Round three of the British Supersport Championship at Oulton Park saw one of the most catastrophic racing crashes in recent history. As the riders exited turn one on the first lap, there was a major chain reaction incident in which Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29) were fatally injured.
The race was the Supersport Championship, which is a support class to the main British Superbike series, was halted after the pileup, and the series director, Stuart Higgs, canceled the event soon after.
Jenner was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where, despite further resuscitation treatment, he unfortunately died from a catastrophic head injury. 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.
Sadly, he died prior to arrival.
A total of 11 riders were involved in the crash, and one is still in critical condition. 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. Another five riders were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries, but weren't required to go to the hospital.
A further three riders were involved in the accident but didn't suffer any 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 Constabulary.
A statement from the Cheshire police read, "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."
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of all the riders who were involved in this tragic incident.
