Within just seconds after the green flag waved for the start of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race, 11 bikes were consumed in a horrific accident coming out of Turn 1. Of the 11 riders involved, one currently stands in critical condition, while two others were fatally injured.
The race — part of a support series to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship — happened Monday at Oulton Park. Immediately following the "chain reaction incident" as the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board (MCRCB) and MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) called it in their statement, the race was stopped to allow medical services to deploy and aid riders who were involved.
Of those riders, was 29-year-old Shane Richardson (#28 Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki) who was treated trackside, according to the release, and eventually rushed to Royal Stoke University Hospital nearby, where he died en route. Owen Jenner, 21, (#86 Rapid Honda) was also initially treated trackside and at the circuit's medical center for a "catastrophic head injury," but medics were unable to resuscitate him.
Currently in critical condition at Royal Stoke University Hospital is rider of the #21 SRG Specialist Risk Group Ducati, Tom Tunstall, 47, was also treated trackside before being rushed to emergency where he is being treated for "significant back and abdominal injuries."
According to the release from MSVR, five of the 11 riders involved were treated for minor injuries and released from the circuit medical center, the other three riders were uninjured.
The incident is currently under full investigation, according to the statement released by the MSVR and MCRCB, who further states they are working with the coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.
The Supersport Championship typically consists of 600cc motorcycles — a bit smaller than what the Superbike class would ride. The support series has been an important stepping stone for riders like Cal Crutchlow, Tom Sykes, Jonathan Rea, and twin riders Sam and Alex Lowes.
