Two motorcycle riders, Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, tragically died after sustaining “unsurvivable injuries” during a British Superbike Championship race on May 5 at Oulton Park in Tarporley, Cheshire, an inquest has revealed.
The incident unfolded at the first corner of the circuit, as Richardson over-accelerated approximately 300 meters from the start line during the British Supersport Championship race. He was thrown into the path of other competitors, and Jenner was unable to avoid a collision.
A coroner determined the deaths were accidental, noting that evidence indicated race organizers had adhered to all necessary procedures.
Jenner was pronounced dead at the scene from head injuries. Richardson succumbed to chest injuries roughly two hours later while being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Post-mortem examinations confirmed the severity of their injuries, deeming them “unsurvivable.”
Stuart Higgs, race director for Motor Sport Vision Racing, stated that the first corner, known as Old Hall corner, hadn’t been previously identified as a high-risk area and had never seen a fatality before. A total of 37 riders participated in the opening race of the 2025 season over the Bank Holiday weekend.
When questioned by Cheshire’s senior coroner, Jacqueline Devonish, about the inherent risks of the sport, Higgs responded, “Sadly it does.” He further explained that riders sign a formal declaration acknowledging the potential for injury or death.
PC Andrew Balmforth, a forensic collision investigator with Cheshire Police, confirmed that the racetrack itself presented no issues and that all required licenses and inspections were up to date. He added that the other riders involved were unable to avoid the collision.
Rising Stars and Shared Enthusiasm
Jenner, from Crowborough, East Sussex, had been involved in motorcycle racing since the age of six and was considered a promising talent, having secured three British championship titles across various classes. His father, Michael Jenner, shared that his son was “excited” to begin the race.
Hannah Wright, the long-term partner of New Zealander Richardson, described his lifelong passion for motorcycle racing, beginning at age four. She highlighted his successful international career and the “exceptional racing experience” he had accumulated.
Wright recalled a positive atmosphere before the race, stating, “Prior to the race we had a laugh and a banter in the garage with his team. Everybody was in great spirits that day. We even spoke about how we had such a good feeling for the season that year.”
Coroner Devonish concluded, “On the strength of the evidence we have heard I am satisfied those governing the race at Oulton Park that race weekend followed all required procedure, insofar as they had undertaken the annual inspections appropriately and they had required licences from their riders.”
