The organiser of the Manx Grand Prix has said the welfare of competitors, teams and their families is taken seriously following a complaint from a friend of rider Sam Naughton, who died during this year’s event.

Mark Raine, who described Mr Naughton as his best friend, posted online expressing his frustration at what he said was a lack of support following the rider’s death during practice on August 19.

He claimed that he and Mr Naughton’s closest family and friends had received ‘none of the help that is promised in the welfare briefing’.

Mr Raine said he had attended the welfare briefing and alleged that the procedures and support outlined to competitors and their families had not been reflected in his experience following the fatal incident.

He also said he had been left with the ‘heartbreaking task’ of informing close family and friends of Mr Naughton’s death.

Mr Raine said the only assistance he received was arranging for a van to access the paddock so Mr Naughton’s family could collect their vehicle.

In his post, he also criticised the treatment of privateer competitors, claiming they were not valued by the organisers.

ACU Events Ltd, the race organiser, has now issued a written response to the concerns.

It said: ‘ACU Events Ltd is aware of and understands the concerns that have been expressed.

‘The welfare of competitors, teams and their families is something that is taken seriously, both during an event and following an incident, including through the allocation of a dedicated Welfare Liaison.

‘Given the personal nature of the concerns raised, it would not be appropriate to discuss or provide public comment on individual circumstances.

‘The Race Organiser will continue to make direct contact with those concerned, and to offer support through the appropriate channels established.’

Mr Naughton died following an incident during the opening practice session for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix.

The Castletown man died in a crash at Doran's Bend, on the western section of the 37.7 mile (31km) Mountain Course, on Wednesday afternoon.

His death was announced by organisers on August 19, with tributes subsequently paid to the rider by friends, fellow competitors and members of the Manx motorsport community.

The Andreas Racing Association (ARA), where the 37-year-old completed his race school training to allow him to become competitive, said it was deeply saddened by his death.

‘No words can truly ease the pain that is being felt,’ it said, following the loss of ‘one of our own’.

The Manx Grand Prix is organised by ACU Events Ltd, with the event taking place on the Mountain Course.

The issue of competitor welfare and support for families following serious incidents has been raised publicly following Mr Naughton’s death.

ACU Events has not commented publicly on the specific circumstances outlined by Mr Raine, citing the personal nature of the concerns, but has said it will continue to make direct contact with those affected and offer support through its established channels.