Deadly 11-bike collision during a British Supersport race at Oulton Park leaves two motorbike racers deceased
Two motorcycle racers met their untimely demise following a calamitous crash involving a staggering 11 bikes during a Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, nestled in the heart of Cheshire.
Owen Jenner, a 21-year-old racer from Crowborough, East Sussex, succumbed to a "catastrophic head injury" despite emergency efforts to revive him at the circuit's medical center. Shane Richardson, a 29-year-old father-of-two from New Zealand, suffered severe chest injuries, succumbing to his wounds before reaching Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Tom Tunstall, a 47-year-old racer, was rushed to the same hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries. Lamentably, five other riders were treated at the track's medical center but managed to steer clear of hospitalization.
The crash occurred during the race's opening lap as racers exited turn one at Old Hall corner, resulting in a chain reaction with 11 motorcycles going down. Owing to the crash's overwhelming severity and continuous medical intervention, organizers halted the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event.
Cheshire Police are investigating the incident, collaborating with both the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and Motorsport Vision Racing. Authorities, however, are preserving details pertaining to the crash's cause as the investigation continues.
The British Supersport Championship highlights 600cc machines, serving as the primary support class for the marquee British Superbikes series. The Oulton Park event inaugurated this season’s championship, with races slated at various UK circuits throughout the year.
Eagerly anticipating the weekend's races, both Jenner and Richardson shared their optimism on social media. A champion in superstock in 2020 and 2023, as well as a GP2 champion in 2024, Jenner recently joined the Rapid Honda British superbike team. Richardson, a former test rider for Triumph, previously crafted bespoke kitchens before transitioning to the UK's premier racing circuits.
Stay tuned for updates on this tragic incident and the racing world as the investigation into the crash unfolds. To never miss an update, make sure to follow us! [Link to follow]
- Tom Tunstall, exited the Oulton Park race after the crash and was rushed to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.
- Despite emergency efforts, Owen Jenner, a racer who was optimistic about the weekend's races, succumbed to a "catastrophic head injury" at the circuit's medical center.
- The tragic crash in the British Supersport Race at Oulton Park, Cheshire, happened during the racing's opening lap, involving 11 motorcycles, and the severity of the collision led to the suspension of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event.
