Explore every episode of the podcast Startline - Road Racing podcast

A year ago, Startline began with a conversation and a dream.

Our very first guest, Ashley Robson, was hoping to make it to the Manx Grand Prix. Twelve months later, she's back - and this time she's got an incredible story to tell.

From the nerves and excitement of her first solo lap of the Mountain Course to breaking the 100mph barrier and securing a ninth-place class finish at the Classic TT, it's been a remarkable year for Ash.

She joins Beth to reflect on the experience, the extraordinary support of her family and team, the friendships and atmosphere in the paddock, and the hard work behind making a dream come true.

Ash also has some valuable advice for aspiring newcomers, particularly those who've faced disappointment in the entry process -  she's living proof that persistence pays off.

And with the MGP now under her belt, there's already another ambition on the horizon...

One year since our very first episode, we're back where Startline began - celebrating just how far one rider has come, and looking ahead to where the road might take her next.

You can find Ashley on Facebook here and Instagram here.

 

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.   Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there.   

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

What happens when a lifelong TT enthusiast decides that watching from the hedge isn't quite enough?

For Simon Warren, the answer is Melbray Racing  - a team that has gone from a chance conversation and a dream to standing on the podium at the Isle of Man TT in a remarkably short space of time.

In this episode of Startline, we discover how Simon's childhood fascination with motorcycles, a chance encounter with Glen English and a love of classic racing led him into the extraordinary world of team ownership.

It's a journey involving a race bike rebuilt in a tiny plastic garden shed, a memorable first meeting with Michael Dunlop, podium success with Glen English and Dom Herbertson, and an increasingly successful partnership with Eddie Laycock and legendary racer Mike Browne.

But Simon's story is about much more than results. He speaks candidly about the pressures of running a team, the responsibility of keeping riders safe, the financial realities of racing and the agonising minutes spent waiting for a rider to come home.

There are plenty of laughs along the way, some genuinely moving moments and a fascinating insight into the differences between the Classic TT and the TT paddocks.

And with ambitious plans already taking shape for 2027, it seems Melbray Racing's remarkable journey is only just beginning.

Above all, it's a story about what makes Isle of Man road racing so special – and how a lifelong fan can end up becoming part of its history.

You can follow Simon on Facebook here and Melbray Racing on Instagram here

 

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.   Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there.   

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

This week, we’re hearing from a rider who travels a very long way in pursuit of a dream.

Skyler Gore grew up racing motorcycles in a small farming town in Oregon, with bikes very much part of family life.

But since he was around 15 years old, there’s been one particular ambition that has stayed with him - getting to the Isle of Man and becoming part of its extraordinary road racing story.

After making the journey across from the United States, Skyler got his first taste of Irish road racing, raced at the Tandragee 100, and spent time at the Manx Grand Prix helping in the pits. Now, he’s hoping that his next application will finally give him the chance to take to the Mountain Course himself.

It’s a story about racing, family, determination and the sometimes slightly crazy lengths we’ll go to for the things we love.

You can follow Skyler on Facebook here and Instagram here

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.   Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there.   

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

For Callum Hirst, racing the Mountain Course has been the dream for almost 20 years.

He was just nine years old when his dad brought him to the Isle of Man for the Centenary TT in 2007.

Standing at the top of Bray Hill and watching the bikes come past, Callum turned to his dad and told him that one day it would be him.

Now, that dream is beginning to feel much closer.

After years in motocross, Callum moved into road racing only last year, but has already made a huge impression.

His sights are now firmly set on MGP 2027. 

Beth catches up with Callum to talk about where that ambition began, his rapid progression on short circuits, the physical and mental preparation he believes the Mountain Course demands, and the enormous amount of work happening behind the scenes to give himself the best possible chance of reaching the Startline.

There’s plenty of confidence, plenty of laughs and a very clear sense that, for Callum, this is about far more than simply entering a motorcycle race.

You can follow Callum on Facebook here and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.   Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there.   

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

 

 

Canadian racer Dallas Reynolds has taken rather an unusual route towards the roads.

After 13 years in the Canadian Army, including deployments overseas, Dallas turned his attention increasingly towards racing, progressing from club competition at home, through the Canadian national series and ultimately onto the Irish roads.

Now, the Isle of Man is firmly in his sights.

In this episode of Startline, Dallas talks about where his fascination with the TT and Manx Grand Prix first began, the influence his military career has had on the way he approaches racing, and what he has learned from two seasons competing on the roads.

Having already experienced the MGP from inside the paddock as part of another rider’s team, Dallas is now preparing to submit his expression of interest for 2027 and hoping his next visit to the Island might finally be as a newcomer.

We also talk about learning the Mountain Course, dealing with setbacks, the importance of preparation and why, for Dallas, the answer is simply to keep putting the work in.

You can follow Dallas on Instagram here and Facebook here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.   Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there.   

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

For some people, racing is something they’ve been doing all their lives.

For Martin Clare and Amanda Mason, the journey has been a little less straightforward.

In this episode of Startline, we catch up with the pair in the Manx Grand Prix paddock to talk about how they found their way into racing, their love of the roads, a new sidecar partnership that is very much still a work in progress and why sometimes you just have to take the opportunity and see where it leads.

There are plenty of laughs along the way, but also a powerful reminder that life is there to be lived. And bacon is not to be burnt.

And after this episode - Martin and Amanda did become the last ever Tonfanau Sidecar Champions!

You can find their page - LCM Racing on Facebook or you can get in touch with Martin and Amanda directly.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.   Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there.   

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

Ben Wilkinson has one goal firmly in his sights: racing at the Manx Grand Prix.

After beginning on motocross bikes at the age of 11, Ben moved into circuit racing before turning his attention to the roads. But his journey suffered a painful setback following this year’s Southern 100, when a low-speed road-bike accident left his shoulder broken in four places and his arm out of its socket for four days.

In this episode of the Startline Road Racing Podcast, Ben talks candidly about the physical and mental challenge of recovery, the family and friends helping to rebuild him, and why the accident hasn’t diminished his determination to race again - although it does mean the garden has been neglected...

We also hear why his first Manx Grand Prix application was unsuccessful, what he needs to do next and why, however long it takes, Ben won’t stop until he reaches the startline.

We're also joined by Ben's friend Kean, who's quickly proved he's got what it takes to be a crucial part of the team.

And in this episode, we also catch up with former guest Shane Doran who did his first MGP in 2026.

You can follow Ben's Peach Racing page on Facebook here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.  

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there. 

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

In this episode, we catch up with previous Startliners Illiam Quayle, Markus Karlsson, Andy Herd and Andrew Coulter to find out how Manx Grand Prix 2026 lived up to the dream.

We hear how they expected it to be, what was the reality was like, their advice for anyone wanting to be a newcomer in 2027 and most importantly - whether they want to do it again...

You can find Illiam Quayle Facebook and Instagram here

Markus Karlsson on Facebook here and Instagram here,

Andy Herd on Facebook here and Instagram here.

And Andrew Coulter on Facebook here and Instagram here.

**

Also in this episode, hear how Beth got on being a sidecar passenger for the very first time there may one tiny swear word, so sorry about that!

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.  

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there. 

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

Belgian racer Laurent Hoffman has been back on the Isle of Man Mountain Course after a 12-year gap, and the comeback story is even more dramatic than it sounds.

After a crash at TT 2014 left him in a wheelchair and doctors telling him he’d likely never ride again, he returned to the Island with a rebuilt team, years of preparation, and some clear goals.

Laurent shares the inside story of growing up in the paddock, discovering his talent in go-karting, and funding a racing career almost entirely out of his own pocket.

He opens up about the pressure of expectation, why he chose to keep his return quiet, and what it really takes to get to the Manx Grand Prix when travel, money, experience, and the right people all have to line up at once.

Laurent also shares a surprisingly candid look at life off the bike, from avoiding social media pressure to passing the racing bug to his son without forcing it.

With his wife and son alongside him in the paddock this year, this is as much a story about resilience, patience, and generational passion, as it is about speed.

You can find Laurent on Facebook here and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.  

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there. 

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

In this episode, Beth chats to motorcycle racer Richard 'Eggy' Eglin about more than 30 years of racing, from his first time at Mallory Park in 1991 to competing at the Southern 100 and Ulster Grand Prix.

Richard talks openly about his recent S100 victory, the challenges and costs of racing, the importance of the people who support him, and why the racing community means so much to him.

He also shares his experiences with mental health and explains how motorcycle racing has given him an outlet, a focus and a reason to keep moving forward.

An honest and inspiring conversation about racing, resilience, friendship, support and the determination to keep chasing your goals.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this podcast, you can find support at TORQ, a specialised mental health and well being support service on the Isle of Man, created by the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund in partnership with Rock2Recovery.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.  

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there. 

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

The waiting is almost over.

The paddock is beginning to fill, the tents are going up and, after a year of planning, the 2026 Manx Grand Prix is suddenly very real.

In this episode of Startline, we’re at the TT Grandstand with Manx Motor Cycle Club Chairman John McBride and Secretary and Treasurer Ned Bowers for a final look ahead before the action gets under way.

We talk about an exciting international crop of newcomers, the riders who could be challenging at the front, the huge commitment - and financial sacrifice - it takes simply to make it to the start line, and the one remaining place in the prestigious Tommy Club.

John and Ned also take us behind the scenes of an event powered by volunteers, talk about the vital need for marshals and reflect on what makes the MGP so special: more than a century of history, tradition and stories and a new generation of riders hoping to write their own.

For the organisers, twelve months of preparation are almost over.

Now comes what Ned describes perfectly as “a year in a week.”

MGP 2026 is almost here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.  

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there. 

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

Motorcycles have been part of Kyle Casement’s life for as long as he can remember.

Raised in a motocross family, Kyle began riding as a young child and went on to compete in British Championship events, beach races and arena cross. He later qualified as an electrician before establishing BVS Vehicles - a business that began with selling a few cars to help fund his racing and now plays a central part in making his ambitions possible.

After moving into road racing just five years ago, Kyle is now preparing for his greatest challenge yet: making his debut at the Manx Grand Prix and completing his first racing laps of the Mountain Course.

In this episode, Kyle opens up about the excitement and nerves building as he prepares for this.

There are the challenges of balancing work, training, racing and family life, and the huge contribution made by the people supporting him behind the scenes.

He also reflects on growing up watching the TT from the hedges, learning from experienced friends and family members, and the surreal prospect of finally heading down Bray Hill himself.

Kyle has no expectations of lap speeds, podiums or immediate success. His first goal is simply to learn, stay safe and embrace an experience he will never have the chance to repeat: being a newcomer on the Mountain Course.

You can find Kyle on Facebook here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.  

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there. 

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

 

Adam “Stretch” Rayner may be a latecomer to motorcycle racing, but he is certainly not short of ambition.

The six-foot-six welder from South Yorkshire candidly admits that his early riding was sometimess reckless. 

A stark warning persuaded Adam to change direction, gain his racing licence and take his natural ability into official competition.

Since beginning racing in 2023, Adam has set his sights firmly on the roads. His debut at the Southern 100 in 2026 confirmed that it was where he belonged: despite a slipping clutch and a crash while challenging near the front, he achieved his target of a 100mph lap and describes it as the best racing experience of his life.

In this remarkably open conversation, Adam talks about the mentor who helped redirect his life, the people supporting his ambitions and the enormous financial pressure facing privateer racers.

He also reflects on becoming a father just six weeks before the interview, the sacrifices racing demands and why his original ambition of simply competing in one TT has now grown somewhat.

Funny, forthright and entirely unfiltered, this is Adam “Stretch” Rayner’s journey from the wrong side of the road to the road-racing paddock.

You can follow Adam on Facebook here and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.  

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there. 

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

Markus Karlsson has spent almost his entire life on two wheels.

The 27-year-old Swedish rider received his first motorcycle at the age of two, began racing at seven and grew up surrounded by bikes, with a road-racing father and a mother who served as a motorcycle police officer.

Now Markus is preparing for his biggest challenge yet: making his debut at the Manx Grand Prix in 2026.

In this episode, he tells Beth about building his own 600cc race bike from scratch, travelling repeatedly to the Isle of Man to learn the Mountain Course and the moment his acceptance email made him realise that the dream had suddenly become very real.

Markus also reflects on struggling at school, finding sponsors from the age of 13 and developing the belief that if somebody else can do something, he can learn to do it too.

You can find Markus on Facebook here and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.   Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there.  

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can follow Markus on Facebook here and Instagram here.

With an epic journey from Sweden to the Isle of Man ahead of him - and a newborn daughter joining the travelling race team - Markus explains why reaching the Manx Grand Prix is a challenge being taken on by the whole family.

 

 

If you've ever wondered what it's really like to race on the Isle of Man, here is a behind-the-scenes look from someone living the reality.

Growing up, Chris Moore was surrounded by racing - his stepdad was a TT legend, and it all shaped him into a rider who’s been chasing the Isle of Man dream for more than 35 years.

It was a life-changing moment in 1996 which helped open the door to the racing journey that followed. From there, Chris has gone on to race on the iconic Mountain Course, building a story of resilience, sacrifice, family support, and real love for the sport. And with his wife Lorna by his side, we really learn that racing isn’t just about speed -  it’s about the highs, the lows, and the people who ride every step of the journey with you.   You can follow Chris on Facebook here and Instagram here.   The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.  

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

In this episode of Startline, Beth meets John and Linda Mullin - two people who prove that road racing is held together not just by speed, skill and bravery, but by tea, calm, kindness, knitting, and the odd well-timed nana nap.

From marshalling around the Mountain Course to supporting riders in the paddock, John and Linda share brilliant stories of friendship, teamwork, nerves, laughter and what it really means to be part of the Manx racing family.

The Isle of Man is quite literally their second home for much of the year, and if you're on the Island you may have spotted them in the Spaceship....all will be revealed.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

This episode of Startline was recorded in front of a live audience at The George in Castletown on the Isle of Man.

Beth catches up with Isle of Man road racer Grant Thomson after a season that has already brought incredible highs and difficult lows.

From a tough first outing at the North West 200 to standing on the top step twice at the Pre-TT Classic Road Races, Grant reflects on how 2026 has unfolded so far.

He talks openly about recognising the need to support his mental health, what it means to have family and friends behind him, and - in a Startline first - answers the all-important question: if you were a biscuit, what would you be?

You can follow Grant on Facebook here and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

This week on Startline, we’re joined by Aaron West, a racer from Colorado with one of the most unusual routes to the Manx Grand Prix you’re likely to hear.

Aaron didn’t grow up on two wheels. In fact, he only learned to ride a bicycle after seeing TT highlights at the age of 19 and deciding, almost immediately, that one day he wanted to race on the Isle of Man.

Since then, he’s gone from a professional ice hockey background to motorcycle racing, winning a US national endurance championship and earning his place as a 2026 Manx Grand Prix newcomer.

In this episode, Aaron talks about discipline, determination, learning the Mountain Course from thousands of miles away, the moment his MGP acceptance email arrived while he was in the queue for the Disney teacups, and the huge logistical effort involved in bringing four bikes from America to the Isle of Man.

This, once again, is a story about obsession, preparation, family, support, and the pull of the Mountain Course.

You can find Aaron on Facebook here and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

This week on Startline, we meet Andrew Coulter -  a Manx Grand Prix 2026 newcomer from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, who has spent years quietly carrying a dream that first started when he was just a kid riding bikes in the street.

Andrew’s route to the Mountain Course hasn't been instant or easy. There have been gaps, setbacks, crashes, work pressures, family life and all the usual chaos that comes with trying to go racing while also running your own business. But through all of that, the same thing has kept pulling him back: the feeling that if he did not give this a proper go, he would regret it forever.

In this conversation, Andrew talks about learning to ride with his brother in the front garden, getting back on track after confidence-knocking accidents, the moment his MGP newcomer email arrived while he was halfway through a service at work, and the reality of preparing for the Mountain Course with a very full to-do list.

We also talk about family, fear, support, sidecars(will he passenger or drive...?), paddock life, and what success really looks like for a newcomer: qualifying, finishing, and coming home safe.

You can follow Andrew's progress on Facebook here and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

What makes someone spend years chasing a dream that most people would never dare attempt? And what is it about road racing that keeps people coming back, despite the risks, the setbacks, and the sacrifices?

In this episode, Beth Espey sits down with Irish road racer and psychologist Stephen Walsh, whose life is split between brain injury rehabilitation by day and classic motorcycle racing at weekends.

And while they discuss Stephen's own road racing journey, this conversation goes far beyond motorcycles.

Drawing on his work as a psychologist, Stephen explores the fascinating links between performance, resilience, attention, and mindset. Why do some people thrive under pressure? How much of success comes down to talent, and how much is shaped by environment? And what can road racers teach the rest of us about overcoming setbacks and achieving our goals?

Along the way, you'll hear about the unique camaraderie of the road racing community, the strange calm of standing in No Man's Land before a race, why visualisation matters, and Stephen's intriguing theory that juggling might actually make you faster on a motorcycle.

Whether you're a racer, a sports fan, or simply interested in what makes people tick, this is a fascinating insight into the psychology of performance and the enduring appeal of life on two wheels.

You can find Stephen on Facebook here

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

In this episode, we meet Brandon Kavanagh - a 27-year-old racer from County Wexford who is already making his mark on the roads.

Brandon made his Manx Grand Prix debut last year, hitting his target of a 110mph lap, and he’s now preparing to return with the Roadhouse Macau Racing Team on a new Suzuki GSX-R 750.

But Brandon’s story isn’t just about riding. He’s grown up around bikes, works long days before heading home to prepare machines in the shed, and has spent years helping Brian McCormack in the paddock.

We talk about family, hard work, the cost of racing, learning the Mountain Course, his first road race win at Cookstown - and why, after getting that first taste of the Manx, he’s determined to come back faster.

You can follow Brandon on Facebook here and Instagram here. 

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

You can also follow the Roadhouse Macau Racing team here.

In this episode of Startline, Beth Espey is joined by Irish road racer Andy Farrell - a rider with two Manx Grand Prix wins, membership of the Tommy Club, and more than a few stories from a life spent around bikes.

Andy’s love of racing started in Skerries and what began as a fairly impulsive decision to go road racing turned into a 20-year journey through Irish national road races, the Manx Grand Prix, podiums, crashes and comebacks.

This is a funny, honest and hugely entertaining conversation. Andy talks about the Honda RS250 that lives in his front room, why the road racing paddock means so much to him, the highs and lows of racing on the Mountain Course, and what it felt like to win twice at the Manx Grand Prix in 2018.

While Andy reflects on the tougher side of the sport, above all, this is a conversation about passion. About the people, the friendships, the family support, and the pull of the Isle of Man that keeps bringing riders like Andy back. And there are some top life tips thrown in there as well...

You can follow Andy on Facebook here and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

In this episode of Startline, we meet Fraser Heginson - a Manx-based rider whose love of bikes runs through just about every part of his life.

From growing up around the TT paddock and watching his heroes on the Mountain Course, to racing CB500s, Aprilias, classics, and even having the odd go as a sidecar passenger, Fraser’s story is full of humour, honesty and genuine passion for the sport.

Now he’s preparing for his first road race at the Pre-TT Classic on the Billown Course - taking on the challenge on a Honda NC30 that, by his own admission, may not be ideally suited to someone who’s six foot three.

We talk about grassroots racing on the Isle of Man, the realities of getting parts, bikes and people ready from an Island base, the family garage full of motorcycles, and why, despite the cost, the effort and the nerves, Fraser simply loves everything about bikes.

This is a warm, funny and very relatable conversation with a rider taking his next big step on the road racing journey.

You can find Fraser on Facebook here.

The Pre-TT is on from Friday 22 until Sunday 24 May 2026, and you can up to date with live commentary on Manx Radio AM1368 and vis the Manx Radio Motorsport page.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

In today's episode we are talking again about the 2026 Pre-TT Classic Road races.

We speak to some riders taking it on the Billown Course for the first time, while others are back for another go.

Liam Wood, Ben Grainger, Lee Stanaway and George Anderson talk us through their newcomer prep, while Wayne Avis and Adam Randells share what it’s like to return to the event.

The Pre-TT is on from Friday 22 until Sunday 24 May and you can up to date with live commentary on Manx Radio AM1368 and vis the Manx Radio Motorsport page.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

In this episode of Startline, we turn our attention to the Billown Course and the Pre-TT Classic Road Races, taking place on the Isle of Man on 22nd, 23rd and 24th May.

Organised by the Southern 100 Club, the Pre-TT has become one of the standout fixtures in the Classic racing calendar - a proper “must-do” meeting that regularly attracts well over 250 entries across its nine-race programme.

Among this year’s newcomers are Ste Sewell and Liam Taylor.

Ste is already no stranger to racing on the Isle of Man, having made his Classic TT debut in 2025. Liam, meanwhile, has strong Manx connections through his mum, who lives on the Island, but this will be his first time racing here.

We chat about how their preparations are going, what has drawn them to the Pre-TT, the challenge of learning the 4.25 mile course, and what they hope to take from their first Classic road race experience at Billown.

You can find Ste on Instagram here.

And here are the Link's to Liam's Facebook page and Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

In this episode of Startline we are with Charlie Hopkins - a Yorkshireman with a love of tea, a sharp eye for an auction bargain, and a growing passion for racing on the Isle of Man.

Charlie’s journey has taken him from casual biking and pit bikes to the challenge of the Manx Grand Prix in 2025, where ambition, preparation and belief all met on the Mountain Course.

He talks honestly about what it took to get there, from the nerves and mental focus to the family reactions, the whirlwind of race week, and the support that comes from being part of the road racing community.

And, along the way, there’s the small matter of a John McGuinness picture won at auction for a fraction of what it was worth proof that sometimes Charlie’s timing is just as good off the bike as on it.

You can follow Charlie on Facebook here and Instagram here .

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

 

 

 

In this episode of Startline, we meet Lorenz Rothärmel, a rider whose road racing dream has brought him from Germany to the Isle of Man and to one of the biggest challenges in the sport - the Manx Grand Prix 2026.

Lorenz shares how his passion for road racing first began, what drew him to the Mountain Course, and how he is preparing himself for the demands of racing on Manx public roads.

We talk bike set-up, physical fitness, mental calmness, and why trust in the machine matters so much when every section of the course asks something different of rider and bike.

There is also advice from experienced voices, including racing legend John McGuinness, and a real sense of the family support and personal commitment behind Lorenz’s journey - summed up perfectly by the fact that, for now, his main sponsors are himself and his Dad.

Oh and there's a bit of wedding ring drama...

You can find Lorenz on Facebook here and Instagram here.

And in this episode we also hear from TT sidecar champions Ryan and Callum Crowe, who launched their 2026 racing season at the Victory Café on the Mountain Road, as they look ahead to another huge year on three wheels.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

In this episode of Startline, we meet a rider whose story is built on discipline, determination and a relentless drive to chase the dream.

Shane Doran is balancing two worlds that both demand absolute commitment - a career in the military, and the challenge of road racing.

And now, he’s setting his sights firmly on the Manx Grand Prix for 2026.

From early inspirations and family support, to the realities of learning the Mountain Course, Shane shares what it takes to prepare physically, mentally, and as part of a team. Because in road racing, as we know, no one gets to the start line alone.

We talk about the importance of structure and teamwork on race day, the role of sponsorship in keeping the wheels turning, and how discipline forged in military life  translates into performance on the bike.

There’s honesty too. About nerves, pressure, and the mental resilience needed to take on one of the most demanding challenges in motorsport.

You can follow Shane on his Facebook page here and on Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

Behind every rider chasing a dream around the Mountain Course on the Isle of Man, there’s a story that goes far beyond the bike.

In this episode of Startline, we explore the vital role of sponsorship in motorcycle racing and the people who make it all possible.

Ray Goodwin joins us as a passionate supporter of Manx riders, committed to helping local talent reach the start line and take their next step in the sport. Alongside him is Sam Naughton, who was sponsored by Ray last year and who offers a rider’s perspective on what that backing, (which isn't just about finance, it might also mean helping with some DIY projects) truly means in practice.

Together, they share insights into the realities of racing on the Isle of Man - the challenges, the costs, and the community that underpins it all. We also explore how local businesses and individuals can get involved, and why this support is so crucial to the future of road racing on the Island.

You can find out more about the sponsorship opportunities for businesses on the 3Legs Motorsport website and follow them on Facebook too.

You can follow Sam's racing page on Facebook here and find Sam on Instagram here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

 

In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Whitehall - a rider whose determination and pace mark him out as one to watch.

From the Isle of Wight and racing under WR Racing, Ryan has steadily built his road racing career since 2018. After overcoming a serious crash in 2021, he’s returned stronger, with standout performances across the roads scene.

2025 proved a breakthrough year, with Ryan securing his first Manx Grand Prix podium and joining the Tommy Club with a 120.58 mph lap.

And he is now preparing for his biggest step yet - his first ever Isle of Man TT in 2026.

You can find Ryan's YouTube channel here, and find his Facebook page here and Instagram racing page here. 

And if you're in the Omagh area and need a road sweeper - check out Ryno Sweep.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 

On the podcast today, Beth is with TT 2026 newcomer Rhys Stevenson.

At just 20 years old, Rhys has already made a serious impression in British Championship racing since making his debut in 2021, establishing himself as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents.

He races under the banner of his family-run team, Rocket Racing - and it really is a true family effort, with his three younger brothers also competing, and Mum Tracey and Dad Mark playing a central role in keeping everything moving both on and off the track.

When they were over on the Isle of Man to do some laps, Rhys, Mark, and team member Eddie Allen caught up with Beth to talk about how preparations are going ahead of the TT debut.

You can follow Rhys on Facebook and Instagram, and you can find the Rocket Racing Page on Facebook here.  

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im 

 

 

In this episode, we meet the team without whom racing on the Isle of Man simply wouldn’t happen - the Scrutineers.

They’re the quiet guardians of the sport. The people behind the scenes who check every machine, every detail, and every rider before a wheel turns - whether that’s on the Mountain Course, the Billown Course, or out in the dirt at off-road events.

For those new to racing, scrutineering can feel like a daunting hurdle. But as you’ll hear, this is a team driven by one goal: to help riders get to the start line safely and give them the best possible chance to live out their racing dream.

Beth chats with some of the key figures on the Island:

Trevor Denning, Chief Technical Officer for the TT and Manx Grand Prix; Dave Redmayne, Chief Technical Officer for the Pre-TT and Southern 100, and Deputy for the TT and MGP; Grant Howard, Deputy Technical Officer for Pre-TT and Southern 100 and Chief for off-road events and Jo Warriner, Chief Technical Officer for the Andreas Racing Association and Deputy across the TT, MGP, Pre-TT and Southern 100.

And if you would like to be part of this amazing group of people, they would love to hear from you.

You can find them on Facebook here, or when there's a meeting at Jurby, pop up and have a chat.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im 

In this episode of Startline we are with Gary Partridge from Happy Dog Image Solutions about his extraordinary career in sidecar racing - from early mishaps and European adventures to TT triumphs and overcoming injury.

Along the way this episode explores the camaraderie, risks and resilience of road racing both on the Isle of Man and further afield.

You can get in touch with Gary at Happy Dog on their website here or on Facebook.

Also - keep an eye out for news on the official 2026 Manx Grand Prix merchandise.

We also catch up in this episode with Thomas 'Uccio' Altendorfer a month on from his disappointment at not making the first MGP newcomers' weekend because of the weather in Austria.

You can follow Thomas on Instagram.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im 

 

 

In this episode of Startline, brought to you by the Manx Motor Cycle Club, we hear another inspiring story of a racing dream becoming reality.

Sidecar passenger Matthew Rostron grew up surrounded by the sport, inspired by his grandad who raced sidecars at the TT.

Through determination, hard work, and the support of those around him, Matthew has carved out his own place in road racing and will be back on the Mountain Course again this year.

And as well as competing in the sidecar class at the TT, he will take on the Classic TT on two wheels, his first solo venture around the Mountain Course.

Matthew is on Facebook and Instagram, you can also follow his solo progress with the Green Ant Racing Team and his sidecar racing with Real Road Racing.

In this episode, we also head to Jurby to meet Gary Partridge, the man behind Happy Dog Image Solutions, a business that is a very familiar name in racing both on the Isle of Man and further afield.

Known for producing the official Manx Grand Prix merchandise, Gary explains the story behind the Happy Dog name and introduces the team...now including a cat...who help keep the operation running.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im 

 

 

In this episode, Beth chats with TT rider Jack Fowler about his road racing journey so far.

Since starting out at the Manx Grand Prix in 2018, Jack has steadily built his experience on the Mountain Course, moving to the TT a couple of years ago.

And all this while balancing racing with family life and a full-time role in motorcycle product development.

In this conversation, Jack shares what it’s really like to prepare for the TT, from the mental focus required at high speed, to the challenges of race week, sponsorship, and life beyond the paddock.

He also reflects on the importance of enjoying the experience, the support behind every rider, and his personal goals for the season ahead.

Oh and we also talk air frying...

You can follow Jack on social media - his Facebook page is here, he's also on Instagram and if you'd like to get in touch with him, you can email jfow1@hotmail.co.uk

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im 

 

Today we explore the world of sidecar racing on the Isle of Man with two of the sport’s standout crews.

TT winner Tim Reeves is joined by his new passenger, Melanie Farnier.They open up about forming a fresh partnership, the trust it demands, and the relentless physical and mental pressures of competing at the highest level.

Alongside them, Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clément share their own journey through one of road racing’s most demanding disciplines. From securing vital sponsorship and managing the brutal demands of the sport, to the tight-knit community that keeps competitors coming back year after year.

For anyone thinking about sidecar racing, Tim and Todd say Steve's Sidecar Place is a great place to start and you can find a link here.

Also In this episode we catch up with the fastest German ever around the Mountain Course, David Datzer, who returns to fitness for 2026 after injury forced him out last season. He tells us what his dream is and how it will be marked with a new tattoo when it happens.

You can follow David on Facebook here and Instagram here.  

Finally we meet some of the newcomers taking on the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, fresh from their very first Newcomers’ Weekend here on the Island.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im 

In this episode, Beth catches up with Mike Bibby, team owner of MBR Motorsports and one his riders Roger Wibberley.

They take us inside the world of road racing - from the early days of turning up with a van and a few mates, to the high-pressure, highly coordinated team effort the sport demands today.

Mike, a former racer himself, knows more than anyone that it takes a team to get to any start line.

Mike and Rodger talk honestly about the emotional rollercoaster of racing, the growing importance of sponsorship and social media, and why preparation isn’t just helpful - it’s everything.

You can find MBR Motorsports on Facebook here and Rodger's page is here.

The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im 

 

 

In this episode, we sit down with Illiam Quayle, one of the Island’s most exciting young racing talents, as he talks openly about his journey into the sport and his preparations for being a newcomer at this year’s Manx Grand Prix.

Illiam reflects on what it’s really like growing up in a racing family and the unique pressures that come with being the son of a road racing legend. He shares his own experiences on the track, the importance of having the right team around him, and how he balances an all-consuming passion for racing with the everyday realities of life.

We also explore the physical and mental preparation required to compete at this level, how social media now plays a key role in building a racing career, and what drives Illiam to keep pushing forward in such a demanding sport.

It’s an honest and thoughtful conversation with a young rider very much carving his own path and of course we hear about the fact he will make his Mountain Course debut this year with Team ILR.

You can follow Illiam on Facebook and Instagram.

There's also some very exciting news: The Startline podcast is now in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix.

When it first started back in October 2025, the aim for Startline was to give road racers aiming to come to the Isle of Man a space to tell their story and now working with the MMC, we will be able to explore even more of that journey and I'm so grateful for their support.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email me - it's beth@startline.im 

 

In this episode, David McArthur shares the story of a racing journey that began far from the grid.

Growing up riding bikes in the Scottish Highlands, his early experiences were shaped by family influence - particularly his father’s passion for motorcycles - and a love of riding that developed long before competition entered the picture.

David reflects on his progression through different disciplines, from trials riding to enduro and eventually road racing.

Along the way, he discusses the realities of building a racing career, including the importance of community support, sponsorship, and the people behind the scenes who make it possible.

Looking to the future, David talks about his ambitions in the sport and offers thoughtful advice to newcomers, drawing on the lessons learned throughout his journey and the value of being part of a supportive racing community.

You can follow David on Facebook here and Instagram here.

We also hear from Lee Stanaway in this episode, and you can find his Facebook here.

If you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im

In today’s episode, we are there as the Women Riders World Relay rolls into the Isle of Man. 🌍🏍️

This powerful global initiative has already connected more than 20,000 women riders across 102 countries, all with one shared mission: to challenge expectations and reshape what the world thinks a woman motorcycle rider looks like.

Using a dedicated app, the relay passes a digital baton from rider to rider, carrying stories, solidarity and momentum as it travels around the globe.

Beth speaks with Lisa Brain, the Women Riders World Relay Ambassador for the Isle of Man, alongside other riders and guests who gathered at Isle of Man Motorcycles for the event.

The relay’s visit was supported by Open Face Racer and RideSafe.im, with the day captured beautifully by John from Bikersmag.co.uk and Emily Ashworth Photography.

We also catch up again with George Anderson after he heard the decision about Manx Grand Prix 2026 and Shaun Anderson, MGP winner and TT racer, offers some insights about taking on the Mountain Course. 

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im and follow the podcast on social media.

In this conversation, Johnny Stewart reflects on his journey from a small-town upbringing in Galashiels, Scotland, to life as a motorcycle racer.

He discusses his experiences competing at the Manx Grand Prix, the realities of sponsorship, and the financial challenges that come with the sport.

Throughout, Johnny highlights the importance of enjoying racing, shares the emotional intensity of sitting on the start line, and offers thoughtful advice for those who'll be doing the MGP for this first time.

Oh - and we also find out why Johnny's dad doesn't trust him near the lawnmower...

You can follow Johnny on Facebook here and Instagram here.

Also in this episode, we find hear from some previous Startline guests about whether or not they'll be at Manx Grand Prix 2026.

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im and follow the podcast on social media.

 

In this episode, Roddy Taylor takes us through a life shaped by motorcycle racing - from the early family influences that first put him on two wheels, to the moments that tested his resolve and pulled him away from the sport altogether.

He speaks openly about loss, perspective, and what it really takes to find your way back to racing after stepping aside.

Roddy also reflects on the power of the racing community, the importance of mentoring the next generation, and the lessons that only years in the paddock can teach.

Now, with his sights set firmly on the Manx Grand Prix start line, he shares what resilience, determination, and belonging truly mean - and why racing still matters.

You can follow Roddy on Facebook here and Instagram here - and check out Startline on social media to see the photograph of Dougal who gets a mention too.

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im

 

 

In this episode, we hear from four riders who all had the Moutain Course in their sights for 2025 - and they have all raced the dream.

So what was it like - can you ever really prepare for what the ultimate road racing experience throws at you?

Ste Sewell, Blake Kelly, Lee Stanaway and Dale Brew talk us through their experiences, which include forgetting something on the start line, doing something your surgeon probably wouldn't approve of and countless cups of tea.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email Beth - it's beth@startline.im 

 

We catch up with Ashley Robson again in this first episode of 2026, as she waits to hear whether or not she'll be at the Manx Grand Prix this year.

Alongside her parents, Lee and Hazel, we discuss Ashley's early passion for bikes, the emotional challenges of watching her race, and what it was like when Ash got on the podium in the Pre-TT on the Billown Course in 2025.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, they talk honestly about their hopes for the season ahead and what it truly means, as a family, to stand behind Ashley’s racing career.

You can find Ashley on Facebook here and Instagram here.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email Beth - it's beth@startline.im 

 

In this episode with Stuart Clotworthy and Stefan Alger, we don't just talk about the Manx Grand Prix - although that does feature.

We mainly find out about Stefan's love of pugs and why for Stuart, karaoke is now a no go.

Stuart has done the MGP before, thanks in part to Stefan's backing, and now Stefan is aiming to be on the Glencrutchery Road start line himself in 2026.

This is a team that doesn't take itself too seriously, but undoubtedly has the experience and the passion to make racing dreams come true.

You can follow Stuart on Facebook here and Instagram here.

Stefan's Facebook page is here - send photos of pugs.

If you'd like to get in touch with me, you can email beth@startline.im and if you're able to follow the Startline Podcast on Facebook and Instagram, that would be amazing. 

In this episode, Israel Gillette, a motorcycle racer originally from Tennessee, tells a powerful story of resilience and reinvention.

After stepping away from the sport for years, he reignited his racing career in 2017, driven by an unshakable desire to chase unfinished dreams. Now based in Romania, Israel reflects on the profound influence of his loyal dogs, Daisy, Dandy and now Duke, whose companionship has been a quiet but constant source of strength both on and off the track.

His journey has been anything but straightforward. Along the way, Israel has faced deeply personal losses and the pressures of navigating business setbacks, moments that tested his resolve as much as any race ever could.

Yet through it all, his focus has never wavered.

With his sights firmly set on the Manx Grand Prix, he speaks passionately about what racing represents to him: freedom, self-belief, and the courage to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you.

Surrounded by a hard-earned support network and fuelled by a renewed sense of purpose, Israel looks to the future with determination and optimism; not just to compete, but to prove that it’s never too late to return stronger, faster, and more focused than ever.

You can find Israel's  Moto Mutt International YouTube channel here, his Instagram here and take some time to read his blog.

We also hear from MGP rider Harley Rushton in this episode, about what he wishes he's known before taking on the Mountain Course for the first time.

You can find Harley on Facebook here and Instagram here and I recorded a Journey to a Dream podcast with Harley which you can find here.

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im 

In this episode, Andy Herd opens up about his journey into motorcycle racing, from those first formative experiences on two wheels to the realities of juggling racing with family life and work commitments.

He speaks candidly about the nerves that still hit before the visor goes down and how he's preparing mentally and physically to hopefully be at Manx Grand Prix 2026.

Along the way, Andy reflects on the vital role of community, camaraderie and sponsorship in the racing world, and the friendships that make the paddock feel like a second home.

There’s also a wry moment of reflection on how a single missed email had unexpected consequences last year...

Throughout the conversation, Andy’s passion for racing is unmistakable, underpinned by the unwavering support of friends, family and sponsors as he continues to chase his goal race the  most demanding roads in the world.

You can follow Andy on Facebook here and Instagram here.

In this episode, we also hear from MGP rider Andrew Jones about what he wished he'd known before his first MGP.  You can find Andrew's Facebook page here and Instagram here.

Please also follow the Startline Podcast on social media and you can contact Beth by emailing beth@startline.im 

 

In Startline today, we hear an episode of the other podcast that Beth does on Manx Radio Motorsport - Journey to a Dream 

This started back in June 2023, with the idea of speaking to riders who had already raced the Mountain Course to find out what it took for them to get there.  

In December for the first time, Journey to a Dream was recorded  in front of a live audience at The Queen's pub on Douglas Promenade.

Beth was joined by Manx riders, Grant Thomson, Rory Parker and Marcus Simpson.

Thank you to Okells for supporting this event and to Lee and Carol Bartram for organising everything.

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im 

Thank you to Hannah McHugh for the photographs on the night.

It was all to raise money for Tracey's Pictures who support newcomers every year and you can watch the progamme on Manx Radio's YouTube channel here.

 

Bailey Harker is a 24-year-old racer from Spalding, who traces his love of bike racing back to childhood inspiration, recalling the early sparks that set him on the path to the track.

Along the way, he speaks candidly about the hurdles he’s faced, the victories that kept him pushing forward, and the relentless drive that fuels his ambition.

Balancing working full time with the demands of competitive racing has never been easy, but Bailey explains how discipline - and a healthy dose of passion - keeps him moving.

At the heart of it all is the unwavering support of his family and the camaraderie of being part of the Cowton Racing team, both of which ground him as he chases ever bigger goals, including Manx Grand Prix 2026.

You can follow Bailey on Facebook and Instagram.

You can follow Cowton Racing on their Instagram page here.

We also hear from MGP and TT rider Chris Moore in this episode.  You can hear another interview I recorded with Chris and his wife Lorna on Journey to a Dream here.

And Chris is also on Facebook and Instagram.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email Beth - it's beth@startline.im 

In this episode, Jordan Larkin and Olivia Quinn open up about their shared obsession with motorcycle racing - and Jordan’s aim to be on the start line at Manx Grand Prix 2026.

They discuss their racing roots, the emotional weight of supporting each other, and why community and sponsorship can make or break a rider’s future.

We also explore the heart of their relationship, the families who shaped them, and Liv’s powerful perspective on why motorsport needs more women.

In a sport where support is everything, Jordan and Olivia show just how far belief, love, and grit can take you.

You can find Jordan's racing page on Facebook here, and Olivia's is here.  Her TikTok is also one to follow too.

In this episode we also hear from Manx rider Dale Brew who did the MGP for the first time this year - his racing page is here, and you can listen back to a podcast I recorded with him before he raced on the Mountain for the first time here.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email Beth - it's beth@startline.im