SECOND RIDER DIES IN MANX GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING CRASH

Sam Naughton, a 37-year-old competitor from Castletown on the Isle of Man, was killed in a crash at Doran's Bend on Wednesday afternoon during qualifying for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix. The incident occurred on the western section of the Mountain Course, a 37.7 mile circuit. Naughton was competing in the event for the second time, having made his debut in 2025. His death marks the second fatality during qualifying for this year's event.

Mauro Poncini was killed in a separate crash at Cruickshanks on Tuesday during an evening qualifying session. Poncini's incident occurred on the opening lap of his session. Manx Grand Prix Races issued a statement expressing deep sadness at Naughton's death and extending sympathy to his wife Charlotte and his four children: Bonnie, Liam, Jesse and Parker. The organisation noted that Naughton had been a regular competitor in other road racing events since 2020.

Qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix is scheduled to continue on Thursday afternoon. The event runs in parallel with the Classic TT, with both competitions having begun on Sunday and set to conclude on 28 August. The deaths have occurred during a qualifying phase that precedes the main racing schedule.