Racer suffered injuries to skull in fatal crash
Racer suffered injuries to skull in fatal crash
Catherine Nicoll - Isle of ManThu, September 10, 2026 at 5:11 AM UTC
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Sam Naughton was taking part in the Manx Grand Prix for the second year
A competitor in the Manx Grand Prix died from injuries to his skull after his bike left the road at speed during qualifying, an inquest has heard.
Elliot Sam Naughton, known as Sam, was killed in the crash at Doran's Bend, on the western section of the 37.7 mile (61km) Mountain Course during the afternoon session on 19 August.
The 37-year-old, from Castletown on the Isle of Man, was competing in the Manx Grand Prix (MGP) for the second time after making his debut at the event in 2025.
The inquest heard Naughton, who was a gas engineer, suffered base skull injuries when his machine left the road at speed and entered a wooded area.
Adjourning the inquest, coroner James Brooks passed on his condolences to the racer's family and friends.
Naughton was the second competitor to be killed during qualifying for the 2026 MGP. Mauro Poncini was killed in a crash at Cruickshanks in Ramsey on 18 August.
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Doran's Bend, on Glen Helen Road section of the A3, is the same part of the Mountain Course that TT newcomer Daniel Ingham was killed during qualifying for the 2026 Isle of Man TT races in June.
The MGP is held in parallel to the Classic TT races in August each year, with both events run by ACU Events Ltd.
Representing the ACU at the inquest, advocate Darren Taubitz also passed on condolences to Naughton's family and friends.
Paying tribute at the time of his death, Manx Grand Prix Races said it was deeply saddened by the death of the racer, who had been a regular competitor in other road racing events since 2020.
It said it passed on its deepest sympathy to his wife and children, and family and friends.
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Second rider killed in Manx Grand Prix qualifying
Tribute to racer's 'determination and passion'
Related internet links
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Manx Grand Prix
Source: “AOL Sports”
