Startline - Road Racing podcast

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...

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 unf...

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 profess...

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...

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 weeke...

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...

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...

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 h...

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 Fr...

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...

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...

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 b...

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 re...

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...

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...

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 brot...

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...

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 t...

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 b...

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 r...

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 journe...

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 lin...

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 e...

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 disciplin...

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...