Shows / Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline is a podcast about all things road racing.
Radio TT and Manx Grand Prix presenter Beth Espey talks to riders, teams and organisers of events both on the Isle of Man and further afield to find out what it really takes to earn a spot on the grid.
If you would like to get involved, email beth@startline.im
Episodes
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 68 - It was never the plan….until it became everything: Kristýna Jakesch
Sometimes the best journeys in motorsport are the ones you never planned. For Czech road racing rider Kristýna Jakesch, what began almost by coincidence has…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 67 - Twenty-ish Bikes and a 100-Mile-an-Hour Dream: Jeff Smith
What does it take to keep chasing a dream when the finish line is never quite the end of the story? In this episode, Beth sits down with classic motorcycle…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 66 - What a difference a year makes: Back with Ashley Robson
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 65 - From the hedge to the TT podium: Simon Warren and Team Melbray
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 64 - Chasing the Mountain: Skyler Gore
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 63 - That’s Going to Be Me Dad: Callum Hirst’s Manx Grand Prix Dream
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 62 - From the Canadian Army to the Mountain Course: Dallas Reynolds
Canadian racer Dallas Reynolds has taken rather an unusual route towards the roads. After 13 years in the Canadian Army, including deployments overseas, Dallas…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 61 - Martin Clare & Amanda Mason: Life's too short, just say yes.
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 60 - Ben Wilkinson: From Birmingham to Bray Hill, the MGP dream
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 59 - How was it for you? MGP 2026 newcomers and a sidecar experience
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 58 - Laurent Hoffmann: The comeback
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 57 - Richard 'Eggy' Eglin: The nearly man
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 56 - The Manx Grand Prix 2026 preview: John McBride and Ned Bowers
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 54 - Kyle Casement: From motorcross to Bray Hill
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 53 - Adam 'Stretch' Rayner: Finding the racing line
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 52 - Markus Karlsson: New Dad, newcomer, no giving up
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 51 - Chris & Lorna Moore: Racing, romance and a windfall
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 50 - John and Linda Mullin: Tea, Knitting and nana naps
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 49 - Grant Thomson recorded live at the George
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 48 - Aaron West: From the rink to the Mountain
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 47 - Andrew Coulter: The dream that wouldn’t go away
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 46 - Stephen Walsh: Juggle if you want to go faster
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 45 - Brandon Kavanagh: From paddock crew to Manx Grand Prix rider
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 44 - Andy Farrell: Let the speed to come to you - and if you need a wee...go
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 43 - Fraser Heginson: Just Loves Bikes
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 42 -Billown Bound: Pre-TT newcomers and returners gear up
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 41 - Pre-TT Newcomers: Ste Sewell and Liam Taylor
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 40 - Charlie Hopkins: From Yorkshire brews to Mountain Course views
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 39 - Lorenz Rothärmel: From Germany to Glencrutchery Road
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 38 - Shane Doran: From the front line to the start line
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 37 - Ray Goodwin and Sam Naughton: The sponsor and the sponsored
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 36 - Ryan Whitehall: Next stop TT
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 35 - Rhys Stephenson: It's a family affair
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 34 - The Scrutineers: The team behind every start line
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 33 - Gary Partridge: Just mega
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 32 - Matthew Rostron: From three wheels to two
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 31 - Jack Fowler: "My brain's like a washing machine."
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 30 - Returning champions and rising stars: Reeves & Farnier, Ellis & Clément, David Datzer and the MGP newcomers weekend
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 29 - It takes a team: MBR Motorsport's Mike Bibby and Rodger Wibberley
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 28 - Racing is why I wake up every morning - Illiam Quayle
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 27 - Raised on bikes, from Enduro to the IOM: David McArthur
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 26 - Connect, Challenge, Change: Women Riders, World Relay
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 25 - You cannae race a house: Johnny Stewart
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 24 - 3rd generation petrol head screaming on the inside, speeding on the outside: Roddy Taylor
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 23 - The Dream versus reality: MGP and Classic TT 2025
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 -…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 22 - Preparing for the MGP together: Around the table with the Robsons
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 21 - The Manxican and the one that loves pugs: Stuart Clotworthy and Stefan Alger
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 20 - Two wheels, future uncertain: Israel Gillette
In this episode, Israel Gillette, a motorcycle racer originally from Tennessee, tells a powerful story of resilience and reinvention. After stepping away from…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 19 - You just want to go again: Andy Herd
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 18 - Journey to a Dream Live: Grant Thomson, Rory Parker and Marcus Simpson
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 17 - If you love something enough, you'll find a way: Bailey Harker
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 16 - Where love meets the Mountain: Jordan Larkin and Olivia Quinn
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 15 - It's absolutely achievable: Adam Williams
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 14 - A toda máquina siempre: Victor Ortega Pérez
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 13 - Born with gasoline in my blood: August Kroon
In this conversation, Danish racer August Kroon shares his deep-rooted passion for motorcycle racing, influenced by a family legacy that spans generations. He…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 12 - When your Teacher's faster than your Wi-Fi: Nick Round’s road to MGP
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 11 - Back in my happy place: Dan Nurrish (and Bailey)
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 10 - The art of the power nap: Daniel Pearson
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 9 - Back to the Startline: Damian Horan & Andy McAllister
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…
- Startline - Road Racing podcast
Startline Ep 8 - From pizza to podium: Lee McGavock’s road to the Manx Grand Prix
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…