TWO riders have tragically passed away after a horror crash in the opening round of the British Superbikes Championship.

Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson have both died as a result of their injuries.

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Two riders have sadly died after a crash at Oulton ParkCredit: Alamy
A statement from the British Superbike Championship confirmed the sad news and it read: “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.

“This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.

“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.

“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 #9 Carl Harris, #39 Max Morgan, #48 Cameron Hall, #78 Freddie Barnes, #95 Morgan McLaren-Wood.

“Three further riders were also involved but were uninjured. These riders were #25 Lewis Jones, #37 Corey Tinker and #90 George Edwards.”

The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing have launched an investigation.

Worried British Superbikes chief Stuart Higgs called the crash a “severe and catastrophic incident” before the fatalities were confirmed.

Police have launched an investigation into the deaths of two young motorcyclists who were tragically killed during a horrific crash at a British Superbikes event.

Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, lost their lives following a devastating multi-bike collision that saw 11 riders go down at the very first turn of Monday’s race at Oulton Park.

The shocking scenes, captured live on television, showed one rider lose control exiting Turn One – Old Hall Corner – before skidding across the tarmac and into the path of other competitors.

What followed was a terrifying chain reaction, with multiple bikes piling into each other and even one catching fire as medics rushed to the scene.

Emergency services and trackside medical personnel were deployed immediately, but despite their best efforts, the injuries sustained by Jenner and Richardson proved fatal. The rest of the event was cancelled.

Now Cheshire Constabulary have confirmed that an investigation into the crash is underway, in coordination with the Coroner and racing authorities.

Owen Jenner (above) and Shane Richardson, 29, lost their lives following a devastating multi-bike collision that saw 11 riders go down at the very first turn of Monday’s race at Oulton Park

Shane Richardson, 29. The shocking scenes, captured live on television, showed one rider lose control exiting Turn One

Emergency services and trackside medical personnel were deployed immediately, but despite their best efforts, the injuries sustained by Jenner and Richardson proved fatal

‘Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon – Monday 5 May,’ a police spokesperson said.

‘Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.

‘Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled. The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29).

‘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 Police.’

British ace Jenner had been riding for Rapid Honda, while New Zealander Richardson was competing for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki.

Fellow competitor Tom Tunstall, 47, also suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital.

Five other riders were treated at the circuit medical centre for minor injuries that did not require further hospitalisation.

And three more riders were involved in the crash but escaped uninjured.

British ace Jenner (above) had been riding for Rapid Honda

New Zealander Richardson was competing for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki (above)

Several friends and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to Jenner and Richardson.

One person wrote: ‘Owen Jenner was one of the nicest lads you could ever meet, heaps of personality and always down for a laugh.

‘Going to miss you mate x.’

Another said: ‘Today I lost my team mate, words cant explain how I feel right now I’m absolutely devastated that I won’t see your smile again.

‘You have been there for me over the years and been an amazing team mate and turned into more of an older brother to me! The awning will never be the same we’ve lost a massive part of us all today were all lost.

‘Keep smiling up there you will always be with me Owen Jenner #86.’

While a third added: ‘You were a baby brother from another mother & you could make me laugh hard. I can’t express just how much I’m gonna miss you, your smile & all your goofing around. R.I.P & ride with the clouds now baby bro. xx’

A fourth wrote: ‘In disbelief another classmate is gone too soon. Shane Richardson you will truly be missed your sense of humor and natural gift for making us laugh won’t be forgotten. Sending heartfelt prayers of comfort and peace to your family Shan Doe during this difficult time. Rest in power.’

In a now chilling post, Kiwi Richardson had even posted on social media himself just moments before the race to express how excited he was to get going, as he captioned a video of him in his gear: ‘Race 2 ready, let’s go!’

The 29-year-old also often shared photos of his young children.

In a heartbreaking statement, MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) confirmed the deaths: ‘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.

Eleven different riders were involved in the incident at the first turn of the race

Richardson (left) and Jenner (right). Now Cheshire Constabulary have confirmed that an investigation into the crash is underway, in coordination with the Coroner and racing authorities

Jenner pictured on track during a race last October died of a ‘catastrophic’ head injury (left) and Richardson is pictured in action during the National Superstock 600 Championship in 2019 (right)

‘Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.

‘This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.’

Jenner was treated at the track before being taken to the circuit’s medical centre, where he sadly succumbed to what was described as a ‘catastrophic head injury.’

‘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,’ the statement read.

Richardson was also treated at the scene before being airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries, but heartbreakingly, he passed away before arriving.

‘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.’