The recent tragedy at the British Supersport Championship race held at Oulton Park has left the motorsport community in mourning. On May 5, 2025, a catastrophic collision involving eleven motorcycles claimed the lives of two riders, Owen Jenner, aged 21, and Shane Richardson, aged 29, who hailed from New Zealand. The unfortunate incident occurred on the race’s first lap as the riders navigated turn one, resulting in what has been described as a “major chain reaction.” The event was promptly halted, and shortly thereafter, series director Stuart Higgs termed the incident as “severe and catastrophic,” leading to the cancellation of the race.
Motorsport Vision Racing (MSVR), the organization in charge of circuit operations at the Oulton Park venue, issued a statement confirming that both Jenner and Richardson suffered fatal injuries due to the crash. It was conveyed that Owen Jenner initially received emergency treatment trackside before being transported to the medical center at the circuit, where he succumbed to a “catastrophic head injury” despite undergoing further resuscitation efforts. Meanwhile, Shane Richardson was treated at the track before being taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away before reaching the facility, reportedly due to severe chest injuries.
In addition to the two fatalities, the accident also left another rider, Tom Tunstall, aged 47, with significant injuries, including major back and abdominal trauma that required his transfer to the Royal Stoke University Hospital following initial treatment at the circuit. Meanwhile, other riders involved in the incident, including Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, and Morgan McLaren-Wood, were treated for minor injuries and were able to remain at the medical center for observation. Riders Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker, and George Edwards were also involved but remarkably did not sustain injuries.
In light of this tragic event, MSVR, along with the Motorcycle Racing Control Board, has announced that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. This inquiry will occur in collaboration with the Coroner and the Cheshire Constabulary to ascertain how such a devastating chain of events could unfold during the race.
The British Supersport Championship, a significant support class to the main British Superbike series, commenced its 2025 season at Oulton Park, a location steeped in motorsport history. The first round of the championship featured a mix of excitement and competition, as Bradley Ray crossed the finish line first in race one held the previous day. Leon Haslam notably secured his first win since 2018 during the sprint race on Monday before the tragic events unfolded.
This incident has reignited discussions within the motorsport community about safety regulations and measures in place to protect participants on the track. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on understanding the causes behind this horrific accident and ensuring that steps are taken to prevent future tragedies in motorcycle racing.
The heartfelt condolences of the motorsport fraternity extend to the families, friends, and loved ones of both Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson during this challenging time. The implications of this incident will resonate far and wide, not only impacting the immediate community at Oulton Park but also sparking conversations regarding safety improvements and risk mitigation in motorsport events across the globe.