Manx Grand Prix issues statement after second rider dies

Manx Grand Prix competitor Sam Naughton, aged 37, has tragically died following an incident during qualifying on Wednesday.

This marks the second death in as many days at the Manx Grand Prix, which had extended its Wednesday schedule to accommodate Monday’s cancelled sessions, as well as Tuesday evening’s running, after organisers cancelled nearly the entire Tuesday schedule following a two-rider incident. 

Naughton suffered a crash during the third session on Wednesday afternoon at Doran’s Bend. This was Naughton’s second appearance at the MGP after making his debut in 2025. 

Naughton, who was born in Castletown, Isle of Man, had been a regular competitor on the road racing scene since 2020.

A statement from the Manx Grand Prix said:  

“The Manx Grand Prix Races is deeply saddened to announce that Sam Naughton, 37, from Castletown, Isle of Man, died in an incident during Wednesday afternoon’s qualifying at the 2026 Manx Grand Prix. 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 at a number of other road racing events since he began racing in 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.”

Due to the ongoing schedule changes, roads around the Isle of Man will close at 12:30pm today, as a second contingency session will be used. Roads are due to briefly reopen at 4:30pm, before closing at 6pm for this evening’s sessions.  

The Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT were unable to complete Wednesday’s schedule after the evening’s sessions were cancelled following Naughton’s incident.

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