Warwickshire motorcyclist died in British Superbike crash, inquest hears
Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner suffered unsurvivable injuries during opening race of 2025 season
Shane Richardson, a 29-year-old motorcyclist originally from New Zealand and living in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, died in a crash during the British Superbike Championship race at Oulton Park in Tarporley, Cheshire, an inquest has heard.
The collision, which involved multiple riders, happened on 5th May last year during the first race of the season. Owen Jenner, a 21-year-old rider from Crowborough, East Sussex, also lost his life in the crash.
Mr Richardson was the first rider to lose control, as over-acceleration followed by over-correction propelled him into the path of other competitors, the hearing was told. Mr Jenner then fell from his bike while trying to avoid those ahead of him.
Mr Richardson died from chest injuries two hours after the crash, despite efforts to save him en route to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Mr Jenner was pronounced dead at the scene, with head injuries sustained during the mid-afternoon crash. Post-mortem examinations revealed both men suffered “unsurvivable” injuries.
Race and track procedures explained
Speaking at the inquest in Warrington, Cheshire, race director Stuart Higgs of organiser Motor Sport Vision Racing stated that the corner where the crash occurred, known as Old Hall corner, was not considered to be an area of high risk. He said there had been no previous fatalities at this part of the track.
The inquest was told that all required inspections and licensing had been completed for the race weekend. Cheshire Constabulary forensic collision investigator Pc Andrew Balmforth confirmed there were no issues with the race track.
Addressing the inherent risks of motorbike racing, Mr Higgs explained: “Sadly it does involve risks of injury or death. The riders sign a very cold declaration that they understand they may risk injury or death. Our job is to eliminate all unnecessary inflated risk to the best of our ability but the very nature of motor racing cannot eliminate that 100%.”
Tributes to Shane Richardson
Mr Richardson had moved to the UK in 2019, where he pursued his career in motorcycling, set up his own joinery business, and worked as a test rider for Triumph Motorcycles. His partner Hannah Wright described him as an experienced and responsible rider with an extensive international career.
“Prior to the race we had a laugh and a banter in the garage with his team,” Ms Wright said. “Everybody was in great spirits that day. We even spoke about how we had such a good feeling for the season that year.”
The inquest also heard that Mr Richardson had previously experienced motion sickness complaints during acceleration or deceleration, as well as a reported muscle imbalance affecting one side of his back. However, coroner Jacqueline Devonish stated there was “no evidence to directly suggest he was not in good health” at the time of the collision.
Accidental death conclusions recorded
Concluding accidental death for Shane Richardson and Owen Jenner, Ms Devonish affirmed that all procedures required for the race weekend had been properly followed.
“I extend my condolences to both families who are not present today, understandably, and to wish them all the best for the future,” Ms Devonish said.