Tragedy Strikes Oulton Park: Two Young Riders, Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner, Tragically Killed in Devastating British Supersport Pile-Up During First Lap

OULTON PARK, ENGLAND (May 6, 2025) — A tragic accident at Oulton Park on Monday, May 5, 2025, has left the motorsport world reeling as two riders lost their lives in a catastrophic first-lap pile-up during the British Supersport Championship race. The incident, which involved 11 riders in a devastating collision coming out of the first corner, has prompted an official investigation and left fans, fellow competitors, and loved ones mourning the untimely loss of two promising athletes.

The fatal crash took place on a busy track at Oulton Park in North West England, as the riders were heading into the first lap of the race. The massive collision resulted in 11 bikes being involved, causing chaos and leading to an immediate halt of the race. Event organizers decided to cancel the race, and medical personnel were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

Shane Richardson’s Final Moments

Among the victims was 29-year-old Shane Richardson, a rider from New Zealand who was well-loved in the racing community. Richardson had shared his excitement on social media just hours before the fatal crash. In a heart-wrenching video posted to his Instagram, Richardson spoke about his anticipation for the race, expressing his eagerness to be “in the mix” and hoping to perform well. Tragically, this would be his last post, and just hours later, he was involved in the fatal pile-up.

Richardson was rushed to Royal Stoke University Hospital after being treated on-site for severe chest injuries. Despite efforts to stabilize him, he was pronounced dead before arriving at the hospital, leaving a devastated community in his wake. Fellow riders, fans, and colleagues have expressed their disbelief and sorrow, with many sharing tributes to his talent and his kind, vibrant personality.

Owen Jenner and the Loss of a Rising Star

In addition to Richardson, 21-year-old Owen Jenner was also killed in the tragic incident. Jenner suffered catastrophic head injuries and was pronounced dead at the track’s medical center despite the best efforts of medical staff. The news of his passing has shaken the motorsport community, particularly those who knew him as a rising star with incredible potential.

Jenner’s tragic loss has left family, friends, and fellow competitors devastated. Like Richardson, Jenner was a well-regarded rider, and his death has raised awareness of the dangers faced by professional motorsport athletes, highlighting the high-risk nature of the sport.

The Impact of the Tragedy

This heart-wrenching crash is one of the deadliest in recent motorsport history and has cast a shadow over the entire British Supersport Championship. The loss of these two young riders has led to an outpouring of grief from fans and riders alike. On social media, messages of support and condolences have flooded in for their families, teammates, and the wider racing community.

The race was subsequently canceled as officials, medical teams, and investigators worked to assess the situation and prevent further incidents. Tom Tunstall, another rider involved in the crash, sustained serious back and abdominal injuries and is currently in the hospital in critical condition. The other riders involved in the collision, though shaken, have been reported to be in stable condition.

The devastating nature of this incident has prompted organizers to reevaluate safety protocols and consider ways to prevent such tragedies in the future. The British Supersport Championship, like many motorsport events worldwide, has a long history of thrilling races, but incidents like these remind everyone of the inherent dangers of the sport.

Shane Richardson’s Legacy

In his final post before the crash, Richardson shared his excitement for the race and his love for the sport. “I’m looking forward to the race and hope to be in the mix,” he had said. His words now serve as a bittersweet reminder of the passion and dedication he had for his craft, and his tragic death has left a void in the hearts of fans and fellow riders alike.

Richardson’s death, along with Jenner’s, serves as a somber reflection on the risks faced by athletes in high-speed motorsports. Fans, family, and teammates are left to mourn the loss of two talented young riders whose lives were cut short while pursuing their passion.

A Community Mourns

As the motorsport community grieves, many have turned to social media and public tributes to honor the lives and legacies of Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner. The British Supersport Championship has also announced plans for memorials in their honor during upcoming events, ensuring that their contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.

The investigation into the crash continues, with race officials, law enforcement, and safety experts working to understand what led to the tragedy and prevent similar accidents in the future. As the families of Richardson and Jenner mourn their loss, the wider motorsport community has come together to support them during this incredibly difficult time.

The legacy of these two riders will undoubtedly live on, both in the hearts of those who knew them and in the sport they loved so much.