Two motorcycle racers were killed in a devastating 11-bike collision during the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship at Oulton Park on Monday, leaving the racing community in shock. Among the victims was Shane Richardson, 29, whose partner, Hannah James, has now tragically lost two loved ones to motorsport accidents.
The horrific crash, broadcast live, showed one rider losing control on the first corner, triggering a chain reaction as others skidded and collided. Richardson, rider #28, suffered severe chest injuries and died while being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
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Owen Jenner, 21, also succumbed to his injuries after sustaining a catastrophic head injury. A third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, was hospitalized with significant back and abdominal injuries, while five others were treated for minor wounds, MailOnline reports.
Richardson, a New Zealand native and father of two, leaves behind his devastated partner, Hannah James, who had previously lost her former boyfriend, Billy Redmayne, in a 2016 race crash at Oliver’s Mount. Following the tragedy, James changed her profile picture to a family photo, showing her, Richardson, and their children smiling together.
Kate Buchanan, a friend of the family, shared a heartfelt tribute: “Our racing family is devastated to lose one of our best, and my heart breaks for Hannah James, Maddie, and Max. Shane’s legacy lives on in each of you and all those who knew and loved him.”
Richardson, part of the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team, had recently renewed his sponsorship with Hippo waste removal service. In an April statement, he reflected on his racing journey, saying, “We had some good moments along the way, but also our fair share of struggles… but I’m proud of how the team and I worked throughout the season to make the most of every moment.”
The motorsport world mourned the loss of the talented rider, with New Zealand councillor Brady Dyer calling him a local hero: “Shane was proud to be from Wainuiomata and was admired both locally and abroad for his skill and passion.”
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Fellow racer Cormac Buchanan added, “He was one of the best people I ever had the privilege of sharing the track with—not only a super talented rider but a down-to-earth person away from it.” Whites Powersports, one of Richardson’s sponsors, honored him in an Instagram post: “Shane will be remembered by many as a great racer, person, and father. Our thoughts go out to his young family and friends.”
The event was canceled following the crash as medical teams rushed to assist the injured. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, while the racing world grapples with the loss of two young talents in a single tragic moment.
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