In a tragic turn of events during the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, two riders, Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, lost their lives following a catastrophic 11-bike crash on Monday, May 5, 2025. The incident occurred just after the race began, specifically on turn one of the first lap, leading to immediate medical intervention and the cancellation of the event.
The series of events unfolded quickly as riders exited Old Hall corner, resulting in a chain reaction that left multiple competitors on the ground. Emergency medical personnel were dispatched promptly to the scene, but despite their efforts, both Jenner and Richardson succumbed to their injuries shortly after the crash.
According to an official statement from MotorSport Vision Racing, Owen Jenner was treated trackside before being transported to the circuit medical center, where he was pronounced dead due to a catastrophic head injury. Shane Richardson, on the other hand, was initially treated at the scene and later transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries, but unfortunately, he did not survive the journey.
The statement detailed the severity of the accident, noting, "This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries." The race, part of the opening weekend of this year's British Superbikes season, was immediately halted due to the extreme circumstances surrounding the incident.
In total, six other riders were injured in the crash. Tom Tunstall, 47, sustained serious back and abdominal injuries and was also transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Five additional riders—Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, and Morgan McLaren-Wood—suffered minor injuries and were treated at the circuit medical center. Thankfully, Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker, and George Edwards emerged uninjured from the wreckage.
The motorcycle community has been rocked by this tragedy, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and support for the families of the deceased. One poignant tribute read, "I’m truly shocked. I am so sorry to everyone involved—the riders, the teams, the families, the marshals, the medics, the fans who were there." Another user echoed the sentiment, stating, "Thoughts and prayers for the families of Owen and Shane; may they rest in peace. This is a dark day for motorsport."
Jenner had shared an optimistic post on his Instagram earlier that day, posting an image of himself riding with the caption, "P13 yesterday, see what today brings," followed by another post stating, "Back on the Grid." These posts now serve as a haunting reminder of the excitement he felt just hours before the tragic events unfolded.
The loss of both riders has prompted a wave of tributes from within the racing community. Honda Racing, which had a team in the Supersport championship, released a statement saying, "The motorcycle community is tightly knit, and we share the profound sadness at the outcome of today’s accident at Oulton Park. Our thoughts are with the riders, their families, friends, team members, and the entire BSB paddock. We go through days like this as one community."
Mat Oxley, a former Isle of Man TT champion, reflected on the sorrowful day, stating, "There are times when you hate yourself for loving motorcycle racing, and this is one of them. RIP Owen Jenner & Shane Richardson, who lost their lives at Oulton today. Thoughts with their friends & loved ones & everyone involved in this horrific incident."
As investigations into the crash continue, Cheshire Police have confirmed they are looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident on behalf of the coroner. They stated, "Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May). Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries. Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled."
This tragic incident underscores the inherent dangers of motorcycle racing, a sport that brings with it both thrilling highs and devastating lows. The community mourns the loss of two promising talents, and as the investigation unfolds, many will be left reflecting on the risks that accompany their passion for the sport.
As the dust settles on this tragic event, the focus remains on the families of Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson, who now face the unimaginable loss of their loved ones. The motorcycle racing community stands together in solidarity, honoring the lives of these two riders and vowing to remember them in the days to come.
