Oulton Park survivor Morgan McLaren-Wood has revealed how the fatal 11-bike crash occurred from the perspective of someone riding behind tragic Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson. Jenner and Richardson were killed in a horror pile-up on the first corner of the maiden lap.
McLaren-Wood suffered a sprained wrist and bruising on his back and knee in the incident. He was one of several drivers treated on the track and in the on-site medical facility. The New Zealander – who was close friends with countryman Richardson, who died aged 29 – pointed out that the Oulton Park track is ‘tight’ but is unsure there were many safety risks. Describing the scene as “mostly a tragedy”, McLaren-Wood said there was no way for riders to evade the collision.
“I was maybe a row behind Shane and Owen, maybe five or six bikes behind them – maybe a bit more,” McLaren-Wood told BBC Sport.
“It was just chaos – there was nothing anyone could do. There were bikes everywhere. There was nowhere for anyone to go – it’s such a tight track and there’s not really any run-off on it either.”
“I think there are always ways to improve in safety in elite sport. Maybe there were too many riders out there, I don’t really know. I’m not a safety expert, but I think it was mostly a tragedy.”
McLaren-Wood knew Richardson from their time together in New Zealand. Once they both moved to the UK, they continued to compete against each other and would always stop for a chat after their races.
Richardson leaves behind a partner and two children. McLaren-Wood said: “Shane was such a lovely guy.
“After every race he’d always have a chat back in the pits, he’d ask me how my race went, I’d ask about his and he’d give me advice on how to get better and where to improve. He was such a loving dad. I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now, it’s so sudden and unexpected.”
Richardson died of severe chest injuries while he was being transported to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Jenner suffered a catastrophic head injury and died in Oulton Park’s medical centre. Both riders also received medical attention on the track.
Tom Tunstall, another rider seriously injured, was last night revealed to be in a stable condition in hospital. The 47-year-old broke a bone in his neck but he is expected to make a full recovery.