Tragic history of racetrack where 'catastrophic' 11-bike crash killed two riders

Although its owners describe it as the 'UK's most picturesque motor racing venue' and 'one of Europe's most revered racetracks', Oulton Park has also been the site of a host of tragedies.

The hard-surfaced circuit situated in Cheshire is owned by MotorSport Vision (MSV), a firm set up in 2004 by ex-Formula 1 ace Jonathan Palmer, which manages various racing venues across the UK.

A host of sporting events are held there each year - including the Gold Cup, the British Touring Car Championship and the British Superbike Championship.

It was the latter which was taking place on Monday (5 May) when a 'catastrophic' collision involving 11 riders occurred, leaving two competitors dead and several others injured.

East Sussex-born rider Owen Jenner, 21, and New Zealand-native Shane Richardson, 29, both sustained fatal injuries and passed away before they arrived at hospital.

Cheshire Police have launched an investigation into the deadly incident, while the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and the event's organisers, MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), have also launched probes.

The racing circuit in Cheshire is known for its sharp corners (PA)

MSVR - the racing arm of MSV which handles an extensive portfolio of championships and series - explained that the 'chain reaction' pile-up took place as riders were 'exiting turn one on the first lap'.

This spot, known as Old Hall corner, is at the start of the complex circuit which MSV describes as one 'of the most challenging' race tracks in UK motorsport.

According to the company's website, the entire course follows 'the route of the former estate’s access roads' and the 'natural contours of the Cheshire countryside'.

It's renowned for its tight corners, blind crests and rapidly changing gradients - which might go some way to explaining why so many accidents have taken place there during motorsports events over the years.

Brit champ killed in 1981

British motorcycle racer Dave Potter, 31, passed away on 18 September 1981, more than two weeks after he was involved in a deadly crash at Oulton Park.

The dad-of-two, who had triumphed at the British Superbike Championship twice, suffered horrific head injuries after he crashed at the Cascades corner and collided with an unprotected Armco barrier.

Potter, from Yorkshire, was taken to Chester Royal Infirmary before being transferred to the Stoke Mandeville Hospital, but never regained consciousness. He passed away 17 days after the crash.

David Potter never regained consciousness after the deadly crash in 1981 (The tz350 Website)

Race marshal dies in 2006

Paul Leonard was a track marshal who was working at Oulton Park during a test day organised by the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board (MCRCB) in April 2006 when tragedy struck.

He suffered fatal injuries when a rider on a Yamaha 600 lost control on Lodge Corner, with Cheshire Police saying the competitor 'came off the motorcycle which then bounced into the air and struck the track marshal'.

Leonard, who was 49 years old and from Greater Manchester, died after what the force described as a 'tragic accident', while the rider escaped uninjured.

Race red-flagged in 2008

Racing officials red-flagged a British Superbikes race in May 2008 after a number of riders crashed on the first corner at Oulton Park due to dire weather conditions.

Tom Sykes, Billy McConnell and Cal Crutchlow were among those who took a tumble during the incident which took place at Old Hall corner.

Officials ruled it was not safe to continue the race due to the wet conditions, according to Bike Sport News, although no serious injuries were reported.

Cars collide in 2009

A dramatic collision between two cars on the famous track was captured on camera in 2009 (YouTube)

A racing car was involved in a scary collision during the 2009 Ginetta G50 Championship in Oulton Park back in May 2009.

In footage shared to YouTube by a spectator, a vehicle driven by Carl Breeze is seen grinding to a halt in the middle of the track - while competitors are roaring right behind - after skidding across the course.

Most managed to narrowly avoid smashing into the car, but one driver, Mark Proctor, was unable to dodge it and careered straight into it. Both drivers were injured following the crash.

Motorcycle tragedy in 2013

Experienced rider Michael Carson, 52, was killed during a motorcycle track day at Oulton Park on 5 October, 2013, after a fatal collision at an area of the course known as Hill Top, which is described as a 'blind-brow hill'.

He flew off his bike after smashing into another vehicle, sustaining fatal injuries, while four others were also hurt. Two of these had life-changing injuries, according to Motorcycle News.

MSV were fined £158,000 and ordered to pay court costs of £250,000 after pleading guilty to a single count of acting contrary to Regulation 3(1)(b) of the management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

MSV did not wish to share any further comment when approached by LADbible.