British motorbike racer is second to die in qualifying for Manx Grand Prix

Thursday, 20 August 2026 11:24

A British motorbike racer has become the second to die during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix this week.

The world of racing is mourning the loss of two competitors who died in separate incidents, just a day apart.

Sam Naughton, 37, who is from the island in the Irish sea, was killed on Wednesday during his second year at the Isle of Man event.

The father-of-four was also a regular competitor at a number of other road racing events since he began racing in 2020.

A spokesperson for the event said: "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."

The fatal accident occurred on Doran's Bend, the same place where Briton Daniel Ingham suffered a fatal crash in May.

On Tuesday, Swiss rider Mauro Poncini, 29, died during another qualifying event at the Manx Grand Prix.

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"Mauro was an experienced competitor within the Supersport and Supertwin classes, with an established record of competing at a number of road racing events prior to making his Mountain Course debut this year," the spokesperson said.

"The Manx Grand Prix Races pass on their deepest sympathy to his father Florio, mother Manuela, sister Marzia and girlfriend Sharon, as well as 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.

Sky News

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