Manx Grand Prix rider Mauro Poncini killed in qualifying crash
Swiss motorcyclist Mauro Poncini has died following a crash during a qualifying session for the Manx Grand Prix, race organisers announced in a statement on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old, a seasoned competitor in both the Supertwin and Supersport classes, was making his debut appearance on the Isle of Man’s Mountain Course.
Organisers confirmed Poncini was one of two riders involved in the collision at Cruickshanks during the opening lap of Tuesday’s second session. The second rider, who was not identified in the statement, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.
Although no deaths occurred at last year’s Manx Grand Prix, and despite safety measures improving over time, racing on the island remains among the world’s most dangerous.
Including the annual TT events, Poncini is the 272nd motorcycle or sidecar participant killed on the circuit since 1911. British Isle of Man TT competitor Daniel Ingham died following a qualifying accident in May.
Ingham, 33, was involved in a fatal collision at Doran’s Bend on the first lap of the third qualifying session. An experienced competitor on the island, he had previously won the 2024 Senior Manx Grand Prix and was making his debut at the renowned TT races.
Sidecar events were subsequently halted following a series of crashes. The Wednesday evening qualifying session was red-flagged after brothers Ryan and Callum Crowe crashed their sidecar, with both sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
A day earlier, Maria Costello and passenger Shaun Parker also crashed, with Costello subsequently transferred to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool in a serious but stable condition.
Organisers at the time stated: “We recognise the long-standing history of sidecar racing at the TT, together with the commitment of the competitors, teams and supporters involved in the class. This decision has not been taken lightly.
“However, the safety of competitors, spectators, marshals, officials and all those involved in the event must remain the priority.”
