Two riders lose their lives in horror multi-bike collision during the 2025 British Supersport opener
A tragic multi-bike collision during the opening lap of the British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park has resulted in the deaths of two riders and left several more injured, casting a somber tone over the start of the 2025 racing season. The incident, labelled a “catastrophic” chain-reaction crash involving 11 motorcycles, occurred at the exit of the first corner during Monday’s feature race, which marked the season opener. Broadcast live on television and running in support of the premier Superbike Championship, the race was immediately red-flagged following the crash and subsequently called off.
British racer Owen Jenner, aged 21, and Shane Richardson, a 29-year-old father of two from New Zealand, were both tragically lost in the collision. Organisers confirmed that Jenner died from a catastrophic head injury, despite receiving emergency care trackside and continuing resuscitation at the circuit’s medical centre. Richardson was initially stabilised at the scene but succumbed to severe chest trauma while being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Among the injured was veteran rider Tom Tunstall, 47, who remains in hospital with serious back and abdominal injuries.
Several other competitors sustained injuries during the crash, including Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, and Morgan McLaren-Wood, all of whom suffered minor harm. Riders Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker, and George Edwards escaped without injury.
In an official statement, the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board (MCRCB) and MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) confirmed that the full circumstances of the accident are under investigation, in cooperation with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.
Richardson, who proudly competed with the New Zealand flag on his No. 28 Suzuki and finished ninth in the previous season’s championship, had secured 11th place in Sunday’s opening race. His death is a significant loss for New Zealand motorsport, coming just two years after fellow Kiwi Damon Rees passed away.
Australian reigning Supersport champion Ben Currie, who narrowly avoided the incident, shared his sorrow: “Hard to put into words what happened today. Gutted for everyone involved. Two of our finest men lost to the sport we love. Thoughts are with all that are involved. RIP boys.”
Fellow competitor Freddie Barnes, posting from hospital, reflected the paddock’s heartbreak: “My condolences go out to Owen and Shane’s family and friends. I’m absolutely devastated… ride on in paradise boys.”
The emotional impact of the crash has resonated deeply within the motorsport community, prompting an outpouring of tributes.
Rider TJ Toms posted: “Two lads I feel absolutely privileged to call mates… My heart, love and thoughts go out to OJ’s family and to Hanna and Shane’s little family. Thank you for all our memories boys.”
Joe Sheldon-Shaw added his tribute: “Had some great races with both these lads, and a lot of laughs off the track with OJ. Heartbreaking day today… The paddock won’t be the same without them.”
Despite the grief, the Supersport Championship is scheduled to continue in two weeks at Donington Park. As the motorsport world mourns, it does so with heavy hearts—united in remembrance of two riders taken far too soon.
