‘Gentlemen’ bike racers killed in 11-rider pileup were ‘set to be the next big thing’
Tributes have flooded in for two motorcycle racers who died after an 11-bike pileup at a British Supersport Championship event.
British star Owen Jenner, 21, and New Zealand’s Shane Richardson, 29, were both fatally injured when a crash shortly after the start of the race at Oulton Park.
It’s thought Owen had been celebrating his dad’s birthday on the day of the race, paying tribute to the ‘old boy’ on social media.
‘Wouldn’t be where I am without him and I know he wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else on his special day,’ he wrote, sharing a picture of the pair celebrating one of Owen’s previous wins.
Motorsport photographer Darren Oliver-Jones wrote online: ‘Owen was a very special young man, who for those of you who know me, I felt he would be British BSB Champion one day.
‘Owen was a wonderful friend who always made me laugh and had such an incredible outlook on his racing. I am devastated.’
Jeremy Mahot added: ‘Young man, not sure what to say. You made time for others when you didn’t have to!
‘This is a terrible day. You will be missed. I feel for all of your family right now. And I am angry that this happened. It shouldn’t have!’
The racing star was treated trackside and taken to the circuit’s medical centre but succumbed to a ‘catastrophic head injury’, the racepark’s management said.
Shane, who suffered severe chest injuries, received the same treatment and was sent off to Royal Stoke University Hospital but died on the way.
Paying tribute, Nick Redline said: ‘Godspeed Shane M Richardson. You are an amazing talent and heck of a nice guy.’
Kate Buchanan added: ‘Our racing family is devastated to lose on of our best and my heart breaks for Hannah James, Maddie and Max.
‘Shane’s legacy lives on in each of you and all those who knew and loved him.’
Steve Wilf Moore wrote: ‘Our best day of racing has turned to the worst imaginable.
‘If you ever spent any time with Owen Jenner then you will feel the same terrible loss we do.
‘RIP Shane M Richardson, such a gentleman you could barely think he was such a racer.
‘Truly awful day for everyone.’
A third rider, 47-year-old Tom Tunstall, is being treated at the hospital for ‘significant back and abdominal injuries’.
Five other riders were treated for minor injuries at Oulton Park’s medical centre.
Cheshire Police is investigating the deaths on behalf of the coroner, alongside two motoring bodies involved in the race.
The force 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 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.’
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