Hutt Valley motorcyclist Shane Richardson, 29, was one of two riders killed in a devastating 11-bike crash during a British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park.
The fatal incident occurred on the first corner of the race early Tuesday morning (NZ time), claiming the lives of Richardson and English rider Owen Jenner, 21. Fellow New Zealander Morgan McLaren-Wood, who also crashed, escaped with minor injuries.
Richardson, a father of two from Hutt Valley, suffered severe chest injuries and died en route to Royal Stoke University Hospital after being treated trackside and at the circuit medical centre.
The race organisers, Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing, cancelled the remainder of the event. A joint investigation is underway with the coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.
“Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time,” said McLaren-Wood in a moving tribute on social media.
Motorcycling New Zealand president Michael McLeod said Richardson’s death had “rocked the community.”
“He was a well-respected competitor and mentor to many young Kiwi riders now competing in Europe,” McLeod said. “He always had time for people. It’s a real shame.”
Richardson’s career had flourished in the UK, with friends and colleagues remembering him as both a fierce competitor and a generous mentor.
Teenage Kiwi rider Cormac Buchanan described Richardson as “truly one of the best people I ever had the privilege of sharing the track with.”
“You were someone I could look up to and learn from… I am always riding with you,” Buchanan said.
Adrian Cox, general manager of Whites Powersport, praised Richardson’s integrity and character, saying the news was “absolutely devastating.”
“He travelled across the world to live his dream. It’s a dangerous sport, but tragedies like this still shake us to the core,” said Cox. “Our community is small and tight-knit—this loss will be deeply felt.”
Richardson’s death marks a sombre moment for New Zealand’s motorcycling fraternity and serves as a stark reminder of the risks riders face in pursuit of their passion.