British racer Sam Naughton dies in Manx Grand Prix crash
British motorbike racer Sam Naughton has died following a horror crash at the Manx Grand Prix qualifiers on Wednesday afternoon, reports BritPanorama.
The 37-year-old was killed on the western section of the Isle of Man course at Doran’s Bend.
Mr Naughton was participating in the event for only the second time, having made his debut at the course the previous year. His death marks the second tragic incident during this year’s Manx Grand Prix qualifiers, following the fatal accident of Swiss rider Mauro Poncini on Tuesday.
Poncini, 29, died after an incident at Cruickshanks during the opening lap of the qualifying session. The fatalities during the event have cast a somber shadow over the longstanding racing tradition.
In a statement, Manx Grand Prix Races expressed its “deeply saddened” feelings regarding Mr Naughton’s death. They elaborated, “The incident occurred at Doran’s Bend, during the third qualifying session of the event. Having made his debut in 2025, Sam was in his second year of competing at the Manx Grand Prix and was a regular competitor in other road racing events since he began racing in 2020.”
The statement also conveyed condolences to his wife Charlotte, his children Bonnie, Liam, Jesse, and Parker, along with his family and friends. As the event continues, qualifying sessions are expected to resume tomorrow afternoon.
The Manx Grand Prix, which runs in tandem with the Classic TT races, is set to begin on Sunday and conclude on August 28. This motorcycling event has a rich history, being held on the Isle of Man for over a century since its inception in 1923.
With the weight of recent events, the racing community grieves yet again, highlighting the inherent risks and challenges faced by competitors in this thrilling sport.
