OWEN JENNER and Shane Richardson have tragically died following a huge crash at a British Superbikes event at Oulton Park.
Jenner, 21, and Richardson, 29, were involved in a horrific incident which saw 11 riders fall on turn one of the Bank Holiday Monday race.
The Cheshire event was subsequently abandoned as medical staff were deployed.
In an official statement, MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) confirmed the awful news that both Jenner and Richardson had passed away in the crash, which police are now investigating.
The statement began: “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.
“Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.
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“This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.”
On Jenner, the statement went on: “Owen Jenner (21) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where despite further resuscitation treatment, he died from a catastrophic head injury.”
Then on father-of-two Richardson – who posted a heartbreaking video just hours before the tragedy – it added: “Shane Richardson (29) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. He died prior to arrival.”
British ace Jenner had been riding for Rapid Honda, while New Zealander Richardson was competing for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki.
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Fellow rider Tom Tunstall sustained serious injuries in the crash.
The statement continued: “Tom Tunstall (47) was initially treated on the track and was taken to the circuit medical centre, he was later transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.
“A further five riders were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries, which did not require transfer to hospital. These riders were #9 Carl Harris, #39 Max Morgan, #48 Cameron Hall, #78 Freddie Barnes, #95 Morgan McLaren-Wood.
“Three further riders were also involved but were uninjured. These riders were #25 Lewis Jones, #37 Corey Tinker and #90 George Edwards.
“The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.
“Further statements will be issued when available.”
Monday’s event was part of the opening weekend of this year’s British Superbikes season.
The campaign runs for eight rounds prior to entering three further “showdown” events.
Several fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Jenner and Richardson.
One wrote: “I’m am truly shocked. I am so sorry to everyone involved the riders, the teams, the families, the Marshalls, the medics, the fans who were there.”
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While a second posted: “Thoughts and prayers for the families of Owen and Shane, may they rest in peace. This is a dark day for motorsport.”
And another added: “A terrible day for our sport. My heart goes out to the families of both Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson. Our sport can be cruel but our community uplifting. Like those that have gone before, they shall never be forgotten. Rest in peace.”
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
