The girlfriend of a superbike rider who was killed in an 11-bike ‘chain reaction’ crash also lost a previous partner in a motorcycle crash, it has emerged.
Shane Richardson, 29, and Owen Jenner, 21, died in the collision at the first corner of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship at Oulton Park, Cheshire, on Monday afternoon.
The crash was captured live on television, showing one rider losing control and then skidding across the tarmac and into the path of other racers, causing them to pile into each other.
Rider number 28, Mr Richardson, was taken to the medical centre with ‘severe chest injuries’ and later died while he was being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital.
He leaves behind two children and his partner Hannah James.
Following the tragedy, Ms James updated her profile photo to a picture of the couple and their children smiling at the camera.
It has now emerged this is the second time she has lost a partner during a motorbike race.
Her former boyfriend Billy Redmayne was killed in a crash at the Oliver’s Mount Spring Cup in North Yorkshire in 2016, MailOnline reports.
Paying tribute, Kate Buchanan said: ‘Our racing family is devastated to lose on of our best and my heart breaks for Hannah James, Maddie and Max.
‘Shane’s legacy lives on in each of you and all those who knew and loved him.’
Monday’s tragic crash was shown on live TV, but the event was subsequently cancelled as medical personnel rushed to the scene.
Mr Jenner was taken to the circuit medical centre and given further resuscitation treatment but died from a ‘catastrophic head injury’, the organisers said.
A third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, was taken to the medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with ‘significant back and abdominal injuries’.
The organisers said another five riders were treated in the medical centre with minor injuries, but did not need to be transferred to hospital.
Superbikes are highly-modified vehicles and BSB said they are ‘both quick and powerful’ – with engines going up to 200bhp (brake horsepower).
New Zealand superbike racer Mr Richardson was in the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team sponsored by Hippo waste removal service.
Hippo announced it had renewed its partnership with Mr Richardson in April this year and published a statement from the rider who they said had transitioned from ‘crafting bespoke kitchens to competing on the UK’s premier racing circuits’.
Describing his 2024 season, Mr Richardson said: ‘We had some good moments along the way, but also our fair share of struggles… but I’m proud of how the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team and I worked throughout the season to make the most of every moment.’
New Zealand Hutt City councillor Brady Dyer said on Facebook his thoughts were with Mr Richardson’s friends and family.
‘Shane was proud to be from Wainuiomata and was admired both locally and abroad for his skill and passion,’ he said.
‘This is a heartbreaking loss, and I know many in our community will be feeling it deeply.’
New Zealand motorcyclist Cormac Buchanan said Mr Richardson was one of the ‘best people I ever had the privilege of sharing the track with, not only a super talented rider but a down-to-earth person away from it’.
Whites Powersports, a sponsor of Mr Richardson, said in an Instagram post their team had been ‘extremely saddened’ by the news of his death.
‘Shane will be remembered by many as a great racer, person, and father,’ they said.
‘Our thoughts go out to Shane’s young family and friends during this tough time.’
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