'Catastrophic accident': Race called off after two Superbike riders die in horror crash
Two motorbike riders died and another suffered significant injuries during a British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park.
English rider Owen Jenner, aged 21, and New Zealand rider Shane Richardson, 29, were fatally injured in an 11-bike crash at the first corner of the opening lap.
Tom Tunstall, 47, was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.
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Five other riders were treated at the track for minor injuries, while three more escaped unharmed.
The Superbikes event was called after the crash on the first corner of the race. YouTube
Organisers MotorSport Vision Racing said “a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling” was a “catastrophic accident,” and cancelled the rest of the British Superbike Championship event.
"At the start of this afternoon's Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.
"Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.
Eleven riders in total were involved in the crash. YouTube
"This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries."
The statement continued: "Owen Jenner (21) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where despite further resuscitation treatment, he died from a catastrophic head injury.
"Shane 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. He died prior to arrival."
Several riders slid into each other after the initial crash. YouTube
Fellow rider Tom Tunstall sustained serious injuries in the crash.
"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.
"A further five riders were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries, which did not require transfer to hospital. These riders were Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, Morgan McLaren-Wood.
"Three further riders were also involved but were uninjured. These riders were Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker and George Edwards.
"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.
First responders extinguish a fire. YouTube
"Further statements will be issued when available."
Supporters of the sport, expressed their dismay online.
"I'm am truly shocked. I am so sorry to everyone involved the riders, the teams, the families, the Marshalls, the medics, the fans who were there," one wrote.
A second posted: "Thoughts and prayers for the families of Owen and Shane, may they rest in peace. This is a dark day for motorsport."
Another added: "A terrible day for our sport. My heart goes out to the families of both Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson. Our sport can be cruel but our community uplifting. Like those that have gone before, they shall never be forgotten. Rest in peace."
