British Superbikes event ABANDONED as 11 riders caught in ‘severe & catastrophic’ crash that left one bike in flames
THE opening round of the British Superbikes Championship has been abandoned after a horror 11-bike crash.
One bike caught fire after the terrifying pile-up at the start of the Supersport Feature support race at Oulton Park this afternoon.
Coming out of the first turn, a rider lost control on the kerb and hit the deck.
He then skidded across the tarmac, accidentally wiping out one his rivals.
Others were unable to avoid the carnage, crashing into them as one rider went worryingly flying into the air.
Medics rushed to the scene as flames rapidly engulfed in circuit in Cheshire.
TV cameras cut away from the incident, sparking fears for the 11 men caught up in the smash.
A red flag brought the race to a stop and the entire event has now been axed due to the severity of the crash.
A statement from the British Superbike Championship read: “At the start of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one there was a major chain reaction incident involving 11 riders.
“The race was immediately stopped and medical services attended.
“Due to the extent of the incident and following medical interventions it will not be possible to continue the event and therefore the event is cancelled.
“MSVR will issue a further statement in due course.”
British Superbike chief Stuart Higgs called the crash a “severe and catastrophic incident”.
He told TNT Sports: “The medical response is technically still ongoing, and as a result of that, we have confirmed, and do confirm, that the event is now cancelled and there will be no more racing today.”
Organisers added that riders Carl Harris, Shane Richardson, Corey Tinker, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, Owen Jenner, George Edwards, Morgan McLaren-Wood, Tom Tunstall, Lewis Jones and Max Morgan were all brought down.
Worried fans wrote online: “Thoughts are with all those involved and affected.”
Another added: “Thoughts are very much with those riders seriously hurt and their families, but also to the whole paddock and race organisers, who dread these moments.”