Tributes paid to two riders killed in motorcycle race

In a first-lap crash at the start of the race, 21-year-old British rider Owen Jenner and father-of-two Shane Richardson, both of whom died, collided on an 11-bike motorcycle.

Jenner, a native of Crowborough, East Sussex, began his junior motorcross racing career.

He then won the 2018 Team Green, 2020 Junior Supersport, and 2023 Junior Superstock titles, making it to the finish line. He won the British GP2 title with 18 victories out of 20 career victories when he joined the Kramer Team in 2024.

In announcing Jenner’s death, the Honda quickly team stated that it felt “sadness beyond words.” Jenner left Honda quickly in November 2024.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and teams of Owen during this unfathomably difficult time, as well as to Shane Richardson’s family, who sadly lost his life,” the statement continued.

As Tom Tunstall continues to receive medical care, his family and we are also in his thoughts.

The entire motorsport industry is in mourning after losing two talented riders.

Prior to moving to the UK, Richardson spent his early years in Lower Hutt, on the north island of New Zealand, near Wellington.

He has joined the racing industry since he was 16 and has also run a joinery.

He started racing in 2013 and soon became a competitor at international competitions like the US MotoAmerica championship.

Morgan McLaren-Wood, a fellow New Zealand rider, who suffered minor wounds in the collision, praised Richardson on social media.

He said, “Trying to find the words for what happened.” Shane and Owen, rest in peace. In this heartbreaking time, my heart goes out to both of their families.

Brady Dyer, a councillor for Hutt City in New Zealand, wrote on Facebook: “Shane was admired both locally and abroad for his talent and passion.

I am aware that many people in our community will be deeply affected by this tragic loss.

According to Hippo, who sponsors Richardson’s team, “Shane made instant friends with everyone he met, always welcoming, and giving every visitor his undivided attention.

He “given his sport’s passion to the public.”

Cormac Buchanan, a fellow New Zealand rider, described Shane as “truly one of the best people I ever had the privilege to share the track with.”

Buchanan wrote, “You never failed to make us smile,” in a caption from Instagram. I had the opportunity to learn from and look up to you during my first year in the UK.