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 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.

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 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.
 

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 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
 
 

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 - 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 
 

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 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 
 

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 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. 

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 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 

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 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 
 

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 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.
 

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 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