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Oulton Park Tragedy: Two Riders Dead in Devastating Crash
The British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park was rocked by tragedy on Monday, May 5, 2025, when a horrific multi-bike crash claimed the lives of two riders and left several others injured. The incident, which occurred on the first lap of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race, involved eleven riders falling in a chain reaction at Old Hall corner (turn one).
The Fatal Crash at Oulton Park
Owen Jenner, a 21-year-old British rider for Rapid Honda, and Shane Richardson, a 29-year-old New Zealander racing for Astro JJR Hippo Suzuki, were both tragically killed in the accident. The impact of the crash was severe, with witnesses reporting one bike catching fire.
The race was immediately stopped, and medical teams responded swiftly. Jenner, despite receiving immediate medical attention at the track and further resuscitation efforts at the circuit medical center, succumbed to a catastrophic head injury. Richardson, who suffered severe chest injuries, died while being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
- Tom Tunstall, a 47-year-old rider, sustained significant back and abdominal injuries and was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
- Five other riders – Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, and Morgan McLaren-Wood – were treated at the circuit medical center for minor injuries.
- Three riders – Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker, and George Edwards – escaped without injury.
The remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled due to the severity of the incident and the ongoing medical response.
Tributes and Investigations
The motorcycle racing world is in mourning. Tributes have poured in for both Jenner and Richardson, highlighting their skill, talent, and the profound loss felt by their teams, friends, and families. Jenner, a 2024 British GP2 champion, was seen as a rising star in the sport. Richardson, a respected racer known for his down-to-earth personality, was also widely mourned.
Cheshire Police are investigating the incident on behalf of the coroner, working alongside the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing to determine the exact cause of the multiple-bike collision. The investigation will focus on understanding how the chain reaction occurred and whether any contributing factors played a role.
The Aftermath and Moving Forward
The Oulton Park crash serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in motorcycle racing. While the thrill and excitement are undeniable, the dangers are ever-present. The investigation will undoubtedly explore safety measures and procedures in place to learn from this tragedy and potentially make improvements to prevent future incidents. The focus now shifts to supporting the families and friends of those affected and remembering the lives of Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson, two exceptional riders who tragically lost their lives doing what they loved.
The motorsport community remains united in grief, offering support and paying tribute to the lives lost and those injured in this devastating accident at Oulton Park.
Conclusion
The Oulton Park crash is a heartbreaking event that has deeply impacted the global motorcycle racing community. The loss of Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson is a profound blow, and the thoughts of many are with their families, friends, and teams during this incredibly difficult time. The ongoing investigation will hopefully shed light on the circumstances that led to this tragic accident, informing future safety protocols and enhancing the well-being of racers in the future.
