09-05-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Guardian
Ammanford rider speaks on fatal tragedy in motorbike race
Lewis Jones was one of 11 riders involved in a crash in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship at Oulton Park, which led to the rest of the event being cancelled.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both died whereas another rider was taken to hospital and five other riders suffered minor injuries.
Lewis was one of three riders who were not injured. (Image: Gavin Elliott) Despite being involved in the crash, Lewis was one of three riders who were not hurt.
A spokesperson for Lewis Jones Racing said: 'On behalf of Lewis and the team we want to send out our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and teams of the riders who sadly lost their lives in this tragic accident and those injured speedy recoveries.
'Thank you also to the medics, marshals and officials.'
The Ammanford racer finished day one with a combined practice of 37th in the main Supersport Series and 1st in the Supersport Cup. (Image: Gavin Elliott) Jenner died from a severe head injury despite resuscitation efforts at the circuit's medical centre while Richardson, who suffered severe chest injuries, died en route to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Meanwhile, Tom Tunstall, 47, was taken to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.
The first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship began on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Bank Holiday weekend, but was cancelled following the fatal crash.
On Saturday, Lewis had two free practice sessions in the morning.
For the FP1 session he tried out some gearing and suspension settings and made good progress.
Then, Lewis took this forward into the afternoons FP2, finishing day one with a combined practice of 37th in the main Supersport Series and 1st in the Supersport Cup.
With further setting changes, he felt confident going into day two's Qualifying and Sprint Race.
The crash happened on the first corner of the first lap of the feature race. (Image: Gavin Elliott) Lewis qualified in P31 in the main series and P1 in the Supersport Cup Championship - the settings helped move him up the grid and maintain his first position in the Supersport Cup.
In the sprint race, Lewis enjoyed good battles with his fellow riders, making it up to P22 and winning the Supersport Cup trophy at the same time, along with attaining a personal best lap time at the Oulton Park track of 1.39.569.
On day three everything went well in the morning warm up and Lewis was ready for the afternoon's feature race.
Unfortunately, due to an accident on the first corner of the first lap of the feature race, the red flag came out.
Lewis was caught up in the accident and walked away from the scene, yet no further racing took place.
