A competitor has died and another competitor has suffered minor injuries after a crash involving two riders during the 2026 Manx Grand Prix qualifying session at Cruickshanks in Ramsey, Isle of Man, on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
Manx Grand Prix organisers confirmed the fatal incident shortly after the Senior and Supersport session was halted and launched a multi-agency investigation.
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The crash occurred on the opening lap of the second qualifying session, which began at 6.30pm local time.
The session was immediately red-flagged at about 6.50pm and was not restarted.
The identities of both competitors have not been released, with Manx Grand Prix officials saying the families and friends of those involved have requested privacy.
The second rider sustained minor injuries and was taken to Noble’s Hospital, the Isle of Man’s main hospital, for treatment.
The rider’s condition was not reported as life-threatening.
In a statement, Manx Grand Prix organisers said: “It is with profound sadness that the Manx Grand Prix Races confirms that one competitor sustained fatal injuries.”
The organisers added that the second competitor had suffered minor injuries and was receiving treatment at Noble’s Hospital.
A multi-agency investigative process has been opened in line with the event’s standard operating procedures.
Organisers also thanked marshals, medical teams, emergency services, Manx Care and other personnel involved in the response.
The road between Ramsey Bus Station and Lheaney Road was closed for several hours while emergency services dealt with the aftermath.
The route was later reopened.
The tragedy came during a qualifying programme already disrupted by difficult weather and earlier incidents.
Monday’s scheduled qualifying sessions were cancelled because of rain, forcing organisers to adjust the programme.
The Tuesday evening session therefore carried added importance as riders sought to build qualifying mileage ahead of the racing programme.
The 2026 Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT are being staged together from 16 to 28 August.
The published programme originally provided six days of qualifying before racing begins, with the first Manx Grand Prix races scheduled for Saturday, 22 August.
The Manx Grand Prix will culminate with its main races on Monday, 24 August, while the Classic TT programme is scheduled to continue through Friday, 28 August.
Contingency sessions have been built into the timetable to accommodate delays caused by weather or incidents.
Tuesday’s fatal crash was the latest serious interruption to the opening phase of this year’s meeting.
The previous qualifying activity had also been affected by a red-flag incident involving Italian rider Salvatore Sallustro, although available reports do not connect Sallustro with Tuesday’s fatal crash.
Sallustro, who was listed among the seeded Sportbike competitors for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, was scheduled to compete in this year’s meeting.
The incident has once again placed the formidable nature of the Mountain Course in sharp focus.
The road circuit stretches for about 37.7 miles, passing through towns and rural sections of the Isle of Man rather than operating as a conventional closed-circuit racing venue.
The course’s character is central to the Manx Grand Prix’s appeal, but its length, speed and combination of public-road sections also make safety management particularly demanding.
The organisers’ decision to suspend the session and begin a formal investigation reflects the seriousness with which incidents are handled.
For now, the focus remains on the competitor who lost their life, the injured rider receiving treatment and the families and friends affected by the crash.
“Our thoughts are with the competitors, family and friends of those involved, who have asked for privacy at this time,” the organisers said.
A further update is expected from the Manx Grand Prix organisers as the investigation progresses.
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The circumstances surrounding the crash, including what led to the collision at Cruickshanks, had not been publicly established as of Wednesday morning.
