Two racers killed in 11-bike crash during British Supersport race

Two motorcycle racers have died after a crash involving 11 bikes during a British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park in Cheshire.

Owen Jenner, 21, was treated trackside and taken to the circuit's medical centre, but organisers said he died from a "catastrophic head injury". Shane Richardson, 29, sustained severe chest injuries and was also given treatment at the scene.

He was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital but died before he arrived. A third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, is at the same hospital with what organisers called "significant back and abdominal injuries".

Five others from the British Supersport race were taken to the track's medical centre but didn't need hospital treatment. Motorsport Vision Racing, which runs the race series, said the crash happened on the first lap as riders exited turn one at Old Hall corner.

It said there was a "chain reaction" with 11 riders coming off their bikes. "Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled," organisers said in a statement.

Cheshire Police said they were investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner. "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," the force said in a statement.

Brady Dyer, a councillor in New Zealand's Lower Hutt city, paid tribute to Mr Richardson on Facebook saying he was a "talented" rider. "My thoughts are with the family and friends of Shane Richardson, a talented Kiwi rider who tragically lost his life while doing what he loved.

"Shane was proud to be from Wainuiomata and was admired both locally and abroad for his skill and passion. "This is a heartbreaking loss, and I know many in our community will be feeling it deeply." Read more:Family pay tribute to 'loving' boy killed in Gateshead fireRoyals watch VE Day flypast at palace Harley McCabe paid tribute to Mr Jenner as he said in a Facebook post: "Today I lost my team mate [heartbroken emoji], words cant explain how I feel right, now I'm absolutely devastated that I won't see your smile again.

"You have been there for me over the years and been an amazing team mate and turned into more of an older brother to me! "The awning will never be the same, we've lost a massive part of us all today." Mr McCabe added: "Sending love to Owen's family and friends." The British Supersport Championship features 600cc machines and is the main support class to the blue riband professional British Superbikes series. The Oulton Park event was the opening round of this year's championship, which takes place at circuits around the UK.

Both riders had posted on social media in recent days about looking forward to this weekend's races Owen Jenner, from Crowborough, East Sussex, is a superstock champion in 2020 and 2023, and GP2 champion in 2024, winning the title with 18 wins out of 20 race finishes. After, he signed with British superbike team Rapid Honda.

Shane Richardson, originally from New Zealand, is a father-of-two, who, according to his social media, works as a part-time test rider for Triumph. According to his team, Astro JJR Hippo Suzuki, he previously had a business crafting bespoke kitchens before moving into "competing on the UK's premier racing circuits"..