New Zealander Shane Richardson is one of two riders to die following an 11-bike incident at the British Supersport Championship event, according to reports.

The BBC reports Richardson, 29, and Englishman Owen Jenner, 21, were fatally injured on the first corner of the race at Oulton Park, south of Liverpool.

Richardson, from Wainuiomata, was initially treated trackside before being taken to the circuit medical centre, then transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. He died prior to arrival.

Fellow Kiwi Morgan McLaren-Wood was also involved in the incident, suffering minor injuries.

New Zealander Shane Richardson was one of two riders to die following an 11-bike incident at a British Supersport Championship event in England. Photo YouTube

The Supersport Championship is a support class to the main British Superbike series.

Richardson was a father to two young kids.

Growing up in Lower Hutt, Richardson moved to the United Kingdom to pursue his dream of becoming a professional motorcycle racer. He had raced for 24 years.

Richardson worked for Triumph Motorcycles in Leicestershire as a test rider. He also had a joinery business. The Oulton Park event was the opening round of the British Supersport Championship, with the crash occurring in the third race.

“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,” a statement from race organisers Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing said.

“The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.

“Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.

“This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.”

“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 Constabulary.”

Cemetery Circuit in Wanganui posted to Facebook, “Devastated to hear we have lost another of our racing family. Our thoughts are with Hannah and the family, along with our condolences to Owen’s family too. Shane was a top bloke, a fantastic and talented racer and a genuine human. RIP mate...”

Whites Powersports, Richardson’s sponsor, took to Facebook: “The team at Whites are extremely saddened by the news of Shane Richardson‘s passing, early this morning. Shane was involved in an 11-bike pile-up at Rd1 of the British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park. Shane will be remembered by many as a great racer, person, and father. Our thoughts go out to Shane’s young family and friends during this tough time. Ride in Peace, Shane."

In 2018, after Richardson’s debut outing on a 1000cc superbike in Taupō, he told NZME: “I’m more than happy with this result, my first time in New Zealand racing on a big bike.”

“Battling with Damo [Rees] again feels like a bit of déjà vu from the 2017 season,” he said, when the pair battled for Supersport 600cc class honours at the nationals.

“The racing was so tight. It was good. It’s such a good class right now and I’m over the moon.”