The British Superbike Championship was plunged into mourning on Monday, 5 May 2025, after a catastrophic 11-bike crash at Oulton Park claimed the lives of two young riders and left several others injured. The motorsport community is reeling from the loss of Owen Jenner, aged 21, and Shane Richardson, aged 29, who both suffered fatal injuries during the opening lap of the British Superbike Championship race.
The horrifying incident occurred at Old Hall Corner, just seconds after the race began. What was supposed to be an exciting round of the British Superbike Championship quickly turned into a nightmare, as a chain-reaction crash involving 11 riders unfolded on the first corner.
A Chain Reaction with Catastrophic Consequences
As the pack exited the first corner, multiple bikes became entangled in a devastating pile-up. The severity of the crash forced race officials to immediately red-flag the race. Medical teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, the damage was already irreversible.
In a statement, MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), the event organizers, confirmed the tragic loss:
“Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the British Superbike Championship event was cancelled. This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.”
Remembering the Fallen Riders
Owen Jenner, just 21 years old, was considered a rising star in British motorcycling. Having shown great promise in recent seasons, his sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the racing world.
Shane Richardson, 29, was an experienced rider and beloved figure in the paddock. Both men were passionate about the sport and known for their courage, commitment, and character on and off the track.
The British Superbike Championship has always carried inherent risk, but such a tragic loss underlines the bravery of those who compete.
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Injuries and Hospitalizations
In addition to the two fatalities, Tom Tunstall, 47, was also seriously injured in the incident. He was initially treated at the track’s medical center before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries. His condition remains under close observation.
Five other riders — Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, and Morgan McLaren-Wood — were also taken to the medical center for treatment of minor injuries. Fortunately, Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker, and George Edwards, who were also involved in the incident, escaped unharmed.
Despite the prompt response of the track’s medical teams, the British Superbike Championship round was cancelled out of respect for the victims and to allow a full investigation into the events that unfolded.
An Ongoing Investigation
MSVR confirmed that the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board is now conducting a thorough investigation, alongside Cheshire Constabulary and the local coroner. Every detail of the crash will be reviewed, from footage to mechanical inspections, in an effort to understand what went wrong and prevent such a disaster from occurring again.
The statement from MSVR added:
“The British Superbike Championship community is heartbroken. Our thoughts are with the families, teams, and friends of those affected.”
A Community in Mourning
Tributes have poured in from across the British Superbike Championship world. Fans, fellow riders, and teams have expressed their sorrow and shared memories of Jenner and Richardson.
Social media platforms have seen an outpouring of grief and support, with many calling for enhanced safety measures in the wake of the tragedy. While motorbike racing has always involved risk, such incidents raise important questions about track safety, race procedures, and equipment standards.
A Somber Reminder of Motorsport’s Risks
The British Superbike Championship, one of the UK’s most prestigious two-wheel competitions, has built a loyal following due to its thrilling, high-speed action and talented roster of riders. But Monday’s events at Oulton Park were a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in a sport where precision and danger go hand in hand.
For now, the focus is on supporting the grieving families and ensuring that those injured receive the best possible care. As investigations continue, riders and fans alike will be reflecting on a weekend that no one will soon forget.
