Superbike Championship riders suffered ‘irreversible injuries’

Two riders suffered “irreversible injuries” during a British Superbike Championship event, their inquest has heard.

Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, died in a crash at the first corner of the Oulton Park circuit in Tarporley, Cheshire, on May 5.

Richardson over-speeded about 300 meters from the start line in the British Supersport Championship race and was thrown into the path of his fellow riders, who Jenner was unable to avoid.

The coroner recorded a finding of accidental death and said the evidence suggested race organizers had followed “all required procedures”.

Jenner died at the scene from head injuries while Richardson died from chest injuries about two hours after the accident, while on his way to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

The inquest, held at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington, heard that post-mortem examinations revealed their injuries were “unsurvivable”.

Race director Stuart Higgs, of organizer Motor Sport Vision Racing, said the first turn, known as Old Hall Corner, was not considered a high-risk area and there had been no previous fatalities.

The inquest heard that around 37 racers had lined up for the first race of the 2025 season at the weekend.

Asked by Cheshire’s chief coroner, Jacqueline Devonish, whether the sport carried an inherent risk of death, Higgs replied: “Unfortunately it does.

“Riders sign a very cold declaration that they are aware that they may be at risk of injury or death.”

PC Andrew Balmforth, a forensic investigator for Cheshire Police, said he was satisfied there were no issues at the race track and that licensing and inspection requirements had been obtained in advance.

He said both men were beaten by fellow competitors but there was nothing the other riders could do.

Jenner, from Crowborough, East Sussex, has been riding motorcycles since he was six and was considered a “rising star” after winning three British championship titles in various classes.

His parents, Michael and Emma Jenner, had traveled to Cheshire for the weekend, and Michael Jenner said his son was “excited” to start racing.

New Zealander Richardson’s long-term partner, Hannah Wright, said he had ridden motorcycles competitively since the age of four and had a “very successful” international career, during which he gained “extraordinary racing experience”.

“Before the race, we laughed and joked in the garage with his team,” she said. “Everyone was in great spirits that day.

“We also talked about how good we felt for the season that year.”

“Based on the evidence we have heard, I am satisfied that those running the race at Oulton Park followed all required procedures, that they appropriately carried out annual inspections and required licenses from their riders,” Devonish said.