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Second Rider Dies in Manx Grand Prix Qualifying

Sam Naughton, 37, has died in a crash at Doran's Bend during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix, making him the second fatality of the 2026 event.

  • Sam Naughton, 37, died in a crash at Doran's Bend during Wednesday afternoon's qualifying session.
  • Naughton was competing in the Manx Grand Prix for the second time, having debuted in 2025.
  • This is the second death in qualifying for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, following Mauro Poncini's death on Tuesday.

A second competitor has died during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man. Sam Naughton, a 37-year-old from Castletown, was killed in a crash at Doran's Bend on the western section of the course on Wednesday afternoon.

Naughton was making his second appearance at the event, having first competed on the 37.7-mile Mountain Course in 2025. He had been a regular in other road racing events since 2020.

His death follows that of Mauro Poncini, who died in a crash at Cruickshanks in Ramsey during Tuesday's evening qualifying session. The Manx Grand Prix Races expressed deep sadness and extended sympathy to Naughton's wife Charlotte, his children Bonnie, Liam, Jesse and Parker, and his wider family and friends.

Qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix, which runs alongside the Classic TT, is scheduled to continue on Thursday afternoon. The events began on Sunday and are set to conclude on 28 August.

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