A tragic start to the 2025 British Superbikes season unfolded on Monday at Oulton Park as two riders lost their lives in a horrific 11-bike crash during the British Supersport Championship race.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, were fatally injured in what Motorsport Vision Racing (MSVR) described as a “major chain reaction” incident exiting turn one on the opening lap. The race was immediately red-flagged and later cancelled.
British rider Jenner, of Rapid Honda, died at the circuit medical centre after suffering a catastrophic head injury. New Zealander Richardson, racing for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki, succumbed to severe chest injuries en route to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Another competitor, Tom Tunstall, 47, sustained serious back and abdominal injuries and remains in hospital.
Series director Stuart Higgs called the incident “severe and catastrophic.” MSVR and the Motorcycle Racing Control Board have launched a full investigation in conjunction with Cheshire Constabulary and the Coroner.
Five other riders — Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, and Morgan McLaren-Wood — were treated for minor injuries. Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker, and George Edwards were also involved but escaped unharmed.
The crash overshadowed the opening weekend of the championship, which saw Bradley Ray and Leon Haslam claim victories in earlier races. The Supersport Championship, a feeder class to the British Superbike series, was meant to be a celebration of high-speed talent but ended in heartbreak.
The remaining races in the series are now under review.
