Two riders have died after a “catastrophic” crash at the British Superbikes race, which left another with significant injuries.

A total of 11 bikers were involved in the crash on the first corner of Oulton Park in Cheshire, prompting the race to be immediately stopped and medical services deployed, organisers said.

Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both passed away after the horror crash.

Mr Jenner was treated trackside and taken to the medical centre, but died from a catastrophic head injury despite resuscitation attempts. Mr Richardson was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe injuries, but died before arriving.

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Cheshire Police are now investigating the deaths which took place early on in the race, after they were called to the scene on Monday.

“Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled,” organisers added.

Tom Tunstall, 47, was taken to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries, organisers added.

Five other riders were transferred to the medical centre with minor injuries and did not need to be taken to hospital.

The superbikes average more than 180bhp and are capable of reaching 200mph, organisers say.

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Mr Jenner became the 2024 British GP2 champion and was signed to Rapid Honda.

The British superbike team said the rider is from Crowborough, East Sussex, and won the GP2 title with 18 wins out of 20 race finishes.

It added: “Owen has impressed us all at Rapid Honda over recent seasons and his career is on a clear ascendancy.

“He should be a title challenger in British Supersport in 2025.”

New Zealand superbike racer Mr Richardson was in the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team sponsored by Hippo waste removal service.

Hippo announced it had renewed its partnership with Mr Richardson in April this year and published a statement from the rider who they said had transitioned from “crafting bespoke kitchens to competing on the UK’s premier racing circuits”.

Describing his 2024 season, Mr Richardson said: “We had some good moments along the way, but also our fair share of struggles… but I’m proud of how the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team and I worked throughout the season to make the most of every moment”.

Cheshire Police said: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon.

“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.

“Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled.

“The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29.

“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 Police.”

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