Tragedy Strikes British Supersport Championship as Two Riders Lose Their Lives

A horrific accident took place at Oulton Park during the first race of the 2025 British Supersport Championship. Two racers, Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson, died in an 11-cycle crash. The crash occurred on the opening lap as riders left turn one. This is one tragic beginning to a new racing season.

Owen Jenner, 21, was on the Rapid Honda team. On the other side of the paddock, Shane Richardson, 29, raced for the Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki team. Race director Stuart Higgs described the crash as a “major chain reaction.” He called it “extreme and unprecedented.” The race was stopped on the spot after the crash and eventually called off.

Of all the injured in the crash, Tom Tunstall, 47, suffered the most severe injuries and needed immediate trauma surgery. He was treated initially on-board before being transported to the circuit medical centre. Luckily the other participators in the crash, including Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker and George Edwards were all uninjured. A number of other unarmed marchers like Carl Harris and Max Morgan were treated for their injuries at the local medical centre.

Shane Richardson was given and required immediate treatment track side. He was subsequently taken by helicopter ambulance to the circuit medical centre and transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with serious chest injuries. His plight underscores the gravity of the collision that marred what had otherwise been a terrific opening to the first ever racing Le Mans.

MSVR and the Motorcycle Racing Control Board announced they are “investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.” This inquiry aims to identify what led to this avoidable loss of life. It has brought the entire motor racing community to mourning.

The Oulton Park event serves as an outstanding pre-race for the principal British Superbike championship. It’s one that fans and teams alike look forward to every year. The loss of two talented riders has cast a shadow over what should have been an exhilarating season opener.