Manx Grand Prix: Two riders killed in qualifying accidents

Two motorcycle riders have died during qualifying sessions for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man.

On Tuesday, 29-year-old Swiss rider Mauro Poncini was killed following a collision involving two competitors at Cruickshanks in Ramsey. Poncini, an experienced road racer making his debut on the Mountain Course, was competing in the Supertwin and Supersport categories. The second rider involved in the Tuesday incident sustained minor injuries and was treated at Noble’s Hospital.

On Wednesday, 37-year-old British rider Sam Naughton died following a crash at Doran’s Bend during the third qualifying session. Naughton, a father of four from Castletown, was in his second year of competing at the event.

The Manx Grand Prix organizers have expressed profound sadness regarding the fatalities and have initiated multi-agency investigative processes. The deaths highlight the ongoing safety scrutiny surrounding the Mountain Course, which is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous racing circuits in the world.