Police are investigating the deaths of two motorcycle racers after a crash involving 11 bikes on the opening lap of a British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park on Monday.
Such was the severity of the accident and the level of medical intervention required that the rest of the meeting – the opening round of the British Superbikes Championship season – was abandoned.
The crash happened at the exit of Old Hall Corner on the first lap as one bike highsided on the exit kerb, and the riders immediately behind were unable to take evasive action.
Rapid Honda rider Owen Jenner, 21, from Crowborough, East Sussex, was treated at the scene and transferred to Oulton Park’s medical centre, where he was declared dead with “massive head injuries”, according to a statement from circuit operator Motorsport Vision.
Astro Suzuki rider Shane Richardson, 29, from Wainuiomata in New Zealand, received severe chest injuries and, despite treatment at the scene, died on his way to Royal Stoke University hospital.
Privateer Tom Tunstall, 47, was also taken to hospital with what MSV described as “significant back and abdominal injuries”. Five other riders – Freddie Barnes, Cameron Hall, Carl Harris, Morgan McLaren-Wood and Max Morgan - were taken to the track’s medical centre with injuries which ultimately did not require hospital treatment.
Supersport is the category immediately below Superbikes in the production motorcycle racing ladder, allowing engines between 400cc and one litre on a sliding scale depending on the number of cylinders.
The key differentiator between the two categories is that Supersport bikes are much closer to standard production machines. The British championship also permits Moto2 bikes, running at the same time but classified separately.
"Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon,” said Cheshire Police in a statement.
"Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries."
The Rapid Honda team said in a statement: "Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and teams of Owen during this unimaginably difficult time, and to those of Shane Richardson, who also sadly lost his life.
"Our thoughts are also with Tom Tunstall and his family, as he continues to receive medical care. Losing two talented riders is a huge loss to the entire motorsport community."
Hippo, sponsor of the Astro Suzuki team, said: "As was his way, Shane made instant friends with everyone he met – always welcoming, giving every visitor his undivided attention. He brought a love of his sport into life for all to see."
