It has been just under a year since tragedy struck at Oulton Park, Cheshire’s race track.
Both riders suffered ‘unsurvivable injuries’, an inquest at a coroner’s court in Warrington heard.
Englishman Owen Jenner and New Zealand’s Shane Richardson were involved in an 11-bike crash at turn one (old hall corner) during the opening lap of the Quattro Group British Supersport race in May.
Richardson over-accelerated about 300m from the start line and was thrown into the path of fellow riders.
Jenner was unable to avoid these riders.
Jenner, 21, died at the scene with a head injury, while Richardson, 29, died on the way to hospital from chest injuries about two hours after the crash.
A friend of Jenner’s, Kat, said: “The Professionals on site managed the situation exceptionally well, given the intensity of the circumstances and number of riders involved.
“The trackside medical team responded within seconds of the incident occurring.
“This reflects both their preparedness and dedication to rider safety.”
Forensic Collision Investigator PC Balmforth told the BBC that there was nothing the other riders could do due to the proximity of the riders.
The BBC reported that British Superbikes Race director Stuart Higgs said the first corner was not known to be high risk and had no previous fatalities.
Higgs was asked by the Senior Coroner for Cheshire if the sport involved an inherent risk of death.
He said: “Sadly, it does.”
Since the accident occurred last May, BSB fans have been calling for Oulton Park to do something about turn one to make it safer for riders to race.
(Featured image free to use under Wikimedia Commons)
