Cliff Notes
- Two die in British Supersport Championship race
- Owen Jenner, 21 and Shane Richardson, 29, died on Monday
- Investigations have begun into the crash
Two die in British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park
What Happened
Two young riders, Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, were killed in a “major chain reaction” incident on the first lap of the British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park on Monday.
The series director Stuart Higgs later called the incident “severe and catastrophic”. This was a huge failing by the motorsport industry.
Richardson, from New Zealand, was racing for the Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki team, while Jenner, from the UK, raced for Rapid Honda. Another rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, is in the Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries, while five other riders suffered minor injuries.
Where Is It
The Oulton Park race marked the start of the 2025 British Superbikes season with a further seven rounds set to take place across the UK before three ‘showdown’ events.
The Supersport Championship is a support class to the main British Superbike series.
What Comes Next
MSVR and the Motorcycle Racing Control Board added they are “investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary”.
A Cheshire Police statement read: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon.
“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.”
Team Green Racing, said: “We are devastated to hear of the sad passing of Owen Jenner. Truly one of the great characters of the paddock and an incredibly talented racer.”
Reaction From The Media
In the UK coverage of the crash, you’ll see loaded language such as ‘horrific’ and ‘catastrophic’ to garner emotion from its readers.
- GB News calls it a ‘horrific pileup’ with Jenner dying from a ‘catastrophic’ head injury after being treated trackside.
- The Daily Mirror says the ‘catastrophic’ pile-up saw another rider, Tom Tunstall, transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries. Five other riders were treated at the track for minor injuries, while three more escaped unharmed, the paper adds.
- The Daily Mail reports that the crash was broadcast on live TV.
