First rider involved in fatal 11-bike Oulton Park crash breaks silence following tragedy

Morgan McLaren-Wood was among those involved in the fatal incident at Oulton Park but escaped with minor injuries and said he was “struggling to find the words" following . Shane Richardson, another New Zealander, and Englishman Owen Jenner were killed at a British Supersport Championship event.

The pair were fatally injured on the first corner of the race at Oulton Park . Richardson suffered severe chest injuries in the crash and was treated trackside before being taken to the circuit medical centre. He died while being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital. He leaves behind two young children.

Rapid Honda rider Jenner died of a catastrophic head injury at the circuit's medical centre. McLaren-Wood was among five riders, including Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes, who were involved in the crash but only had minor injuries. Three others - Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker and George Edwards - escaped unhurt.

McLaren-Wood said in a post on social media: “Struggling to find the words for what happened today. Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.”

Motorcycling New Zealand president Michael McLeod said that Richardson’s death had rocked the community with the 29-year-old playing a huge role in helping those rising through the ranks.

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He told the : “It’s a tragic shock to the motorcycle racing community in New Zealand because he’s such a well-respected competitor and mentor to a lot of young up-and-coming riders that are now competing in Europe and England as well. He was a fantastic guy, he’d always stop and have a chat. He’s a real nice bloke and it’s a real shame.”

The race organiser confirmed that the remainder of the event would be cancelled as they begun investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident.

A statement from Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing read: “Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.

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

The Supersport Championship serves as a support series to the main Superbikes event. New Zealander Richardson finished eighth in last year's standings after landing 146 points, while this was Jenner's second year racing in the championship.