Sam Naughton dead aged 37: Brit motorbike racer becomes second to die in Manx Grand Prix qualifying after horror crash

A SECOND rider has died during the qualifying rounds of the Manx Grand Prix Sam Naughton, from Castletown in the south of the Isle of Man, was killed in a horror crash at Doran’s Bend, on the western section of the course, on Wednesday afternoon. Sam Naughton died in a horror crash while qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man Credit: Manx Grand Prix Sam Naughton seen competing in the Manx Grand Prix in 2026 Credit: Pacemaker The 37-year-old was taking part in the event for the second time, having made his debut on the 37.7 mile Mountain Course in 2025. Sam is the second motorcyclist to be killed during the qualifying stage for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Mauro Poncini died in a crash in Ramsey on Tuesday. Poncini was killed in an incident at Cruickshanks on the opening lap on the evening qualifying session. The Manx Grand Prix Races said it was deeply saddened to announce the death of Sam. It 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. Most read in Sport “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.” Qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix is held alongside the Classic TT and is scheduled to continue on Thursday afternoon. It started on Sunday and is due to end on August 28. Comment now