In a tragic turn of events at the British Superbikes event on Monday, May 5, 2025, two riders lost their lives following a catastrophic crash at Oulton Park in Cheshire. The incident occurred during the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race, resulting in an immediate red flag and the cancellation of the remainder of the day's events.
Owen Jenner, just 21 years old, succumbed to a catastrophic head injury despite receiving treatment trackside and at the circuit's medical center. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was unable to be resuscitated. Shane Richardson, aged 29, faced severe chest injuries after the crash and tragically died before reaching Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The crash involved a total of 11 riders, creating a harrowing scene that was captured on television. Reports indicate that the chaos began when one rider lost control coming out of the first turn, skidding across the track and colliding with another competitor. This led to a chain reaction that saw multiple bikes entangled in the pile-up, with one bike even catching fire amidst the wreckage.
Tom Tunstall, another participant in the race, was hospitalized with significant back and abdominal injuries after receiving initial treatment at the circuit medical center. Meanwhile, five other riders—Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, and Morgan McLaren-Wood—sustained minor injuries and were treated at the medical center but did not require hospital transfer. Fortunately, Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker, and George Edwards emerged from the incident unscathed.
Motor Sport Vision Racing (MSVR), the event organizers, released a statement detailing the severity of the incident. "At the start of this afternoon’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed," the statement read.
Due to the extreme severity of the crash and the ongoing medical intervention, the rest of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was canceled. Stuart Higgs, the Race Director, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "There was a severe and catastrophic incident coming off Turn 1 at the start of the British Supersport race. There were 11 riders involved, which naturally led to an immediate red flag and full medical response given the severity of the incident. The medical response is still technically ongoing, and as a result of that, we have confirmed that the event is now cancelled and there will be no more racing today."
The incident has prompted an investigation by the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary to understand the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
The 2025 British Superbikes Championship marks the 38th season of this prestigious motorcycle racing event, which first began in 1988. This year’s campaign consists of eight rounds before entering three additional 'showdown' events. The weekend had started on a high note, with Bradley Ray clinching victory in the opening race after starting from 14th on the grid. Leon Haslam also made headlines by securing his first British Superbike win since 2018 later that same day.
As the racing community mourns the loss of two promising riders, the focus now shifts to the investigation and the safety measures that need to be in place to prevent such tragedies in the future. The sport, known for its thrilling and high-speed action, faces a sobering reminder of the risks involved.
Fans, fellow competitors, and the entire motorsport community are left in shock, grappling with the reality of this devastating loss. The families of Jenner and Richardson are undoubtedly in the thoughts of many, as tributes pour in from across the racing world, honoring their contributions to the sport.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for the governing bodies of motorcycle racing to ensure that safety protocols are reviewed and reinforced. The tragic events at Oulton Park serve as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of motorsport, and the need for continuous improvement in safety measures to protect riders on the track.
With the British Superbikes season now marred by this tragedy, the focus will be on how the sport can learn and grow from this incident, ensuring that the legacy of Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson lives on, not just in memory but in the continued pursuit of safety and excellence within the sport.
