Startline - Road Racing podcast

Episodios

• Startline Ep 47 - Andrew Coulter: The dream that wouldn’t go away 18.06.2026 26m

  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 that first started when he was just a kid riding bikes in the street. Andrew’s route to the Mountain Course hasn't been instant or easy. There have been gaps, setbacks, crashes, work pressures, family life and all the usual chaos that comes with trying to go racing while also running your own business. But through all of that, the same thing has kept pulling him back: the feeling that if he did not give this a proper go, he would regret it forever. In this conversation, Andrew talks about learning to ride with his brother in the front garden, getting back on track after confidence-knocking accidents, the moment his MGP newcomer email arrived while he was halfway through a service at work, and the reality of preparing for the Mountain Course with a very full to-do list. We also talk about family, fear, support, sidecars(will he passenger or drive...?), paddock life, and what success really looks like for a newcomer: qualifying, finishing, and coming home safe. You can follow Andrew's progress on Facebook here and Instagram here. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im   
• Startline Ep 46 - Stephen Walsh: Juggle if you want to go faster 11.06.2026 42m

  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, despite the risks, the setbacks, and the sacrifices? In this episode, Beth Espey sits down with Irish road racer and psychologist Stephen Walsh, whose life is split between brain injury rehabilitation by day and classic motorcycle racing at weekends. And while they discuss Stephen's own road racing journey, this conversation goes far beyond motorcycles. Drawing on his work as a psychologist, Stephen explores the fascinating links between performance, resilience, attention, and mindset. Why do some people thrive under pressure? How much of success comes down to talent, and how much is shaped by environment? And what can road racers teach the rest of us about overcoming setbacks and achieving our goals? Along the way, you'll hear about the unique camaraderie of the road racing community, the strange calm of standing in No Man's Land before a race, why visualisation matters, and Stephen's intriguing theory that juggling might actually make you faster on a motorcycle. Whether you're a racer, a sports fan, or simply interested in what makes people tick, this is a fascinating insight into the psychology of performance and the enduring appeal of life on two wheels. You can find Stephen on Facebook here The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im     
• Startline Ep 45 - Brandon Kavanagh: From paddock crew to Manx Grand Prix rider 04.06.2026 24m

  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 Prix debut last year, hitting his target of a 110mph lap, and he’s now preparing to return with the Roadhouse Macau Racing Team on a new Suzuki GSX-R 750. But Brandon’s story isn’t just about riding. He’s grown up around bikes, works long days before heading home to prepare machines in the shed, and has spent years helping Brian McCormack in the paddock. We talk about family, hard work, the cost of racing, learning the Mountain Course, his first road race win at Cookstown - and why, after getting that first taste of the Manx, he’s determined to come back faster. You can follow Brandon on Facebook here and Instagram here.  The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im  You can also follow the Roadhouse Macau Racing team here.
• Startline Ep 44 - Andy Farrell: Let the speed to come to you - and if you need a wee...go 28.05.2026 28m

  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 more than a few stories from a life spent around bikes. Andy’s love of racing started in Skerries and what began as a fairly impulsive decision to go road racing turned into a 20-year journey through Irish national road races, the Manx Grand Prix, podiums, crashes and comebacks. This is a funny, honest and hugely entertaining conversation. Andy talks about the Honda RS250 that lives in his front room, why the road racing paddock means so much to him, the highs and lows of racing on the Mountain Course, and what it felt like to win twice at the Manx Grand Prix in 2018. While Andy reflects on the tougher side of the sport, above all, this is a conversation about passion. About the people, the friendships, the family support, and the pull of the Isle of Man that keeps bringing riders like Andy back. And there are some top life tips thrown in there as well... You can follow Andy on Facebook here and Instagram here. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 
• Startline Ep 43 - Fraser Heginson: Just Loves Bikes 21.05.2026 30m

  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 around the TT paddock and watching his heroes on the Mountain Course, to racing CB500s, Aprilias, classics, and even having the odd go as a sidecar passenger, Fraser’s story is full of humour, honesty and genuine passion for the sport. Now he’s preparing for his first road race at the Pre-TT Classic on the Billown Course - taking on the challenge on a Honda NC30 that, by his own admission, may not be ideally suited to someone who’s six foot three. We talk about grassroots racing on the Isle of Man, the realities of getting parts, bikes and people ready from an Island base, the family garage full of motorcycles, and why, despite the cost, the effort and the nerves, Fraser simply loves everything about bikes. This is a warm, funny and very relatable conversation with a rider taking his next big step on the road racing journey. You can find Fraser on Facebook here. The Pre-TT is on from Friday 22 until Sunday 24 May 2026, and you can up to date with live commentary on Manx Radio AM1368 and vis the Manx Radio Motorsport page. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im   
• Startline Ep 42 -Billown Bound: Pre-TT newcomers and returners gear up 14.05.2026 58m

  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, while others are back for another go. Liam Wood, Ben Grainger, Lee Stanaway and George Anderson talk us through their newcomer prep, while Wayne Avis and Adam Randells share what it’s like to return to the event. The Pre-TT is on from Friday 22 until Sunday 24 May and you can up to date with live commentary on Manx Radio AM1368 and vis the Manx Radio Motorsport page. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im   
• Startline Ep 41 - Pre-TT Newcomers: Ste Sewell and Liam Taylor 09.05.2026 27m

  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 24th May. Organised by the Southern 100 Club, the Pre-TT has become one of the standout fixtures in the Classic racing calendar - a proper “must-do” meeting that regularly attracts well over 250 entries across its nine-race programme. Among this year’s newcomers are Ste Sewell and Liam Taylor. Ste is already no stranger to racing on the Isle of Man, having made his Classic TT debut in 2025. Liam, meanwhile, has strong Manx connections through his mum, who lives on the Island, but this will be his first time racing here. We chat about how their preparations are going, what has drawn them to the Pre-TT, the challenge of learning the 4.25 mile course, and what they hope to take from their first Classic road race experience at Billown. You can find Ste on Instagram here. And here are the Link's to Liam's Facebook page and Instagram here. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 
• Startline Ep 40 - Charlie Hopkins: From Yorkshire brews to Mountain Course views 07.05.2026 29m

  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 racing on the Isle of Man. Charlie’s journey has taken him from casual biking and pit bikes to the challenge of the Manx Grand Prix in 2025, where ambition, preparation and belief all met on the Mountain Course. He talks honestly about what it took to get there, from the nerves and mental focus to the family reactions, the whirlwind of race week, and the support that comes from being part of the road racing community. And, along the way, there’s the small matter of a John McGuinness picture won at auction for a fraction of what it was worth proof that sometimes Charlie’s timing is just as good off the bike as on it. You can follow Charlie on Facebook here and Instagram here . The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im         
• Startline Ep 39 - Lorenz Rothärmel: From Germany to Glencrutchery Road 30.04.2026 26m

  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 biggest challenges in the sport - the Manx Grand Prix 2026. Lorenz shares how his passion for road racing first began, what drew him to the Mountain Course, and how he is preparing himself for the demands of racing on Manx public roads. We talk bike set-up, physical fitness, mental calmness, and why trust in the machine matters so much when every section of the course asks something different of rider and bike. There is also advice from experienced voices, including racing legend John McGuinness, and a real sense of the family support and personal commitment behind Lorenz’s journey - summed up perfectly by the fact that, for now, his main sponsors are himself and his Dad. Oh and there's a bit of wedding ring drama... You can find Lorenz on Facebook here and Instagram here. And in this episode we also hear from TT sidecar champions Ryan and Callum Crowe, who launched their 2026 racing season at the Victory Café on the Mountain Road, as they look ahead to another huge year on three wheels. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 
• Startline Ep 38 - Shane Doran: From the front line to the start line 23.04.2026 26m

  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 balancing two worlds that both demand absolute commitment - a career in the military, and the challenge of road racing. And now, he’s setting his sights firmly on the Manx Grand Prix for 2026. From early inspirations and family support, to the realities of learning the Mountain Course, Shane shares what it takes to prepare physically, mentally, and as part of a team. Because in road racing, as we know, no one gets to the start line alone. We talk about the importance of structure and teamwork on race day, the role of sponsorship in keeping the wheels turning, and how discipline forged in military life  translates into performance on the bike. There’s honesty too. About nerves, pressure, and the mental resilience needed to take on one of the most demanding challenges in motorsport. You can follow Shane on his Facebook page here and on Instagram here. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 
• Startline Ep 37 - Ray Goodwin and Sam Naughton: The sponsor and the sponsored 16.04.2026 32m

  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, we explore the vital role of sponsorship in motorcycle racing and the people who make it all possible. Ray Goodwin joins us as a passionate supporter of Manx riders, committed to helping local talent reach the start line and take their next step in the sport. Alongside him is Sam Naughton, who was sponsored by Ray last year and who offers a rider’s perspective on what that backing, (which isn't just about finance, it might also mean helping with some DIY projects) truly means in practice. Together, they share insights into the realities of racing on the Isle of Man - the challenges, the costs, and the community that underpins it all. We also explore how local businesses and individuals can get involved, and why this support is so crucial to the future of road racing on the Island. You can find out more about the sponsorship opportunities for businesses on the 3Legs Motorsport website and follow them on Facebook too. You can follow Sam's racing page on Facebook here and find Sam on Instagram here. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im   
• Startline Ep 36 - Ryan Whitehall: Next stop TT 09.04.2026 31m

  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 Racing, Ryan has steadily built his road racing career since 2018. After overcoming a serious crash in 2021, he’s returned stronger, with standout performances across the roads scene. 2025 proved a breakthrough year, with Ryan securing his first Manx Grand Prix podium and joining the Tommy Club with a 120.58 mph lap. And he is now preparing for his biggest step yet - his first ever Isle of Man TT in 2026. You can find Ryan's YouTube channel here, and find his Facebook page here and Instagram racing page here.  And if you're in the Omagh area and need a road sweeper - check out Ryno Sweep. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes and see some extra content. And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 
• Startline Ep 35 - Rhys Stephenson: It's a family affair 02.04.2026 38m

  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 racing since making his debut in 2021, establishing himself as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents. He races under the banner of his family-run team, Rocket Racing - and it really is a true family effort, with his three younger brothers also competing, and Mum Tracey and Dad Mark playing a central role in keeping everything moving both on and off the track. When they were over on the Isle of Man to do some laps, Rhys, Mark, and team member Eddie Allen caught up with Beth to talk about how preparations are going ahead of the TT debut. You can follow Rhys on Facebook and Instagram, and you can find the Rocket Racing Page on Facebook here.   The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, 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 me - it's beth@startline.im     
• Startline Ep 34 - The Scrutineers: The team behind every start line 26.03.2026 39m

  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. The people behind the scenes who check every machine, every detail, and every rider before a wheel turns - whether that’s on the Mountain Course, the Billown Course, or out in the dirt at off-road events. For those new to racing, scrutineering can feel like a daunting hurdle. But as you’ll hear, this is a team driven by one goal: to help riders get to the start line safely and give them the best possible chance to live out their racing dream. Beth chats with some of the key figures on the Island: Trevor Denning, Chief Technical Officer for the TT and Manx Grand Prix; Dave Redmayne, Chief Technical Officer for the Pre-TT and Southern 100, and Deputy for the TT and MGP; Grant Howard, Deputy Technical Officer for Pre-TT and Southern 100 and Chief for off-road events and Jo Warriner, Chief Technical Officer for the Andreas Racing Association and Deputy across the TT, MGP, Pre-TT and Southern 100. And if you would like to be part of this amazing group of people, they would love to hear from you. You can find them on Facebook here, or when there's a meeting at Jurby, pop up and have a chat. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, 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 me - it's beth@startline.im 
• Startline Ep 33 - Gary Partridge: Just mega 19.03.2026 48m

  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 and European adventures to TT triumphs and overcoming injury. Along the way this episode explores the camaraderie, risks and resilience of road racing both on the Isle of Man and further afield. You can get in touch with Gary at Happy Dog on their website here or on Facebook. Also - keep an eye out for news on the official 2026 Manx Grand Prix merchandise. We also catch up in this episode with Thomas 'Uccio' Altendorfer a month on from his disappointment at not making the first MGP newcomers' weekend because of the weather in Austria. You can follow Thomas on Instagram. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, 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 me - it's beth@startline.im     
• Startline Ep 32 - Matthew Rostron: From three wheels to two 12.03.2026 38m

  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 passenger Matthew Rostron grew up surrounded by the sport, inspired by his grandad who raced sidecars at the TT. Through determination, hard work, and the support of those around him, Matthew has carved out his own place in road racing and will be back on the Mountain Course again this year. And as well as competing in the sidecar class at the TT, he will take on the Classic TT on two wheels, his first solo venture around the Mountain Course. Matthew is on Facebook and Instagram, you can also follow his solo progress with the Green Ant Racing Team and his sidecar racing with Real Road Racing. In this episode, we also head to Jurby to meet Gary Partridge, the man behind Happy Dog Image Solutions, a business that is a very familiar name in racing both on the Isle of Man and further afield. Known for producing the official Manx Grand Prix merchandise, Gary explains the story behind the Happy Dog name and introduces the team...now including a cat...who help keep the operation running. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, 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 me - it's beth@startline.im     
• Startline Ep 31 - Jack Fowler: "My brain's like a washing machine." 05.03.2026 35m

  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 steadily built his experience on the Mountain Course, moving to the TT a couple of years ago. And all this while balancing racing with family life and a full-time role in motorcycle product development. In this conversation, Jack shares what it’s really like to prepare for the TT, from the mental focus required at high speed, to the challenges of race week, sponsorship, and life beyond the paddock. He also reflects on the importance of enjoying the experience, the support behind every rider, and his personal goals for the season ahead. Oh and we also talk air frying... You can follow Jack on social media - his Facebook page is here, he's also on Instagram and if you'd like to get in touch with him, you can email jfow1@hotmail.co.uk The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, 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 me - it's beth@startline.im   
• Startline Ep 30 - Returning champions and rising stars: Reeves & Farnier, Ellis & Clément, David Datzer and the MGP newcomers weekend 26.02.2026 41m

  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, Melanie Farnier.They open up about forming a fresh partnership, the trust it demands, and the relentless physical and mental pressures of competing at the highest level. Alongside them, Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clément share their own journey through one of road racing’s most demanding disciplines. From securing vital sponsorship and managing the brutal demands of the sport, to the tight-knit community that keeps competitors coming back year after year. For anyone thinking about sidecar racing, Tim and Todd say Steve's Sidecar Place is a great place to start and you can find a link here. Also In this episode we catch up with the fastest German ever around the Mountain Course, David Datzer, who returns to fitness for 2026 after injury forced him out last season. He tells us what his dream is and how it will be marked with a new tattoo when it happens. You can follow David on Facebook here and Instagram here.   Finally we meet some of the newcomers taking on the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, fresh from their very first Newcomers’ Weekend here on the Island. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, 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 me - it's beth@startline.im 
• Startline Ep 29 - It takes a team: MBR Motorsport's Mike Bibby and Rodger Wibberley 19.02.2026 44m

  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 racing - from the early days of turning up with a van and a few mates, to the high-pressure, highly coordinated team effort the sport demands today. Mike, a former racer himself, knows more than anyone that it takes a team to get to any start line. Mike and Rodger talk honestly about the emotional rollercoaster of racing, the growing importance of sponsorship and social media, and why preparation isn’t just helpful - it’s everything. You can find MBR Motorsports on Facebook here and Rodger's page is here. The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, 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 me - it's beth@startline.im     
• Startline Ep 28 - Racing is why I wake up every morning - Illiam Quayle 12.02.2026 26m

  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 and his preparations for being a newcomer at this year’s Manx Grand Prix. Illiam reflects on what it’s really like growing up in a racing family and the unique pressures that come with being the son of a road racing legend. He shares his own experiences on the track, the importance of having the right team around him, and how he balances an all-consuming passion for racing with the everyday realities of life. We also explore the physical and mental preparation required to compete at this level, how social media now plays a key role in building a racing career, and what drives Illiam to keep pushing forward in such a demanding sport. It’s an honest and thoughtful conversation with a young rider very much carving his own path and of course we hear about the fact he will make his Mountain Course debut this year with Team ILR. You can follow Illiam on Facebook and Instagram. There's also some very exciting news: The Startline podcast is now in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for the Manx Grand Prix. When it first started back in October 2025, the aim for Startline was to give road racers aiming to come to the Isle of Man a space to tell their story and now working with the MMC, we will be able to explore even more of that journey and I'm so grateful for their support. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram, 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 me - it's beth@startline.im