R.I.P. Shane Richardson, 1996-2025

MotoAmerica is saddened to report that former MotoAmerica Stock 1000 race winner Shane Richardson was one of two racers killed today (Monday) in a multi-bike, chain-reaction crash during a British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park in Cheshire, England. The New Zealander was 29 years old.

According to the promoters of the BSB Series, a chain-reaction incident involving 11 riders occurred on the first lap of the Supersport race. Richardson and Owen Jenner, 21, were fatally injured in the accident.

The incident resulted in the cancellation of the remaining scheduled races.

MotoAmerica fans will likely recall the fun-loving group of Kiwis that traveled in an old bus to the races in 2018, with Richardson doing the racing and his best mate Seth Devereux spinning the wrenches on the team’s Woolich Racing Kawasakis.

The highlight for the team during its stint in MotoAmerica was Richardson’s Stock 1000 victory at Road America on June 3, 2018.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends, and teammates of Richardson and Jenner as well as to Motorsport Vision Racing, the promoters of the British Superbike Series.

More, from a press release issued by British Superbike on Monday:

At the start of the 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.

#86 Owen Jenner

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.

#28 Shane Richardson

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.

#21 Tom Tunstall

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 are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.

Further statements will be issued when available.

More, from British Superbike:

MSVR Statement: BSB Medical team update – Tom Tunstall

We can confirm that Tom Tunstall has sustained a broken bone in his neck and is currently under the care of a team of specialists at the Royal Stoke Hospital. While his condition is serious, he is stable and receiving the best possible treatment.

Doctors are closely monitoring his progress and will determine in the coming days whether surgery will be necessary. At this time, a slow but hopefully full recovery is expected.