Oulton Park crash: Two British Superbike riders dead and six injured in catastrophic incident

Wales Online

06-05-2025

Oulton Park crash: Two British Superbike riders dead and six injured in catastrophic incident
Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner have both sadly passed away after an 11-bike crash on lap one of the British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park on Monday
Two riders have died following the tragic incident at Oulton Park
(Image: TNT SPORTS )
In devastating scenes at the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park on Monday, two riders tragically lost their lives and six others were injured during a 'catastrophic incident' on the first lap. Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both succumbed to fatal injuries after a chain reaction caused 11 riders to fall off their bikes.
The incident occurred during the inaugural weekend of the British Superbikes season, which is set to span eight rounds across the UK, followed by three 'showdown' events. Richardson, hailing from New Zealand, was racing for the Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki team, while British talent Jenner was representing Rapid Honda.
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The Supersport Championship acts as a precursor to the main Superbikes event. Richardson had secured eighth place in last year's standings with 146 points, while Jenner was participating in his second year of the championship.
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Tom Tunstall, a 47-year-old rider for SRG Specialist Risk Group Ducati, has been moved to Royal Stoke University Hospital due to severe back and abdominal injuries. Five other riders received treatment for minor injuries at the track, while three more walked away unscathed.
Following Monday's tragic incident, the remainder of the event was cancelled. Motor Sport Vision Racing, the operators of the Oulton Park track, confirmed that a comprehensive investigation has been initiated in collaboration with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary, reports the Mirror.
A statement from MSVR read: "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. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.
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"Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled. This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.
"Owen Jenner (21) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where despite further resuscitation treatment, he died from a catastrophic head injury.
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"Shane Richardson (29) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. He died prior to arrival.
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"Tom Tunstall (47) was initially treated on the track and was taken to the circuit medical centre, he was later transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.
"A further five riders were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries, which did not require transfer to hospital. These riders were #9 Carl Harris, #39 Max Morgan, #48 Cameron Hall, #78 Freddie Barnes, #95 Morgan McLaren-Wood.
"Three further riders were also involved but were uninjured. These riders were #25 Lewis Jones, #37 Corey Tinker and #90 George Edwards. The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary."
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Cheshire Police have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the tragic fatalities, as per a statement released on behalf of the coroner: "Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May)."
The statement detailed the harrowing events: "Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries."
Given the serious nature of the crash and subsequent medical interventions, the event had to be called off. "Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled. The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29)."
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In line with procedure, the oversight bodies are comprehensively examining the incident: "The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Police."