Second competitor killed during Manx Grand Prix qualifying

Sam Naughton, a 37-year-old rider from Castletown, was killed in a crash at Doran's Bend on the western section of the Mountain Course during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix on Wednesday afternoon. He is the second competitor to die during qualifying for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, following the death of Mauro Poncini in Ramsey on Tuesday.

Naughton was competing in the Manx Grand Prix for the second time. He made his debut on the 37.7 mile (61km) Mountain Course in 2025. The rider was from Castletown and aged 37 at the time of the incident.

Mauro Poncini was killed in a crash in Ramsey on Tuesday. The incident involving Poncini happened at Cruickshanks on the opening lap of the evening qualifying session. His death preceded Wednesday's fatality during qualifying for the event.

In a statement, Manx Grand Prix Races said it was deeply saddened to announce the death of Naughton, who had been a regular competitor in other road racing events since 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," it added. The organisers issued the statement after Wednesday's incident.

The Manx Grand Prix is run in parallel to the Classic TT. The BBC invited readers to suggest which stories should be covered on the Isle of Man and to follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X for further updates.

Qualifying for the MGP is scheduled to continue on Thursday afternoon. The events began on Sunday, with racing set to conclude on 28 August.