Sam Naughton, a 37-year-old British motorcyclist, has died following a crash during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix, organisers have confirmed. He is the second competitor to lose his life at the event this week.
Crash at Doran's Bend
Naughton, from Castletown, Isle of Man, was taking part in the event for the second time, having made his debut in 2025. The incident occurred at Doran's Bend during the third qualifying session on Wednesday afternoon.
A statement from race organisers read: "The Manx Grand Prix Races is deeply saddened to announce that Sam Naughton, 37, from Castletown, Isle of Man, died in an incident during Wednesday afternoon's qualifying at the 2026 Manx Grand Prix."
It added: "The incident occurred at Doran's Bend, during the third qualifying session of the event. Having made his debut in 2025, Sam was in his second year of competing at the Manx Grand Prix, and was a regular competitor at a number of other road racing events since he began racing in 2020."
The organisers passed on "their deepest sympathy to his wife Charlotte, his children Bonnie, Liam, Jesse and Parker, his family, and friends."
Second fatality in same week
Naughton is the second motorcyclist to die at the Manx Grand Prix this year. Mauro Poncini died after a crash at Cruickshanks on the opening lap of the evening qualifying session on Tuesday.
A statement regarding that incident read: "During the first lap of the second qualifying session of the 2026 Manx Grand Prix Races, an incident involving two competitors occurred in the Cruickshanks area of Ramsey. The session was immediately halted with the red flag."
It continued: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm that one competitor has sustained fatal injuries. In accordance with the event's standard procedures, a multi-agency investigation is currently underway. Our thoughts are with the competitors, the families and friends of those affected, who have asked for privacy at this time."
The Swiss Moto Federation added: "Mauro was a man with an extraordinary heart, deeply affectionate toward his loved ones and everyone around him. Thanks to his warm and open nature, he was well-loved by fellow riders and appreciated by all for his great humanity."
Event and safety context
Qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix is held alongside the Classic TT and is due to continue on Thursday and run until August 28. The Isle of Man is the only place in the world where motorcycle road racing is legal, with the Manx Grand Prix and TT events considered some of the most dangerous in motor racing. Fatalities are common at both events but are accepted as risks by riders. As of 2023, 269 riders had been killed competing in the two events.
