Darrell Taylor suffered 'medical incident' on opening day of Manx National Rally
Tributes have been paid to rally competitor who died during the 2026 Manx National Rally.
Darrell Taylor, from Folkestone in Kent, was confirmed to have suffered a 'medical incident' during the opening day of the event (9 May).
In a statement Manx Auto Sport said: "We would like to say once again our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of one of the genuinely kindest and friendliest personalities you could come to know in the rallying community.
"This has deeply affected us all and has been a huge loss to our great rallying family."
Taylor entered the event with a Ford Fiesta R5 Rally 2.
His co-driver Martin Brady posted a tribute on social media saying: "Darrell Taylor was large in stature, in tone, in approach, in action, in volume and in heart.
"I’m so sad and sorry that we lost Darrell so suddenly but that’s a fraction of how sad it is for his loving family."
TV Presenter Paul Woodford who was on the Island to cover the event also posted on social media saying: "We live out our dreams together in this sport and we share each other’s adventures.
"Darrell, I enjoyed sharing yours."
Manx National Rally 2026 results
Lucas Croydon Photography
Ryan Loughran and Rob Fagg were crowned winners of the 2026 Manx Rally on Saturday (9 May).
The pair were dominant over the weekend in their Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 as they lead from start to finish.
They ended with a time of 1:27:22.1, which was 20.8 seconds ahead of Niall McGonigle and Coalan McKenna in a Volkswagen Polo GTi R5 and 1 minute 15.9 seconds seconds ahead of third place Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke who competed in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2.
Lucas Croydon Photography
Manx National Rally Podium:
- Ryan Loughran / Rob Fagg Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 1:27:22.1
- Niall McGonigle / Caolan McKenna Volkswagen Polo GTi R5 1:27:42.9 +0:20.8
- Jason Pritchard / Phil Clarke Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 1:28:38.0 +1:15.9
The Manx Rally also marked as the second round of the ProTyre Asphalt Rally Championship, round two of the Fuchs Roger Albert Clark Rally Championship and formed part of the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship.
- Niall McGonigle and Caolan McKenna (Volkswagen Polo GTI R5)
- Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke (Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2)
- David Wright and Jane Nicol (Ford Fiesta Rally 2)
- Lee Edwards and Sam Spencer (Ford Escort G3)
- Gordon Montana Morrison and Ian Parker (Ford Escort Mk2)
- David Wright and Jane Nicol (Ford Fiesta Rally 2)
- Kyle Adam and Steven Brown (Ford Escort Mk2)
Roger Albert Clark Rally category winners:
- Category 2 - Shane Gamble and Michael Diehl (Morris Mini Cooper S)
- Category 3 - Will Rowlands and Emyr Hall (Ford Escort RS 1800)
- Category 4 - Will Onions and Dave Williams (BMW E30 M3)
British Historic Rally category winners:
- Category 2 - Ben Smith and Steven Smith (Porsche 911 RS)
- Category 3 - Damien Tourish and Kevin Duggan (Ford Escort)
- Category 4 - Martin McCormack and Barney Mitchell (BMW E30 M3)
Manx Auto Sport has described some spectators' behaviour as 'not acceptable' after reports of abuse towards marshals.
The organisation said: "Our marshals are there to keep you safe and must be listened at all times.
"Rallying is a spectator sport but please do not ruin it others."
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