Tributes are being paid to the young Crowborough motorcycle champion who tragically lost his life in a massive crash at Oulton Park yesterday (Monday, 5 May).
Owen Jenner, 21, was one of two riders killed following an 11-bike crash during a British Supersport Championship race yesterday. Six others were injured.
Captured live on television, the incident appeared to show one rider lose control exiting the first corner, before skidding across the tarmac and into the path of other competitors. This led to a terrifying chain reaction, with multiple bikes piling into each other and one catching fire as medics rushed to the scene.
Emergency services and trackside medical personnel were deployed immediately, but despite their best efforts, the injuries sustained by Owen and fellow rider Shane Richardson proved fatal. The rest of the event was cancelled.
Tributes have been pouring in across social media for both riders, with hundreds of comments on Owen’s and Richardson’s most recent posts
Rider Josh Bannister said: “One of the most genuine lads I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, no words will bring you back, you’ve left your mark on so many people. You’ll live on in people’s memories pal. Maybe see you on the other side.”
There were similar warm comments from Sam Heath who said: “RIP Owen you were such a lovely young man. I will miss your hugs. Ride high beautiful. Thinking of all your family and friends at this sad time”
This is a selection of the hundreds of tributes pouring in for the 2024 British GP2 Champion and former pupil of Fermor School who had surely been destined for greatness in the sport:
- “Owen Jenner was one of the nicest lads you could ever meet, heaps of personality and always down for a laugh.”
- “Today I lost my teammate, words can’t explain how I feel right now I’m absolutely devastated that I won’t see your smile again.”
- “You have been there for me over the years and been an amazing teammate and turned into more of an older brother to me! The awning will never be the same we’ve lost a massive part of us all today were all lost.”
- “You were a baby brother from another mother and you could make me laugh hard. I can’t express just how much I’m gonna miss you, your smile and all your goofing around. R.I.P & ride with the clouds now baby bro.”
As well as winning the 2024 GP2 Championship, Owen had been 2018 Team Green Champion, 2020 British Junior Supersport Champion, and 2023 British Junior Superstock Champion.
In a statement, MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) confirmed the deaths:
The statement read: “At the start of this afternoon’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.
“This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.
“Owen Jenner (21) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where despite further resuscitation treatment, he died from a catastrophic head injury.
“Shane Richardson (29) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. He died prior to arrival.”
“The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Police.”