Startline - Road Racing podcast

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...

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 ra...

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 s...

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...

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 does...

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 compa...

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...

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 Do...

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 competiti...

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 t...

In this conversation, Adam Williams shares his journey as a motorcycle racer, detailing his experiences from his first race to his aim to be at the Manx Grand Prix 2026. He discusses the realities of bike racing, the importance of preparation, and the support he receives from the racing community. Adam also opens up about the challenges of balancing racing with his full-time job, managing diabetes...

In today’s episode, we sit down with Victor Ortega Pérez, a rider from Spain who is one of the most dedicated international competitors at the Manx Grand Prix. Victor first tackled the Mountain Course in 2019, grabbing an impressive ninth place in the Newcomers A race and making his debut in the Junior MGP. But today, Victor’s isn't just talking about his own progress - he shares advice for anyone...

In this conversation, Danish racer August Kroon shares his deep-rooted passion for motorcycle racing, influenced by a family legacy that spans generations. He discusses his aspirations to race in the Isle of Man, his achievements in Danish and German championships, and the challenges of balancing his racing career with his job as an aircraft technician. August also highlights the importance of com...

In this conversation, Nick Round shares his journey as a motorcycle racer, discussing his recent successes, future aspirations for the Manx Grand Prix in 2027, and the challenges of balancing his career as a secondary maths teacher with his passion for racing. He reflects on the importance of sponsorship, the supportive racing community, and the analytical mindset that helps him improve his perfor...

We meet Dan Nurrish in this episode - a racer whose passion never left him, even when life forced him off the bike for a number of years. Dan grew up around motorcycles, and those early memories have shaped everything, and now with his sidekick and canine manager Bailey by his side, he's aiming to make the dream of Manx Grand Prix 2026 a reality. We know it isn't easy - sponsorship is tough to fin...

We meet Daniel Pearson in this episode - the Yorkshire rider powered by tea, legendary naps, and spending time with his Dad doing what they love most. Every rider has their own way of getting race ready, and as we'll hear, Daniel’s no different - although perhaps a little more relaxed than some. His routine, his family support, and his ability to handle those unexpected, last-minute changes have a...

In the high-speed world of motorcycle road racing, the thrill of the chase comes hand in hand with risk, resilience, and reflection. In this episode, Damian Horan and Andy McAllister open up about a season that didn’t go quite to plan - the setbacks, the hopeful comebacks, and the lessons learned along the way. From the physical toll of recovery to the mental battle of getting back on the bike, th...

In this episode, we chat with Lee McGavock, a road racer whose journey is fuelled by family support, determination, and a love of speed. From buying a pizza shop to balancing life, work, and training, Lee shares the real story behind the leathers. He talks about career highlights, sponsorship challenges, and why the joy of the journey matters just as much as the finish line - all while aiming for...

In this episode, we meet Thomas Altendorfer, a determined young motorcycle racer from Austria who’s setting his sights on one of the toughest and most iconic challenges in road racing - the Manx Grand Prix 2026 on the Isle of Man. Thomas shares his journey from the early days of falling in love with speed to carving out a path toward the legendary mountain course. He opens up about the grit behind...

In this episode of Startline, George Anderson takes us back to where it all began - watching the TT at the Crosby pub with his dad. Inspired by Adrian Archibald’s victory in that race, he recalls the moment that first lit his passion for racing. George reflects on how early memories can spark lifelong dreams on the road to the grid, as he aims for the Manx Grand Prix in 2026. You can find George o...

Joining us in this episode is Adrian O’Connor – a self-confessed rebel with a lifetime of stories.    Turning 50 if he makes the grid for the Classic TT, Adrian’s journey has been anything but ordinary: from a promising boxer sidelined by injury to time spent in prison, where he decided life was too short not to chase his dream of racing.    Now, with his Gracie Quinn Racing team named after his t...

In this episode we’re joined by Nick Healy from Ireland - a racer who’s been on the grid since 2014. After the decline of road racing in the south, Nick and a few mates set up the NRW Race Team to keep the spirit alive. Now, with Nick's sights set on the Manx Grand Prix next year and one of his four kids already showing talent on two wheels, racing clearly runs in the family. You can follow Nick's...

In this episode of Startline, we’re in the fast lane with a rider who’s chasing dreams on two wheels and breaking the internet while he’s at it. With a massive social media following, Arran Hands is turning heads both on the road and online, and he's got one goal in his sights: the Manx Grand Prix 2026. You can find Arran's YouTube channel here and follow him on Facebook , Instagram and X .  You c...

In this episode we meet Neil Rutledge - a racer and a family man who's dreaming big. Here Neil opens up about life in the garage, balancing work, family, and the relentless pursuit of speed. It’s not just about bikes - it’s about belief, sacrifice, and chasing something bigger than yourself. You can follow Neil on Facebook here and Instagram here.  

She’s aiming for the Manx Grand Prix in 2026  - and she’s not slowing down. Beth Espey talks to road racer Ashley Robson about what it takes to make the Startline of the most challenging course on earth. You can find Ashley on Facebook here and Instagram here. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing beth@startline.im