British motorbike racer Sam Naughton, 37, died during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix on Wednesday, becoming the second fatality of the event this week. Naughton crashed on a western section of the course known as Doran's Bend. His death occurred less than 24 hours after Swiss rider Mauro Poncini was killed in an accident on the opening lap of Tuesday evening's qualifying session at Cruickshanks. The Manx Grand Prix Races organization expressed deep sadness over Naughton's death, extending sympathy to his wife, Charlotte, and their four children. The organization noted that Naughton, an Isle of Man native, was in his second year of competing at the Manx Grand Prix, having made his debut in 2025, and had been a regular competitor at other road racing events since 2020.
Poncini, who was making his debut in the race, was remembered by the Swiss Moto Federation as a rider with "an extraordinary heart" and "great humanity." The federation described him as passionate and dedicated, stating that his "very passion has taken him to the heavens."
Naughton is the second rider to have died at Doran's Bend this year. British rider Daniel Ingham, 33, previously died at the same location during the Isle of Man TT qualifying in May. Ingham, a father of two, had been a regular competitor since 2016. The Isle of Man TT is widely considered one of the most dangerous races in motorsport, with Ingham's death being the 272nd on the Snaefell Mountain Course. The Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT races are scheduled to continue until August 28. In a separate incident during the Isle of Man TT, eight spectators were hospitalized after a rider crashed during practice.