ONE of the riders in Monday’s deadly British Superbikes crash suffered a broken neck and is in a “serious” condition in hospital.
Two stars tragically died in the “severe and catastrophic” 11-man incident at Oulton Park, Cheshire.
Instagram @xpresscoffeeTom Turnstall is in a ‘serious’ condition in hospital[/caption]
GettyTunstall was part of the shocking 11-man British Superbikes crash which killed two riders[/caption]
Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, lost their lives as the group fell at turn one in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race which was duly cancelled.
A third rider – Tom Tunstall – was rushed to hospital while five others were treated for minor injuries at the track.
And now MotorSport Vision Racing have issued a health update on Tunstall, 47.
MSVR tweeted: “We can confirm that Tom Tunstall has sustained a broken bone in his neck and is currently under the care of a team of specialists at the Royal Stoke Hospital.
“While his condition is serious, he is stable and receiving the best possible treatment.
“Doctors are closely monitoring his progress and will determine in the coming days whether surgery will be necessary.
“At this time, a slow but hopefully full recovery is expected.”
Horrific live TV footage showed the moment a rider lost control and skidded on the tarmac going around the first bend, triggering the harrowing pile-up as one bike even caught fire.
Richardson died from his “severe chest injuries” before arriving at the Royal Stoke Hospital while East Sussex-born Jenner tragically passed away after suffering a “catastrophic head injury”.
Less than 24 hours before the race, New Zealander Richardson took to Instagram to post a clip from an interview where he spoke about looking ahead to his next race.
The dad of two said: “Sprint race was good. Bad start, went backwards quite a few positions.
“But we managed to figure it out, get some good consistent pace going, matching the times with a few of the boys ahead of us.
“So yeah, looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully get a better start and be a bit more in the mix.”
Tragically, Richardson’s girlfriend Hannah James, 25, also lost her previous boyfriend, Billy Redmayne, 25, in a racing accident nine years ago.
A police investigation has been launched into Monday’s tragedy.
Racegoer Scott Moore, who witnessed the incident, described how an “eerie and unsettling” silence fell over the circuit.
He posted on Facebook: “Today was an incredibly sad day for BSB Supersport.
“The silence that fell over the circuit was eerie and unsettling, a stark reminder of how quickly things can change.
‘TWO OF OUR FINEST LOST TO THE SPORT WE LOVE’
“It’s hard to think how someone can wake up excited to race and not make it to the end of the day.
“It’s just heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with all the families affected by this horrific event.”
Morgan McLaren-Wood survived the crash and took to social media to share his emotions.
He wrote: “Struggling to find the words for what happened today. Rest in peace, Shane and Owen.
“My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.”
Rider Ben Currie said the loss was “hard to put into words”, adding: “Gutted for everyone involved.
“Two of our finest men lost to the sport we love.”
I cherish all of the track walks, the hard battles we had, bumping bars and swapping paint… I’m grateful to have been able to consider you a competitor, rival, and a friend
Cormac Buchanan
Racer Cormac Buchanan posted an emotional tribute to countryman Shane on Instagram.
He said: “Shane was truly 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.
“You never failed to put a smile on all of our faces. You were someone I could look up to and learn from and I am so lucky to have had your guidance in my first year in Europe in the UK.
“I cherish all of the track walks with you and Damo, the hard battles we had, bumping bars and swapping paint.
“I’m grateful to have been able to consider you a competitor, rival, and a friend.
“I always felt your support no matter what the situation, race, or outcome was.
“To Hannah, Max, and Maddie I send you all of my love, support, and condolences.
“I am always riding with you, thank you for everything Shane.”
Fellow driver Glenn Irwin also shared a touching tribute to both drivers, following their tragic deaths.
Writing on social media, he said: “Owen you were always smiling, just a young kid chasing your dream and having fun along the way.
“Shane, I didn’t know you personally but watching videos and photos of you and your little family, I can see how much of an amazing dad and partner that you are along with being a top rider.
“Rest in peace boys – life can be so so cruel. We will continue to offer support to your families in the coming times ahead, my thoughts go to the entire BSB team of organisers, marshals, medics and the wider community.”
https://x.com/everythingmraceOwen Jenner, 21, died in the crash[/caption]
https://x.com/everythingmraceShane Richardson, 29, lost his life before arriving at hospital[/caption]
AlamyThe crash happened on the first turn of the race at Oulton Park in Cheshire[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
