Shane Richardson said he was 'looking forward' to the British Superbikes race which turned out to be his last. The 29-year-old was one of two fatalities in a on Monday, with event organisers cancelling the race and police launching an investigation.

Medical personnel were quickly on the scene after 11 bikes collided coming out of the first corner. Owen Jenner, 21, was pronounced dead at the circuit's medical centre after suffering a catastrophic head injury, and Richardson was transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital after being treated for severe chest injuries at the circuit, but he was pronounced dead prior to arrival. Another rider, Tom Tunstall, is in hospital with serious back and abdominal injuries.

With fans, family members and fellow riders mourning the loss of two much-loved competitors, Richardson's heart-breaking final social media post has resurfaced.

In a video interview he reposted to his less than 24 hours before the crash, the New Zealander said he was 'looking forward' to the race and hoping to be 'in the mix'.

"The sprint race was good," he said. "[I had a] bad start, went backwards quite a few positions. But we managed to figure it out and 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."

Richardson made his senior debut in 2014 and moved to the UK five years later. He is survived by his partner, Hannah, and their two young children.

Kiwi rider Cormac Buchanan, who also upped sticks and moved to Europe to pursue his bike racing career, was among those to pay tribute. : "Don't know what to say. 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'm grateful to have been able to consider you a competitor, a 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 will always be riding with you; thank you for everything, Shane."