Explainers

OWEN JENNER sadly passed away after a devastating crash at a British Superbikes event at Oulton Park. The 21-year-old was involved in an 11-man ‘chain reaction’ collision after the first turn of Monday’s race in Cheshire, killing him and fellow rider Shane Richardson. Owen Jenner tragically died in Monday’s awful incidentCredit: https://x.com/everythingmraceOwen, from East Sussex, raced for Rapid Honda and became British GP2 champion in 2024 after winning 18 out of 20 races.Rapid Honda has previously said: “Owen has impressed us all at Rapid Honda over recent seasons and his career is on a clear ascendancy. “He should be a title challenger in British Supersport in 2025.”What happened to Owen Jenner?The incident happened at the first turn when one rider lost control and skidded across the tarmac into another, resulting in a ‘chain reaction’ crash. Read More in SportOne bike caught fire within the pile-up, which saw medics race onto the track before the event was abandoned. Owen, racing under number 86, initially received immediate medical attention trackside before being rushed to the circuit’s medical centre. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Owen passed away due to a “catastrophic head injury”. New Zealander Shane Richardson, 29, also died as a result of the crash while fellow Brit Tom Tunstall was taken to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries. Most read in MotorsportFive other riders were treated for minor injuries but did not require additional medical assistance. In an official statement, MotorSport Vision Racing, who are responsible for circuit operations at Oulton Park, confirmed the heartbreaking news about Shane and Owen’s passing. It read: “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.”This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.”Fellow British Superbike rider Glenn Irwin posted on social media to pay tribute to Owen and Shane.He said: “Owen you were always smiling, just a young kid chasing your dream and having fun along the way.“Shane, I didn’t know you personally but watching videos and photos of you and your little family I can see how much of an amazing dad and partner that you are along with being a top rider.”Rest in peace boys – life can be so so cruel. We will continue to offer support to your families in the coming times ahead, my thoughts go to the entire British Superbike team of organisers, Marshals, medics and the wider community.”Isle of Man TT race winner and British Superbike rider Peter Hickman said: “Gutted beyond belief. Our sport can be so cruel sometimes. “My thoughts are with all the families of everyone involved in that tragic accident yesterday. Ride in peace boys.”National Superstock rider Kam Dixon said he “lost a brother today”.“There really wasn’t anyone like our OJ [Owen Jenner]. This kid was such a talent and will always be in my heart, he was the best mate.“Not many people can say they have won three British Championships. Love you mate.”Why is Owen Jenner’s death being investigated by police?An investigation has been launched by Cheshire Police following the tragic crash. Cheshire Police said: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon.“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.“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 Police.”Owen Jenner’s racing historyOwen had a prolific racing career, being crowned Superstock champion in 2020 and 2023. Read More on The SunThe Brit also became GP2 champion in 2024, winning the title with 18 wins out of 20 race finishes. The 21-year-old was predicted by many, including his team – Rapid Honda, to reach the top of British Superbikes. More

SHANE RICHARDSON tragically died following a horrific crash at a British Superbikes event at Oulton Park.The 29-year-old was involved in a fatal collision which saw 11 riders fall on turn one of the bank holiday Monday race in Cheshire.The New Zealander was racing for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki, having moved to the UK in 2019. Shane finished ninth in last year’s British Supersport Championship having previously been crowned New Zealand rider of the year. The Wellington native is survived by his wife Hannah and two children.Tragically, just hours before the race, Shane posted a clip from an interview on his Instagram about his excitement for race day.READ MORE IN SPORTHe said: “Sprint race was good. Bad start, went backwards quite a few positions.”But we managed to figure it out, get some good consistent pace going, matching the times with a few of the boys ahead of us.”So yeah, looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully get a better start and be a bit more in the mix.”What happened to Shane Richardson?The incident happened at the first turn when one rider lost control and skidded across the tarmac into another, resulting in a ‘chain reaction’ crash. Most read in MotorsportOne bike caught fire within the pile-up, which saw medics race onto the track before the event was abandoned. Shane was initially treated trackside before being taken to the medical centre with “severe chest injuries”. He passed away while being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital. British rider Owen Jenner, 21, also passed away as a result of the crash, while fellow Brit Tom Tunstall was taken to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries. A further five riders were treated for minor injuries but did not require additional medical assistance. In an official statement, MotorSport Vision Racing, who are responsible for circuit operations at Oulton Park, confirmed the heartbreaking news about Shane and Owen’s passing. It read: “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.”This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.”Fellow Kiwi rider, Morgan McLaren-Wood, sustained minor injuries in the crash and took to social media to pay tribute.He said: “Struggling to find the words for what happened today. “Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.”Motorcycling New Zealand president Michael McLeod explained how the incident has rocked their community. He told the Herald: “It’s a tragic shock to the motorcycle racing community in New Zealand because he’s such a well-respected competitor and mentor to a lot of young up-and-coming riders that are now competing in Europe and England as well.“He was a fantastic guy, he’d always stop and have a chat. He’s a real nice bloke and it’s a real shame.”Honda Racing, who compete in the SuperSport championship, said: “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.”Why is Shane Richardson’s death being investigated by police?An investigation has been launched by Cheshire Police following the tragic crash. Cheshire Police said: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon.“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.“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 Police.”Shane Richardson’s racing historyShane started his racing career in New Zealand taking part in the Suzuki Series and Cemetery Circuit but quickly took his talents abroad. Read More on The SunHe went on to compete in the US winning the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 race in 2018. The success Shane found led to him moving permanently to the UK where he began competing in British Superbikes racing in 2019. More