
Oulton Park Crash Today – Victims Named, Race Cancelled, Full Details
Two motorcycle racers have died following a catastrophic crash at Oulton Park in Cheshire during a British Supersport Championship race on Monday, May 5, 2025. The incident involved 11 riders and occurred at Old Hall corner during the first lap of the race, prompting the immediate cancellation of the entire Bennetts British Superbike Championship event weekend.
Emergency services responded to the scene at the North West circuit, where both riders were airlifted to hospital. The MotorSport Vision Racing governing body confirmed the deaths in an official statement, describing the incident as unprecedented in recent British racing history. Cheshire Police have begun investigations alongside the coroner’s office.
The crash was captured on live television broadcasts, with footage showing the chain-reaction pile-up that unfolded within seconds at the notorious corner. Racing officials immediately red-flagged the race, deploying medical teams trackside before the event was formally abandoned. Five additional riders received treatment for minor injuries at the circuit medical centre.
What happened in the Oulton Park crash today?
May 5, 2025 — Bank Holiday Monday
Owen Jenner (21), Shane Richardson (29)
Old Hall corner, lap 1, Oulton Park
Weekend cancelled, inquests opened
Key findings from the incident
- The crash occurred during the third race of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, a support category to the main Bennetts BSB event
- One rider lost control and skidding triggered a chain-reaction involving 11 competitors
- The race was red-flagged immediately, with medical teams deploying within seconds
- Six riders sustained injuries: one serious (Tom Tunstall) and five with minor injuries
- The entire BSB racing programme for the weekend was cancelled following the incident
- Cheshire Police are leading investigations alongside the coroner’s office
- No updated race schedule has been announced as investigations continue
| Victim | Age | Team | Injuries | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owen Jenner | 21 | Rapid Honda | Catastrophic head injury | Died at circuit |
| Shane Richardson | 29 | Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki | Severe chest injuries | Died en route to hospital |
| Tom Tunstall | 47 | SRG Specialist Risk Group Ducati | Back and abdominal injuries | Stable at hospital |
Owen Jenner was treated trackside and at the circuit medical centre but could not be saved despite resuscitation efforts. Shane Richardson was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital but died during transport. Tom Tunstall was transferred to the same hospital and later reported in stable condition.
Who died in the Oulton Park crash?
Owen Jenner — British GP2 Champion
Owen Jenner, aged 21, was the 2024 British GP2 champion with a remarkable record of 18 wins from 20 races during his title-winning season. The young rider came from Crowborough in East Sussex and was widely regarded as one of Britain’s most promising motorcycle racing talents. His team, Rapid Honda, expressed devastation in a statement and committed to supporting his family through the tragedy.
Born on May 15, 2004, Jenner had rapidly ascended through the racing ranks, earning recognition for his consistency and skill on two wheels. His death marks a significant loss for British motorsport at a time when many had anticipated his continued progression into senior championships.
Shane Richardson — New Zealand Racer
Shane Richardson, 29, was a New Zealand-born rider competing with the Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki team. Born in 1996, Richardson had built a reputation as a determined competitor with international racing experience. His passing adds to the growing list of fatalities in motorsport this year, with the New Zealand racing community now mourning another talented rider lost too soon.
Rapid Honda focused their official statement on providing support to Jenner’s family, naming family members Emma, Mick, Sam, and Tony as those receiving assistance during this devastating time.
Is there video of the Oulton Park crash?
Multiple videos documenting the incident have circulated online since the crash occurred. A 1 minute 15 second clip available on YouTube shows the aftermath of the crash, names the victims, and confirms the event cancellations. A separate 1 minute 16 second onboard footage captures the pile-up from a rider’s perspective, detailing the chain-reaction collision and subsequent injuries.
The crash was captured during live television coverage of the event, meaning viewers witnessed the incident unfold in real-time. A third video provides an update on Tom Tunstall’s condition alongside information about the Jenner and Richardson tragedy. Footage remains publicly accessible though viewers should be aware of the distressing nature of the content.
The available footage shows the crash aftermath and rider injuries. Families of those involved and viewers sensitive to motorsport incidents may wish to avoid this content.
What is the status of Oulton Park events today?
Following the fatal crash, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event at Oulton Park was formally abandoned. The MotorSport Vision Racing organisation confirmed in an official statement that all remaining races for the weekend would not take place, citing the severity of the incident as the reason for cancellation.
The circuit has not announced a replacement date for the affected races. According to current reports, no updated schedule has been published while investigations continue. Riders, teams, and spectators have been advised to monitor official channels for future announcements regarding rescheduled events. Двоє гонщиків загинули в жахливій аварії на Оултон Парку, детальніше за посиланням Загиблі гонщики на Oulton Park.
Impact on the BSB Championship
The British Superbike Championship operates with multiple support categories, including the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship where the crash occurred. With the May event cancelled, teams and riders face disruption to their racing programmes. Official announcements regarding the championship calendar are expected once investigations conclude.
Timeline of Events
- 12:47 BST (approx.) — Lap 1 crash: The incident occurred at Old Hall corner when one rider lost control and skidded into another competitor, triggering a chain-reaction pile-up involving 11 riders. The crash was captured on live television.
- Immediately — Red flag: Race officials deployed the red flag, stopping the race instantly. Medical teams rushed to the scene with emergency equipment.
- Minutes later — Emergency response: Owen Jenner received trackside treatment before being moved to the circuit medical centre. Shane Richardson was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
- Confirmation — Deaths announced: MotorSport Vision Racing issued an official statement confirming two fatalities and the abandonment of the remaining race programme.
- Weekend cancellation: The Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was formally cancelled for the remainder of the weekend.
- May 8 — Extended coverage: The Liverpool Echo published a personal story about the incident, including background on victim families and emotional accounts from the racing community.
- June 11 — Inquests opened: Cheshire Police confirmed investigations were ongoing for the coroner, with inquests formally opened into the deaths of both riders.
Confirmed Facts vs Reports
| Confirmed Information | Unconfirmed or Unclear |
|---|---|
| Names of both victims: Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson | Exact cause of initial crash trigger |
| Date: May 5, 2025 | Whether protective barriers meet current safety standards |
| Location: Old Hall corner, Oulton Park, Cheshire | Specific findings from ongoing investigations |
| Race: Quattro Group British Supersport Championship | Details of inquest proceedings or timeline |
| 11 riders involved, two killed, six injured | Whether suspension or changes to race formats will result |
| Medical outcomes: Jenner died at circuit, Richardson died en route to hospital | Future scheduling of cancelled races |
Background and Context
Oulton Park has hosted British motorsport events for decades, establishing itself as one of the country’s premier racing circuits. Located in Cheshire, the track features a challenging layout with fast corners that have historically demanded respect from competitors. The venue regularly attracts thousands of spectators to national championships throughout the racing season.
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship represents the pinnacle of domestic motorcycle racing in Britain. The event operates with several support categories, including the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship, where aspiring riders compete for recognition before potentially advancing to the main series. According to official records, the BSB consistently produces talented riders who go on to compete internationally.
Safety improvements at British circuits have evolved significantly over the years, though fatal incidents occasionally occur despite rigorous protocols. The MotorSport Vision Racing organisation, which manages several racing venues, works alongside the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board to maintain safety standards across all events.
Sources and Key Quotes
“We can confirm that two riders have tragically lost their lives following an incident during the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at MSVR are with their families, friends, and teams at this incredibly difficult time.”
— MotorSport Vision Racing, Official Statement
“We are devastated to confirm the loss of Owen Jenner. Our thoughts are with his family at this unimaginably difficult time. We are providing all necessary support to his family and team.”
— Rapid Honda Team Statement
Information for this report has been compiled from multiple sources including official statements, emergency service reports, and media coverage. LADbible published a detailed timeline of events, while the Independent provided comprehensive coverage including official responses from racing authorities. YouTube footage from multiple sources confirmed the circumstances of the crash and its aftermath.
What’s Next
Cheshire Police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash in conjunction with the coroner’s office and racing authorities. No timeline has been established for the conclusion of these inquiries. The racing community continues to mourn while awaiting further information from official sources.
For those seeking additional context on related topics, a broader look at local sporting venues provides additional perspective on motorsport infrastructure across Britain. Understanding the role of racing circuits in community sporting life helps contextualise the significance of events like those at Oulton Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Oulton Park crash?
Two riders died in the incident: Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29.
When did the Oulton Park crash happen?
The fatal crash occurred on Monday, May 5, 2025, during the first lap of a British Supersport Championship race.
What caused the crash?
One rider lost control at Old Hall corner, skidding into another competitor and triggering a chain-reaction pile-up. The exact cause remains under investigation.
Was the event cancelled?
Yes. The Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was abandoned immediately after the crash, with all remaining races cancelled for the weekend.
Who is investigating the crash?
Cheshire Police are leading investigations for the coroner, alongside MotorSport Vision Racing, the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board, and the coroner’s office.
Is there video footage of the crash?
Yes. Multiple videos are available on YouTube showing crash footage. The content is distressing and viewer discretion is advised.
What was Owen Jenner’s racing record?
Jenner was the 2024 British GP2 champion with 18 wins from 20 races, widely regarded as one of Britain’s most promising young racing talents.
How many riders were involved in the crash?
Eleven riders were involved in the pile-up. Two died, one sustained serious injuries (Tom Tunstall), and five received minor injuries.