'I was one row behind tragic riders in fatal crash - this is what happened at Oulton Park'

Daily Mirror

07-05-2025

Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson passed away in tragic circumstances due to a devastating crash involving 11 riders at Oulton Park in Cheshire and one rider has now spoken out
A racer involved in the devastating 11-bike crash that saw two British Superbike stars pass away, has spoken out on the chaos seconds before the horrifying incident. Morgan McLaren-Wood was among those injured as Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson died in the tragic scenes at Oulton Park.
The first lap of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race saw a chain reaction crash in which 11 riders fell from their bikes with Jenner and Richardson suffering fatal injuries. A further rider, Tom Tunstall, was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital and suffered a broken bone in his neck.
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And McLaren-Wood has now recounted what transpired ahead of him on the track. The New Zealand national detailed how it was impossible to escape the havoc in front.
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"I was maybe a row behind Shane and Owen, maybe five or six bikes behind them - maybe a bit more," McLaren-Wood told BBC Sport.
"It was just chaos - there was nothing anyone could do. There were bikes everywhere. There was nowhere for anyone to go - it's such a tight track and there's not really any run-off on it either."
He added: "I think there are always ways to improve in safety in elite sport. Maybe there were too many riders out there, I don't really know. I'm not a safety expert, but I think it was mostly a tragedy."
McLaren-Wood has paid tribute to his countryman, Richardson following his tragic death aged just 29. Richardson had helped his fellow Kiwi settle in to life overseas.
The Astro JJR Hippo Suzuki rider ran a joinery business alongside his racing career. He leaves behind his partner Hannah James and children, Maddie and Max.
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Paying tribute to his compatriot, McLaren-Wood said: "Shane was such a lovely guy. After every race he'd always have a chat back in the pits, he'd ask me how my race went, I'd ask about his and he'd give me advice on how to get better and where to improve.
"He was such a loving dad. I can't imagine what they're going through right now, it's so sudden and unexpected."
Jenner, 21, was riding for Rapid Honda when the crash happened on the exit from turn one, Old Hall corner, on the opening lap. The young Brit died due to a catastrophic head injury at the circuit's medical centre.
From Crowborough in East Sussex, Jenner was in just his second year racing in The Supersport Championship. He was signed by Rapid Honda after becoming a superstock champion in 2020 and 2023, and winning last year's GP2 title with 18 wins out of 20 race finishes.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy McLaren-Wood, who escaped the crash with minor injuries, said in a post on social media: 'Struggling to find the words for what happened today.
"Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.'