Hannah James, partner of British Superbikes rider Shane Richardson, has tragically lost a loved one to a racing accident for the second time in less than a decade. Richardson, 29, was one of two riders who lost their lives following a catastrophic 11-bike collision during the British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park on Monday.
Richardson, who rode for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki, sustained severe chest injuries and died en route to Royal Stoke University Hospital. He leaves behind two children and his partner, Hannah James — a former grid girl, who heartbreakingly experienced similar tragedy in 2016 when her then-boyfriend, rider Billy Redmayne, passed away following a crash at the Oliver’s Mount Spring Cup in North Yorkshire. Redmayne was just 25 at the time.
Monday’s fatal incident unfolded when one rider lost control at Turn One, leading to a pile-up that saw multiple competitors collide and one bike catch fire. Alongside Richardson, 21-year-old Owen Jenner — the reigning British GP2 champion — also lost his life after sustaining a catastrophic head injury. A third rider, Tom Tunstall, suffered serious back and abdominal injuries but survived.
In a heartfelt message shared after the incident, fellow rider Morgan McLaren-Wood, who escaped with minor injuries, 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.”
The race was immediately red-flagged, and the remainder of the event cancelled. Both the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing have launched investigations into the full circumstances of the crash, alongside the Coroner and Cheshire Police.
This double tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the sport and brought renewed heartbreak to Ms James, whose life has twice now been devastated by the dangers of competitive motorcycle racing.
