Sam Naughton named as second rider to die in Manx Grand Prix

Sam Naughton has been named as the second rider to die at the Manx Grand Prix this year as the hometown hero was tragically killed on Wednesday afternoon.

The father-of-four died in a horror crash at Doran’s Bend on the western section of the 37.7-mile Isle of Man course, organisers confirmed later on Wednesday. The 37-year-old became the second rider to pass away at this year’s Manx Grand Prix after Mauro Poncini, 29, died in another crash on Tuesday (August 18).

Swiss rider Poncini was one of the 75 newcomers to this year’s event, which attracts hundreds of riders. Naughton was competing in his second Manx Grand Prix.

Organisers tragically announced the event’s second death late on Wednesday. They said in a statement: “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.

“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 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. It is set to be completed on August 28.