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Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I was one row behind tragic riders in fatal crash - this is what happened at Oulton Park'
Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson passed away in tragic circumstances due to a devastating crash involving 11 riders at Oulton Park in Cheshire and one rider has now spoken out A racer involved in the devastating 11-bike crash that saw two British Superbike stars pass away, has spoken out on the chaos seconds before the horrifying incident. Morgan McLaren-Wood was among those injured as Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson died in the tragic scenes at Oulton Park. The first lap of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race saw a chain reaction crash in which 11 riders fell from their bikes with Jenner and Richardson suffering fatal injuries. A further rider, Tom Tunstall, was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital and suffered a broken bone in his neck. And McLaren-Wood has now recounted what transpired ahead of him on the track. The New Zealand national detailed how it was impossible to escape the havoc in front. "I was maybe a row behind Shane and Owen, maybe five or six bikes behind them - maybe a bit more," McLaren-Wood told BBC Sport. "It was just chaos - there was nothing anyone could do. There were bikes everywhere. There was nowhere for anyone to go - it's such a tight track and there's not really any run-off on it either." He added: "I think there are always ways to improve in safety in elite sport. Maybe there were too many riders out there, I don't really know. I'm not a safety expert, but I think it was mostly a tragedy." McLaren-Wood has paid tribute to his countryman, Richardson following his tragic death aged just 29. Richardson had helped his fellow Kiwi settle in to life overseas. The Astro JJR Hippo Suzuki rider ran a joinery business alongside his racing career. He leaves behind his partner Hannah James and children, Maddie and Max. Paying tribute to his compatriot, McLaren-Wood said: "Shane was such a lovely guy. After every race he'd always have a chat back in the pits, he'd ask me how my race went, I'd ask about his and he'd give me advice on how to get better and where to improve. "He was such a loving dad. I can't imagine what they're going through right now, it's so sudden and unexpected." Jenner, 21, was riding for Rapid Honda when the crash happened on the exit from turn one, Old Hall corner, on the opening lap. The young Brit died due to a catastrophic head injury at the circuit's medical centre. From Crowborough in East Sussex, Jenner was in just his second year racing in The Supersport Championship. He was signed by Rapid Honda after becoming a superstock champion in 2020 and 2023, and winning last year's GP2 title with 18 wins out of 20 race finishes. In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy McLaren-Wood, who escaped the crash with minor injuries, said in a post on social media: '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.'
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Dad of rider killed in Oulton Park tragedy posts heartbreaking social media message
Owen Jenner, a 21-year-old rider from East Sussex, tragically lost his life in a serious crash involving 10 others in a British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park on Monday The father of Owen Jenner has shared a heartbreaking photo of his son with his favourite pet after he died in a horrifying crash on Monday. Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both passed away after sustaining catastrophic injuries in the 11-bike incident at Oulton Park. Jenner was riding for Rapid Honda at the British Supersport Championship race when the crash happened on the exit from turn one, Old Hall corner, on the first lap. The young British rider died of a catastrophic head injury at the circuit's medical centre. Richardson died on the way to Royal Stoke University Hospital of severe chest injuries, while Tom Tunstall, a 47-year-old rider, sustained significant back and abdominal injuries and remains in hospital. The race was stopped immediately and the rest of the event was cancelled. Motorsport Vision Racing (MSVR), who are responsible for circuit operations at the Cheshire track, and the Motorcycle Racing Control Board are "investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary". Tragically, Jenner's final post on his public Facebook page was a tribute to his father Michael. The picture shows the two of them beaming while celebrating a race victory on the podium with the caption: "Happy birthday to the old boy. Wouldn't be where I am without him and I know he wouldn't wanna be anywhere else on his special day!" Posting after his son's death, Michael shared a photo of a young Owen smiling while holding a cat. "The love of his life," the caption reads. A reply from a friend read: "I'm completely lost for words Numb to the core and can't imagine what you guys are going through right now.. I only have good memories of all the times we rode on track or got to watch Owen take his championships… "There's nothing that can be done to bring him back but just know he brought so much happiness to so many others… God speed Owen." A reply under Owen's own post added: "One of the most genuine lads I've had the pleasure of knowing, no words will bring you back, you've left your mark on so many people. You'll live on in people's memories pal." Jenner, from Crowborough in East Sussex, was in his second year racing in The Supersport Championship. He was signed up to Rapid Honda after becoming a superstock champion in 2020 and 2023, and winning last year's GP2 title with 18 wins out of 20 race finishes. Tributes poured in from the world of motorsport on Tuesday, with a succession of riders posting emotional messages on social media. Rory Skinner posted: "Progressed today but don't have a lot to say… Gutted is an understatement. The sport can be too cruel at times. Thoughts and condolences to everyone and their families involved in today's incident." Jamie Davis wrote: "What a horrible day for racing. My thoughts are with every family and or friends." Blaze Baker added: "Absolutely devastated, very sad day today. My thoughts are with both families in this very tough time." "Is a black day for motorsport with terrible losses. Ride in peace my friend," Jaimie van Sikkelerus wrote. Storm Stacey posted: "I have nothing to say this evening, forget the results. Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the 2 riders that passed today."
