More tragedy at Manx Grand Prix as second rider dies following incident in qualifying
A second rider has died following an incident at the Manx Grand Prix.
Sam Naughton, who was 37 and from Castletown on the Isle of Man, died after an incident at Doran’s Bend during Wednesday afternoon’s qualifying session.
A statement from the organisers on Wednesday evening 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.
“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 tragic news comes after Swiss rider Mauro Poncini died after crashing at Cruickshanks in Ramsey on Tuesday evening.
The 29-year-old was making his Manx Grand Prix debut with Northern Ireland team Scott Racing.
An Italian rider, Salvatore Sallustro, was seriously injured in a crash on the first day of the 2026 event on Sunday following an incident at Greeba Bridge.
He has been transferred to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool.