Two riders lost their lives, and another suffered serious injuries following a tragic incident during the British Supersport Championship race at Alton Park.
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, died from injuries sustained in an 11-bike pileup at the first corner on the opening lap. Tom Tunstall, 47, was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant injuries to his back and abdomen. Five additional riders were treated for minor injuries, while three others came away unscathed.
A statement from Motorsport Vision Racing, the event organizers, noted, “During the start of the British Supersport Championship race at Quattro Group Alton Park this afternoon, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders who went down after turning at the first corner on the opening lap, leaving Old Hall corner.
“Due to the grave nature of the situation and the ongoing medical response, the remaining events of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship have been canceled. This devastating accident has led to the fatal injuries of two riders, with another seriously hurt.
“The Motorcycle Circuit Race Control Board, along with Motorsport Vision Race, is looking into the details of the incident, in conjunction with the coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.”
Tunstall received initial treatment at the circuit medical center before being transferred to the hospital. Five other riders, including Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Burns, and Morgan McLaren Wood, were also taken to the medical center.
Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker, and George Edwards were part of the incident as well, but they did not sustain any injuries.
