Sam Naughton: Father of four is the second fatality at the Manx GP

It was only on Wednesday afternoon that it emerged that the rider who had lost his life in a tragic accident in Ramsey on Tuesday evening – and whose name had initially been kept confidential – was 29-year-old Swiss rider Mauro Poncini, who was taking part in the Manx Grand Prix for the first time this year.

Just a few hours later, a second wave of shock swept through the paddock on the Isle of Man. As the organisers announced, a tragic accident had occurred during the second qualifying session, in which another competitor paid the ultimate price for his passion.

“The Manx Grand Prix organisers announce with great sadness that Sam Naughton from Castletown on the Isle of Man lost his life in a crash during qualifying on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred at Doran’s Bend during the third qualifying lap.”

“Naughton, who made his debut in 2025, was competing in the Manx Grand Prix for the second time and had been a regular participant in a number of other road races since his racing debut in 2020. The Manx Grand Prix Races extend their deepest condolences to his wife Charlotte, his children Bonnie, Liam, Jesse and Parker, and to his family and friends.”

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