British Superbikes event abandoned as two riders die after being caught in ‘severe & catastrophic' 11-bike crash
TWO riders have tragically passed away after a horror crash in the opening round of the British Superbikes Championship.
Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson have both died as a result of their injuries.
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A statement from the British Superbike Championship confirmed the sad news and it 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.
"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.
"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.
"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 have launched an investigation.
Worried British Superbikes chief Stuart Higgs called the crash a "severe and catastrophic incident" before the fatalities were confirmed.
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The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Rider in British Superbike horror crash suffers broken neck and is in ‘serious' condition in hospital
ONE of the riders in Monday's deadly British Superbikes crash suffered a broken neck and is in a "serious" condition in hospital. 5 Tom Turnstall is in a 'serious' condition in hospital Credit: Instagram @xpresscoffee 5 Tunstall was part of the shocking 11-man British Superbikes crash which killed two riders Credit: Getty Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, lost their lives as the group fell at turn one in the A third rider - Tom Tunstall - was rushed to hospital while five others were treated for minor injuries at the track. And now MotorSport Vision Racing have issued a health update on Tunstall, 47. READ MORE IN SPORT "While his condition is serious, he is stable and receiving the best possible treatment. "Doctors are closely monitoring his progress and will determine in the coming days whether surgery will be necessary. "At this time, a slow but hopefully full recovery is expected." Horrific live TV footage showed the moment a rider lost control and skidded on the tarmac going around the first bend, triggering the harrowing pile-up as one bike even caught fire. Most read in Motorsport Richardson died from his "severe chest injuries" before arriving at the Royal Stoke Hospital while East Sussex-born Jenner tragically passed away after suffering a "catastrophic head injury". Less than 24 hours before the race, New Zealander Richardson took to Instagram to Haunting final post of tragic Shane Richardson just hours before fatal crash at Superbikes event The dad of two said: "Sprint race was good. Bad start, went backwards quite a few positions. "But we managed to figure it out, get some good consistent pace going, matching the times with a few of the boys ahead of us. "So yeah, looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully get a better start and be a bit more in the mix." Tragically, Richardson's girlfriend Hannah James, 25, also A has been launched into Monday's tragedy. Racegoer Scott Moore, who witnessed the incident, described how an 'eerie and unsettling' silence fell over the circuit. He posted on Facebook: 'Today was an incredibly sad day for BSB Supersport. 'The silence that fell over the circuit was eerie and unsettling, a stark reminder of how quickly things can change. 'TWO OF OUR FINEST LOST TO THE SPORT WE LOVE' 'It's hard to think how someone can wake up excited to race and not make it to the end of the day. 'It's just heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with all the families affected by this horrific event.' He wrote: "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." Rider Ben Currie said the loss was "hard to put into words", adding: "Gutted for everyone involved. "Two of our finest men lost to the sport we love." I cherish all of the track walks, the hard battles we had, bumping bars and swapping paint... I'm grateful to have been able to consider you a competitor, rival, and a friend Cormac Buchanan Racer Cormac Buchanan posted an emotional tribute to countryman Shane on Instagram. He said: "Shane was truly one of the best people I ever had the privilege of sharing the track with, not only a super talented rider but a down-to-earth person away from it. "You never failed to put a smile on all of our faces. You were someone I could look up to and learn from and I am so lucky to have had your guidance in my first year in Europe in the UK. "I cherish all of the track walks with you and Damo, the hard battles we had, bumping bars and swapping paint. "I'm grateful to have been able to consider you a competitor, rival, and a friend. "I always felt your support no matter what the situation, race, or outcome was. "To Hannah, Max, and Maddie I send you all of my love, support, and condolences. "I am always riding with you, thank you for everything Shane." Fellow driver Glenn Irwin also shared a touching tribute to both drivers, following their tragic deaths. Writing on social media, he said: "Owen you were always smiling, just a young kid chasing your dream and having fun along the way. "Shane, I didn't know you personally but watching videos and photos of you and your little family, I can see how much of an amazing dad and partner that you are along with being a top rider. "Rest in peace boys - life can be so so cruel. We will continue to offer support to your families in the coming times ahead, my thoughts go to the entire BSB team of organisers, marshals, medics and the wider community." 5 Owen Jenner, 21, died in the crash Credit: 5 Shane Richardson, 29, lost his life before arriving at hospital Credit: 5 The crash happened on the first turn of the race at Oulton Park in Cheshire Credit: Alamy
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