Girlfriend of British Superbikes rider who died in Oulton Park crash suffers double tragedy

Daily Mirror

06-05-2025

The partner of one of the motorcyclists who died at the age of 29 in a devastating 11-bike crash on Monday, sadly, lost another boyfriend to a racing tragedy nine years ago
The partner of British Superbikes rider Shane Richardson, who sadly died in an 11-bike collision at Oulton Park, also lost her previous boyfriend to a separate motorcycle crash nine years ago.
Tragedy struck the Cheshire circuit on Monday when one British Supersport Championship rider lost control at Turn One and was flung into the path of his fellow competitors. A pileup ensued, and as one bike caught fire, medics were quick on the scene.
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Sadly, two riders lost their lives: Owen Jenner, 21, and Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki racer Mr Richardson, 29. The race was eventually abandoned. Mr Jenner was taken to the circuit medical centre and given further resuscitation treatment, but died from a "catastrophic head injury", the organisers said. He became the 2024 British GP2 champion and was signed to Rapid Honda.
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Mr Richardson died of severe chest injuries whilst being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital, having been treated trackside. The New Zealander leaves behind two children and his girlfriend, Hannah James, a former grid girl. In an agonising twist, Ms James has lost a partner previously to a separate race accident, reports the Mail.
In 2016, at the Oliver's Mount Spring Cup, rider Billy Redmayne suffered an accident on track in North Yorkshire and was airlifted to hospital. However, he later passed away, surrounded by family and loved ones, including Ms James, who was dating the rider at the time of his death at the age of 25.
The incident at Old Hall corner on the first lap of the British Supersport Championship on Monday, which claimed the life of Mr Richardson, now marks the second time in the space of 10 years that Ms James has heartbreakingly lost a boyfriend to the sport.
A third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, sustained "significant injuries" near the village of Little Budworth, and, alongside his two competitors, was treated on track before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with "significant back and abdominal injuries".
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Morgan McLaren-Wood was another rider involved in the incident. He was one of five riders who escaped with minor injuries, including Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, and Freddie Barnes. After the collision, he took to social media to convey his emotions.
"Struggling to find the words for what happened today," posted Mr McLaren-Wood. "Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time."
After the incident, the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing released a statement, which 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.
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"The race was immediately stopped, and trackside medical services deployed. 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. 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 Constabulary also released their own statement, as a spokesperson stated: "Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park - Monday 5 May.
"Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision, which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.
"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).
"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."