Advertise on podcast: Startline - Road Racing podcast

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]    

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 [email protected]   

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 [email protected]   

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected]   

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 [email protected]  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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected] 

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, and the quest for sponsorship. His passion for racing and commitment to improvement shine through as he reflects on his experiences, including an outstanding result at this year's Southern 100, and his future goals. You can follow Adam on Facebook here and Instagram here. We also hear what racer Ste Sewell wished he'd know before doing the Classic TT for this first time this year.  You can also hear an interview I did with Ste before that here and afterwards here. You can follow Ste 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 [email protected] 

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 taking on the Manx Grand Prix for the first time - from preparation, to mindset, to surviving the learning curve of the world’s most demanding road circuit. As part of a growing wave of international riders drawn to the Island, Victor knows exactly what it takes to get to the Island and he has one of the biggest smiles in the paddock. You can follow Victor on Facebook here and on Instagram here - and he would be more than happy to hear from anyone looking for some guidance as they aim to the MGP for the first time. I also interviewed Victor for the Journey to a Dream podcast a little while ago, and you can find that 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 [email protected] 

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 community support and sponsorship in pursuing his racing dreams, while reflecting on his personal life and future goals. You can find August on Facebook here and Instagram here. In this episode, we also hear from recent MGP newcomer Craig Szczypek about the thing he wished he'd know before taking on the Mountain Course for the first time.  You can find Craig's Facebook here and his 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. To be part of the podcast, email Beth - it's [email protected]