Two riders die after horror crash which resulted in 11-bike pile-up at British Superbikes Championship
Two superbike riders have died after a horror crash at the British Superbikes event on Monday.
A statement confirmed that Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, have passed away after the crash at Oulton Park in Cheshire which resulted in 11 riders falling.
Jenner was initially treated at trackside after the incident at the Supersport Feature support race, but died of a catastrophic head injury despite further resuscitation at the circuit's medical centre.
Richardson was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. However, he died prior to arrival.
Tom Tunstall, who also took part in the race, was taken to the circuit medical centre and was later transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with 'significant back and abdominal injuries.'
Riders Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, and Morgan McLaren-Wood received treatment at the medical centre for minor injuries but were not transferred to hospital.
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And riders Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker and George Edwards did not require treatment despite being involved in the crash.
Motor Sport Vision Racing said in a statement: "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.
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"This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries."
The pile-up involving 11 bikes occurred just moments into the race in worrying scenes caught on TV.
One rider had lost control coming out of the first turn, prompting them to skid across the tarmac and into another rider.
Multiple bikes were quickly caught up in the crash, with one worryingly flying into the air.
A bike even caught fire following the crash as flames quickly engulfed the track.
Medics could be seen rushing over to the scene before the TV cameras cut away and the red flag was waved.
A statement issued shortly after the crash read: "At the start of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one there was a major chain reaction incident involving 11 riders.
"The race was immediately stopped and medical services attended.
";Due to the extent of the incident and following medical interventions it will not be possible to continue the event and therefore the event is cancelled.
"MSVR will issue a further statement in due course."
Cheshire police also confirmed it was investigating the incident.
A number of riders have taken to social media to express their grief or offer their condolences publicly to the families.
Teenage Kiwi rider Cormac Buchanan, who knew father of two Richardson, wrote on Instagram: "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 too 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."
Mat Oxley, a former champion of the prestigious Isle of Man TT race, wrote: "There are times when you hate yourself for loving motorcycle racing and this is one of them. RIP Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson, who lost their lives at Oulton today. Thoughts with their friends and loved ones & everyone involved in this horrific incident."
The event was part of the opening weekend of this year's British Superbikes season.
The campaign runs for eight rounds prior to entering three further 'showdown' events.
The meeting had initially got underway on Sunday with the first day of racing.
Bradley Ray claimed victory in the opening race after starting 14th on the grid.
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Leon Haslam then claimed his first British Superbike win since 2018 later in the day.
The 2025 British Superbikes Championship is the 38th season of the motorcycle event, which was first staged in 1988.