What was meant to be an exhilarating start to the British Supersport Championship at Oulton Park turned into a day of heartbreak and devastation. On Monday, a horrific multi-bike crash involving 11 riders on the very first lap claimed the lives of two promising athletes—Shane Richardson, 29, and Owen Jenner, 21.
The tragic incident unfolded at Old Hall Corner during the opening lap of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, sending shockwaves through the motorsport community. A domino-effect collision saw bikes and riders tumbling in a chaotic scene that led to the race being red-flagged immediately.
Richardson, a talented racer from New Zealand riding for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki, and Jenner, a rising British star representing Rapid Honda, both suffered fatal injuries. Despite swift medical intervention, Jenner passed away at the circuit medical center after sustaining a catastrophic head injury. Richardson was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest trauma but tragically died en route.
The race was part of the highly anticipated opening weekend of the British Superbikes season, which spans eight competitive rounds across the UK before culminating in three dramatic showdown events. Both riders had promising careers ahead—Richardson finished eighth in the 2023 season with 146 points, while Jenner was in only his second year, showing remarkable potential.
Also injured in the crash was 47-year-old Tom Tunstall, riding for SRG Specialist Risk Group Ducati, who remains in hospital with serious back and abdominal injuries. Five other riders sustained minor injuries and were treated on-site, while three were fortunate to walk away unharmed.
In the wake of the accident, the rest of the event was promptly cancelled. MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), operators of the Oulton Park circuit, confirmed a full investigation is now underway in coordination with the Coroner and Cheshire police.
Bsb Oulton Park Crash Video
In a solemn statement, MSVR detailed the timeline of events:
“At the start of this afternoon’s Supersport Championship race, a chain-reaction crash exiting Turn One at Old Hall corner led to 11 riders falling. Medical services responded immediately, but due to the severity of the situation, the remainder of the event was cancelled.”
The entire motorsport community is mourning the loss of two beloved riders, whose passion, talent, and spirit left a lasting impact on the paddock. Their legacies will not be forgotten.