Two riders have passed away, while the other was seriously injured after a “devastating accident” in the UK Supersport Championship race at Alton Park.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, were fatally injured in an 11-bike collision at the first corner of the opening lap.
Tom Tunstall, 47, was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal damage. Five other riders were handled in the truck for minor injuries, but three more escaped unharmed.
Cheshire Police said: “Police are investigating the deaths of two people on behalf of the coroner following multiple clashes at Alton Park this afternoon.
“After the collision, emergency services were called to the scene, with two riders mortally injured and the other seriously injured.
Image: Shane Richardson (left) and Owen Jenner died after a “devastating” incident at Alton Park
“Motorcycle Circuit Race Control Board and Motorsport Vision Race are investigating the full situation of the incident together with the coroner and the Cheshire Police.”
Jenner, rider number 86, was taken to a circuit medical center for further resuscitation treatment, but died of “devastating head injuries,” organizers said.
Richardson, No. 28, was taken to the medical center with a “severe chest injury” and later died while he was being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital, they added.
A statement from organizer Motorsport Vision Racing said: “At the start of Quattro Group’s British Supersport Championship race this afternoon, there was a chain reaction incident in which 11 riders left the Old Hall corner on the first lap.
“The race stopped quickly and trackside medical services were deployed.
“The extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention have cancelled the rest of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event.
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“This catastrophic accident has resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another seriously injured.
“Motorcycle Circuit Race Control Board and Motorsport Vision Race are investigating the full situation of the incident, along with the coroner and the Constabrary in Cheshire.”
Richardson’s sponsor Whites Powersports said in an Instagram post that their team is “very saddened” by the news of his death.
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“Shane will be remembered by many as a great racer, man, father,” they said. “Our thoughts can be passed on to Shane’s young family and friends during this difficult time.”
Australian rider Ben Curry said the loss was “hard to fall into words,” adding to Instagram.
New Zealand Hutt City Councilman Brady Dyer said on Facebook that he thought was with Richardson’s friends and family.
“Shane is proud to be from Wainui Omata and has been praised both locally and internationally for his skills and passion,” he said. “It’s a heartbreaking loss and I know that a lot of our community feels it deeply.”
