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

Sam Naughton named as second rider to die at Manx Grand Prix The rider, from the Isle of Man, was competing in his second Manx Grand Prix and died on Wednesday afternoon, organisers tragically confirmed later the same day Tragedy has struck the Manx Grand Prix for a second time this year as another motorbike rider has been killed in a horror crash. Hometown hero Sam Naughton, 37, died in a smash at Doran’s Bend, on the western section of the 37.7-mile Isle of Man course. He passed away on Wednesday afternoon (August 19), organisers said. Motorcyclists are already mourning the loss of 29-year-old Mauro Poncini, from Caslano in Switzerland, who died in another crash on Tuesday (August 18). Organisers tragically confirmed 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.