Two riders die in qualifying crashes during 2026 Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man
Swiss newcomer Mauro Poncini and local competitor Sam Naughton died in separate crashes during qualifying on the Mountain Course, while organizers confirmed racing will continue through 28 August.
Two fatal crashes in qualifying sessions
Two motorcycle racers died in separate incidents within 24 hours during qualifying for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man. Swiss rider Mauro Poncini, 29, died on Tuesday, 18 August, after a collision during the opening lap of the second qualifying session. The incident took place at Cruickshanks in Ramsey at approximately 6:50pm local time and involved two competitors, with the second rider sustaining minor injuries. On Wednesday afternoon, British racer Sam Naughton, 37, died in a crash at Doran's Bend on the western section of the course during the third qualifying round.
Profiles of Poncini and Naughton
Poncini, a native of Caslano in the Swiss canton of Ticino, was making his debut on the Isle of Man Mountain Course. He previously competed in the International Road Racing Championship in the Supersport class and took part in the North West 200 in Northern Ireland. In the 2026 North West 200, he rode an Aprilia for Scott Racing Motorcycles in the Supertwin category, qualifying eighth and finishing tenth with an average speed above 172 km/h. Swiss motorcycle federation Swiss Moto released a statement following his death.
With Mauro, the Swiss motorcycle family loses a passionate and deeply committed rider. He lived his passion with all his heart, with courage and absolute dedication. Now this very passion has taken him to heaven far too early.
Naughton, a resident of Castletown on the Isle of Man, was a married father of four children named Bonnie, Liam, Jesse, and Parker. He began road racing in 2020 after finishing training at the Andreas Racing Association and made his Manx Grand Prix debut in 2025. The Andreas Racing Association released a statement paying tribute to his career.
No words can truly ease the pain that is being felt.
Track characteristics and earlier 2026 fatalities
The Manx Grand Prix takes place on the 37.7-mile Mountain Course across closed public roads lined with stone walls, curbs, hedges, and verges, where riders reach top speeds exceeding 200 mph (321 km/h). Historical casualty records indicate 273 rider deaths between the Isle of Man TT and the Manx Grand Prix, with 271 fatalities recorded at the TT alone since 1911.
- Alan Oversby dies during lap two of the Pre-TT Classic 400cc race at Ballakeighan Corner
- Daniel Ingham suffers fatal chest injuries in an Isle of Man TT qualifying crash
- Mauro Poncini dies following a collision during Manx Grand Prix qualifying at Ramsey
- Sam Naughton dies in a crash at Doran's Bend during Manx Grand Prix qualifying
The two deaths follow fatal crashes during earlier 2026 road racing events on the island. On 24 May, 68-year-old Alan Oversby of Bolton le Sands, Lancashire, died of an aortic rupture on lap two of the 400cc Pre-TT Classic race approaching Ballakeighan Corner on the Billown Course. Oversby held 16 race wins, including two victories earlier on the day of his death. On 27 May, 33-year-old Daniel Ingham of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, died of fatal chest injuries following a crash during Isle of Man TT qualifying at the same section of the course where Naughton crashed.
Race schedule and island events
Race organizers confirmed that the Manx Grand Prix would proceed as scheduled despite the two deaths. Qualifying sessions resumed on Thursday, with competitive races scheduled to conclude on 28 August. Earlier in May, actors Brad Pitt and Channing Tatum visited the Isle of Man to film scenes for an upcoming movie about the road races.
