British motorbike racer Sam Naughton has died during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix, becoming the second rider killed during the fatal session this week.
The 37-year-old was taking part in the Grand Prix for just the second time, and died in a crash which took place on a western section of the island’s course called Doran’s Bend.
Naughton’s death during the afternoon session on Wednesday came less than 24 hours after the first fatality of qualifying, with Swiss rider Mauro Poncini involved in a tragic accident on the opening lap of Tuesday evening’s session.
Isle of Man native Naughton made his debut at the Grand Prix last year on the Mountain Course.
A statement released by Manx Grand Prix Races shared that the organisation was ‘deeply saddened’ by the racer’s death.
‘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,’ the statement continued.
Motorbike rider Sam Naughton, 37, has died during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix
‘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.’
Wednesday also saw the Swiss Moto Federation pay tribute to Poncini, who was making his debut in the race when he was killed at Cruickshanks.
‘Mauro was a man with an extraordinary heart, deeply affectionate toward his loved ones and everyone around him,’ the statement read, adding that the federation were experiencing ‘profound shock and immense sadness’.
‘Thanks to his warm and open nature, he was well-loved by fellow riders and appreciated by all for his great humanity.’
Adding that he was a ‘passionate and deeply committed rider’ who ‘lived his passion wholeheartedly, with courage and absolute dedication,’ the statement added: ‘Now – far too soon – that very passion has taken him to the heavens’.
Naughton is the second rider to have died at Doran’s Bend this year, with British rider Daniel Ingham dying at the site during the first lap of qualifying at the Isle of Man TT in May.
Father of two Ingham, 33, had been a regular at the event since 2016, first competing in the Manx Grand Prix before swapping to TT races.
In a second incident at that event, eight spectators were taken to hospital after a rider crashed during practice.
The Isle of Man TT is generally considered one of the most dangerous races in motorsport, with Ingham’s death marking the 272nd on the Snaefell Mountain Course.
Events on the course, including the Grand Prix and Classic TT races, will continue until August 28.
