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   

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. 

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 

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   

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.  

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 

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 beth@startline.im 

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 beth@startline.im 

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 beth@startline.im 

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 beth@startline.im 

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 performance on the track. Nick also talks about his upbringing in a bike loving household, his familiarity with the Isle of Man course, and his dedication to training and preparation for the upcoming racing season so he can be absolutely ready for MGP. We also find out why his race team is called Randy Racing... you can find it on Facebook here, Instagram here and his YouTube Channel is here.  And in this episode, we also hear from Manx Grand Prix rider Grant Thomson, offering some insight after his amazing debut. You can find Grant's racing page here and before his first time at the MGP, I recorded another podcast with him (love a podcast) and you can find that on the Journey to a Dream page. 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 beth@startline.im 

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 find and the demands are high. But for Dan, racing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifelong passion - and he’s now getting the chance to chase it again. You can follow Dan's racing page on Facebook and Instagram. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes. To be part of the podcast, email Beth- it's beth@startline.im   

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 all shaped his journey so far, as he aims for Manx Grand Prix 2026. In this episode, we chat about the nerves, the laughs, and the last-minute chaos that make this sport what it is. You can find Daniel's race page on Facebook here and Daniel's also on Instagram here. We also hear from Blake Kelly and Luke Blevins in this episode and you can find Blake's Unrestricted Isle YouTube channel 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 beth@startline.im   

Racers Damian Horan and Andy McAllister reflect on a season that tested their limits - physically, mentally, and emotionally. An honest conversation about resilience, recovery, and the road back to the Startline.

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 the Manx Grand Prix in 2026.  Click here to find Lee's racing page on Facebook and here on Instagram and follow his progress on the road to the Mountain Course.  This is another down-to-earth conversation about passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of a racing dream. To be part of the podcast, you can email Beth- it's beth@startline.im 

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 the glamour - the balancing act between a full-time job and a racing career, the essential role his girlfriend and family plays in keeping his dream alive, and the physical and mental preparation needed to face the demands of road racing. Thomas’s story captures the spirit of every rider who’s ever stood - or longed to stand - at the start line. You can find his Instagram page here. If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, the email is beth@startline.im   

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 on Facebook here and the George Anderson Racing page here. We also catch up again with Adrian O'Connor to find out how it went when he picked up the bike he's hoping to race at the Classic TT in 2026. Adrian's Gracie Quinn Racing page is here. If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, the email is beth@startline.im 

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 two young children, he’s determined to make it happen.   You can follow Adrian on Facebook on his newly formed racing page here.   If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, the email is beth@startline.im 

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 own Facebook page here and his Instagram here. NRW Racing is also on Facebook and Instagram so give them a follow too. We also catch up again with Ashley Robson in this episode to find out how her final race of the season went. You can find Ashley on Facebook here and Instagram here. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing beth@startline.im  

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 can get in touch with Beth by emailing beth@startline.im