Kiwi motorcyclist killed in 11-bike British Supersport crash

Kiwi motorcyclist Shane Richardson is one of two riders who died in an 11-bike crash at a British Supersport Championship event.

The 29-year-old, originally from Wainuiomata, was fatally injured alongside Englishman Owen Jenner, 21, on the first corner of the race at Oulton Park, south of Liverpool.

A statement from British Superbikes said the race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.

"Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled," a spokesperson said.

"This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries."

Richardson was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit's medical centre before he was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with "severe chest injuries", the statement continued.

"He died prior to arrival."

Jenner was also initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where he died from a "catastrophic head injury".

British rider Tom Tunstall suffered back and abdominal injuries and a further five riders, including New Zealander Morgan McLaren-Wood, were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries, which did not require transfer to hospital.

Three more riders were also involved but were uninjured.

Richardson, who was a previous New Zealand rider of the year, had been based in Britain since 2019.

Cemetery Circuit in Whanganui posted to its social media in tribute to Richardson, saying he was a "top bloke, a fantastic and talented racer and a genuine human".

"Devastated to hear we have lost another of our racing family. Our thoughts are with Hannah and the family, along with our condolences to Owen’s family too."

Richardson's sponsor Whites Powersports said the team was "extremely saddened" by the news of his death.

"Shane will be remembered by many as a great racer, person, and father. Our thoughts go out to Shane’s young family and friends during this tough time. Ride in Peace, Shane."

The New Zealand Superbike Championship said its "deepest sympathies" went out to Richardson's family and friends.