident occurred during the British superbikes championship. 

Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, tragically lost their lives on Monday during the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park. 

The accident occurred when one rider lost control and tumbled, setting off a series of collisions involving several other competitors. 

A total of eleven riders were involved, several bikes collided, and one briefly caught fire as emergency responders swiftly arrived on scene.

Medical teams on the roadside responded promptly. Jenner, a rider from Crowborough, East Suss*x, received medical attention at the accident site before being transported to the circuit’s medical center.

Regrettably, he was unable to be transported by air and ultimately succumbed to the severity of his injuries. Richardson, a rider from New Zealand and representing Astro Jjr Hippo Suzuki, sustained severe injuries and tragically lost his life while en route to Royal Stoke University Hospital. 

Another competitor, 47-year-old Tom Tunstall, was admitted to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, including damage to his back and abdomen. Five additional riders received treatment for minor injuries, while three managed to escape without any harm. 

In light of the seriousness of the incident and ongoing medical interventions, the remaining races at the event were called off as a sign of respect for those impacted. 

Motorsport vision racing (msvr), the organization responsible for the championship, issued a statement providing further information:

During the afternoon’s quattro group British supersport championship race at Oulton Park, at Old Hall Corner, exiting turn one on the first lap, a chain reaction crash involving 11 riders took place. The race was halted and medical personnel were called in. Unfortunately, two riders met with fatal consequences, while another suffered severe injuries. 

Cheshire police have initiated a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with the coroner, the motorcycle circuit racing control board, and msvr. 

A spokesperson for the police department stated, ’emergency services acted promptly to the incident, which led to the unfortunate deaths of two riders and severe injuries to one.’. 

Jenner had recently secured the 2024 British GP2 title, boasting an impressive record of 18 wins out of 20 races. Racing for a speedy honda, he was regarded as one of the sport’s promising talents. 

Just before the race, Richardson had shared on social media, expressing his excitement for the upcoming event and stating, ‘race 2 ready, let’s go!’ He was also well-known for frequently posting pictures and videos of his family, including his adorable young children.

The motorsport community has been deeply saddened by the tragic incident. Fellow racer Ben Curry shared on Instagram, expressing his deep sadness for everyone affected by the incident. We’ve lost two of our most dedicated individuals to the sport we all cherish,’ a close friend of Jenner remarked, ‘he always made time for others.’ This is devastating. He will be greatly lamented. My sentiments are with his loved ones. 

Photographer Darren Oliver-Jones remembered Owen Warmly: ‘Owen was an extraordinary young man.’ I genuinely thought he would eventually become the British BSS Champion. 

Tributes to Richardson also inundated. One fan wrote, ‘good luck shane m richardson. A remarkable talent and genuinely kind-hearted individual, another shared, ‘our racing family is shattered.’

Shane’s lasting impact will be felt by those who knew and cherished him, as another person remarked, “Rip Shane Richardson.” A courteous and formidable adversary. Today is incredibly difficult for all of us. 

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families, teams, and communities impacted by this devastating loss. 

This devastating incident has profoundly impacted the British motorsport community, serving as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers these athletes willingly embrace in their pursuit of their passion.

As the investigation progresses, the primary objective is to pay tribute to the legacies of Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson, two exceptional riders whose lives were tragically cut short.

Their lasting impact will be felt by fans, friends, and other racers, as their legacy continues to inspire and influence. Our deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to their loved ones, teammates, and all those affected by this devastating loss.