British motorbike racer Sam Naughton has died aged 37 following a crash during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man.
Naughton died after crashing on Wednesday afternoon on a western section of the circuit known as Doran's Bend. He was competing in the Grand Prix for only the second time.
His death marks the second fatality of qualifying this week, coming less than 24 hours after Swiss rider Mauro Poncini died in an accident during Tuesday evening's session.
The Manx Grand Prix is an annual motorcycle road racing event held on the Isle of Man, a British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland. The races take place on public roads across the island.
Tributes paid to Sam Naughton
Organisers from Manx Grand Prix Races stated that they were "deeply saddened" by the death of the British racer.
Naughton made his debut on the island's Mountain Course in 2025 and had been a regular competitor in road racing events since starting his career in 2020.
"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," organisers said in a statement.
"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."
Swiss rider Mauro Poncini
Poncini was killed at Cruickshanks on the opening lap of Tuesday evening's session while making his debut appearance at the event.
On Wednesday, the Swiss Moto Federation paid tribute to Poncini, describing the rider as a man with an "extraordinary heart" who was affectionate toward those around him.
The federation expressed "profound shock and immense sadness" following the fatal accident.
"Mauro was a man with an extraordinary heart, deeply affectionate toward his loved ones and everyone around him," the federation said in a statement.
"Thanks to his warm and open nature, he was well-loved by fellow riders and appreciated by all for his great humanity."
Describing him as 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."
Snaefell Mountain Course dangers
Naughton is the second rider to die at Doran's Bend this year. British competitor Daniel Ingham, 33, died at the location during qualifying for the Isle of Man TT in May.
Ingham, a father of two, had been a regular competitor on the island since 2016, initially competing in the Manx Grand Prix before moving to the TT races.
In a separate incident at the May event, eight spectators were taken to hospital after a rider crashed during a practice session.
The Snaefell Mountain Course, a 37.73-mile road circuit on public roads, is widely considered one of the most dangerous venues in motorsport. Ingham's death marked the 272nd fatality recorded on the course. Racing events, including the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT, will continue on the island until August 28.
