Sam Naughton, 37, from Castletown, Isle of Man, died in a crash at Doran's Bend during the third qualifying session of the 2026 Manx Grand Prix on Wednesday afternoon, August 19, organisers confirmed.
Naughton, who made his debut in 2025, was competing in his second year at the Manx Grand Prix and had been a regular competitor at other road racing events since he began racing in 2020.
Second death at the event
His death is the second of the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, following the death of 29-year-old Mauro Poncini from Caslano, Switzerland, who died in a crash on Tuesday, August 18.
Organisers confirmed the event's second death late on Wednesday. In a statement, the Manx Grand Prix Races said: "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. The incident occurred at Doran's Bend, during the third qualifying session of the event."
Family and event continuation
The organisers added: "The Manx Grand Prix Races pass on their deepest sympathy to his wife Charlotte, his children Bonnie, Liam, Jesse and Parker, his family, and friends."
The event is set to continue on Thursday afternoon, along with the Classic TT, and is scheduled to be completed on August 28.
