Police have launched an investigation after two riders died in a “catastrophic” crash at a British Superbikes championship race.
A total of 11 racers were involved in the crash on the first corner of Oulton Park in Cheshire, prompting the race to be immediately stopped and medical services deployed, organisers said.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, were treated for their injuries but later died, organisers MotorSport Vision Racing said.
Mr Jenner was treated trackside and taken to the medical centre, but died from a catastrophic head injury despite resuscitation attempts.
Mr Richardson was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe injuries but died before arriving.
A third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, sustained “significant” back and abdominal injuries.
Cheshire Police are now investigating the deaths which took place early on in the race after they were called to the scene on Monday.
Five other riders with minor injuries were transferred to the medical centre and did not need to be taken to hospital.
Superbikes are highly modified vehicles, and the organisers said they are “both quick and powerful” with engines up to 200bhp (brake horsepower).
Mr Jenner became the 2024 British GP2 champion and was signed to Rapid Honda.
The British superbike team said the rider is from Crowborough, East Sussex, and won the GP2 title with 18 wins out of 20 race finishes.
It 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.”
New Zealand superbike racer Mr Richardson was in the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team sponsored by Hippo waste removal service.
Hippo announced it had renewed its partnership with Mr Richardson in April this year and published a statement from the rider who they said had transitioned from “crafting bespoke kitchens to competing on the UK’s premier racing circuits”.
New Zealand Hutt City councillor Brady Dyer said on Facebook his thoughts were with Mr Richardson’s friends and family.
“Shane was proud to be from Wainuiomata and was admired both locally and abroad for his skill and passion,” he said.
“This is a heartbreaking loss, and I know many in our community will be feeling it deeply.”
New Zealand motorcyclist Cormac Buchanan said Mr Richardson was one of the “best people I ever had the privilege of sharing the track with, not only a super talented rider but a down-to-earth person away from it”.
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.”
Disgraced former MP Mike Amesbury ‘disappointed but not surprised’ by Reform win
Police probe launched after two killed in superbike ‘chain reaction’ collision
Reform sweep to victory across councils in local elections
Conservatives and Labour lose ground to Reform in local elections
Parking companies ‘don’t want’ to ticket drivers, says industry head
Never-before-seen spy letters reveal GCHQ role in VE Day before end of war
