Two riders died in a massive crash during the British Superbike Championship.

Owen Jenner, 21 years old, and Shane Richardson, 29, died after a massive chain-reaction crash involving 11 riders during a British Superbike Championship competition. The tragic episode occurred this Monday at Oulton Park Circuit (Cheshire, United Kingdom), at the first corner of the first lap of the race corresponding to the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, an event that was part of the season's opening weekend.

According to a statement by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), the accident occurred at Old Hall corner and was initiated by an initial fall that led to a massive crash. The race was immediately halted and shortly after, canceled due to the severity of the incident. "The catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in the death of two riders and significant injuries to another," the organization stated.

Jenner, a British rider for the Rapid Honda team, suffered a fatal head injury. He was attended to on the track and then transported to the circuit's medical center, where he died despite medical efforts. The young man had achieved several titles in his career, such as the 2018 Team Green, the 2020 British Junior Supersport Championship, the 2023 Junior Superstock, and the 2024 British GP2.

Richardson, originally from New Zealand and representing the Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki team, suffered severe chest injuries. Although he was initially treated on-site and then transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital,he died before arriving.Father of two children, he had shared a video on social media just hours before the accident.

The president of Motorcycling New Zealand, Michael McLeod, expressed to the New Zealand Herald that Richardson's death "is a tragic shock for the motorcycle racing community in New Zealand because he is a highly respected competitor and a mentor to many promising young riders who are now also competing in Europe and England." He also added that the New Zealander was "a fantastic guy" who "had found his comfort zone" in the British series, where, from his perspective, "he was very good at his craft."

Meanwhile, young New Zealand rider Cormac Buchanan also dedicated a few words after hearing the news: "Not only were you a super talented racer, but also a down-to-earth person off it... You were someone I could look up to and learn from, and I'm very lucky to have had your guidance in my first year in Europe. I always ride with you, thank you for everything Shane."

Among those involved in the crash is also Tom Tunstall (47), who remains hospitalized with back and abdominal injuries. Five other riders sustained minor injuries and were assisted without needing hospitalization: Carl Harris (#9), Max Morgan (#39), Cameron Hall (#48), Freddie Barnes (#78), and Morgan McLaren-Wood (#95). Three other competitors (Lewis Jones[#25], Corey Tinker (#37), and George Edwards[#90]) were unharmed.

MSVR confirmed that both the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and Cheshire police are conducting a joint investigation into the causes of the accident, in collaboration with the local coroner's office. New reports are expected to be published as the process progresses.