06-05-2025
'Fantastic' Oulton Park rider's best pal and on-track rival died aged just 28 two years ago
Shane Richardson has passed away at the age of 29 following a catastrophic crash at Oulton Park on Monday, two years after his close friend Damon Rees died at just 28
Shane Richardson, who sadly passed away in the horrific crash at Oulton Park, had already experienced tragedy in motorsport before his untimely death. Richardson, 29, passed away from severe chest injuries sustained in the 11-bike crash at the British Supersport Championship race on Monday.
The New Zealander, who raced for the Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki team, died on the way to Royal Stoke University Hospital. British rider Owen Jenner, 21, also sadly lost his life due to a catastrophic head injury, while Tom Tunstall, a a 47-year-old rider, remains in hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.
The crash is being investigated by the Motorcycle Racing Control Board, the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary and tributes have poured in for the two riders who lost their lives. Richardson was a popular figure in the sport and had moved to the United Kingdom from New Zealand back in 2019.
He leaves behind his British wife Hannah and their two young children, Max and Maddie. The tragedy is the second to befall Kiwi riders in the past two years following the unexpected death of Damon Rees at the age of 28 in July 2023.
Rees was a close friend and on-track rival of Richardson, with their two families well known in New Zealand motorbike racing circles. The two met while competing against each other for the national 600cc title in their home country before both moving to the UK to pursue their racing careers.
Rees, who came from a family of motorbike racers, died suddenly two years ago. His team, the Carl Cox Motorsport with Uggly & Co by Binch Racing squad, described him as an "infectious personality" with a "wicked sense of humour".
Alongside competing in the Supersport Championship, Richardson worked as a test rider for Triumph Motorcycles in Leicestershire and ran his a joinery business called Kiwicraft.
Writing on social media, fellow Kiwi rider Cormac Buchanan paid tribute by writing: "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 (Rees), the hard battles we had, bumping bars and swapping paint. I'm grateful to have been able to consider you a competitor, a 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 will always be riding with you; thank you for everything, Shane.'
Andy McGechan, editor of the website, told The 'A fantastic young man, a lovely personality… his smile was infectious.
"He was so quiet and modest, a smiley, friendly face around the pits but on the racetrack an absolute firebrand, fast and furious, not a risk-taker as such but he had the skills. The contrast between on track and off track was so marked.'
