Startline - Road Racing podcast

Эпизоды

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  Startline Ep 56 - The Manx Grand Prix 2026 preview: John McBride and Ned Bowers 13.08.2026 25мин

  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 real. In this episode of Startline, we’re at the TT Grandstand with Manx Motor Cycle Club Chairman John McBride and Secretary and Treasurer Ned Bowers for a final look ahead before the action gets under way. We talk about an exciting international crop of newcomers, the riders who could be challenging at the front, the huge commitment - and financial sacrifice - it takes simply to make it to the start line, and the one remaining place in the prestigious Tommy Club. John and Ned also take us behind the scenes of an event powered by volunteers, talk about the vital need for marshals and reflect on what makes the MGP so special: more than a century of history, tradition and stories and a new generation of riders hoping to write their own. For the organisers, twelve months of preparation are almost over. Now comes what Ned describes perfectly as “a year in a week.” MGP 2026 is almost 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, you can find some great photos on there.  And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im     
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  Startline Ep 54 - Kyle Casement: From motorcross to Bray Hill 06.08.2026 30мин

  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 to compete in British Championship events, beach races and arena cross. He later qualified as an electrician before establishing BVS Vehicles - a business that began with selling a few cars to help fund his racing and now plays a central part in making his ambitions possible. After moving into road racing just five years ago, Kyle is now preparing for his greatest challenge yet: making his debut at the Manx Grand Prix and completing his first racing laps of the Mountain Course. In this episode, Kyle opens up about the excitement and nerves building as he prepares for this. There are the challenges of balancing work, training, racing and family life, and the huge contribution made by the people supporting him behind the scenes. He also reflects on growing up watching the TT from the hedges, learning from experienced friends and family members, and the surreal prospect of finally heading down Bray Hill himself. Kyle has no expectations of lap speeds, podiums or immediate success. His first goal is simply to learn, stay safe and embrace an experience he will never have the chance to repeat: being a newcomer on the Mountain Course. You can find Kyle 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, you can find some great photos on there.  And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im       
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  Startline Ep 53 - Adam 'Stretch' Rayner: Finding the racing line 30.07.2026 34мин

  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 admits that his early riding was sometimess reckless.  A stark warning persuaded Adam to change direction, gain his racing licence and take his natural ability into official competition. Since beginning racing in 2023, Adam has set his sights firmly on the roads. His debut at the Southern 100 in 2026 confirmed that it was where he belonged: despite a slipping clutch and a crash while challenging near the front, he achieved his target of a 100mph lap and describes it as the best racing experience of his life. In this remarkably open conversation, Adam talks about the mentor who helped redirect his life, the people supporting his ambitions and the enormous financial pressure facing privateer racers. He also reflects on becoming a father just six weeks before the interview, the sacrifices racing demands and why his original ambition of simply competing in one TT has now grown somewhat. Funny, forthright and entirely unfiltered, this is Adam “Stretch” Rayner’s journey from the wrong side of the road to the road-racing paddock. You can follow Adam 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, you can find some great photos on there.  And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im   
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  Startline Ep 52 - Markus Karlsson: New Dad, newcomer, no giving up 23.07.2026 31мин

  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 seven and grew up surrounded by bikes, with a road-racing father and a mother who served as a motorcycle police officer. Now Markus is preparing for his biggest challenge yet: making his debut at the Manx Grand Prix in 2026. In this episode, he tells Beth about building his own 600cc race bike from scratch, travelling repeatedly to the Isle of Man to learn the Mountain Course and the moment his acceptance email made him realise that the dream had suddenly become very real. Markus also reflects on struggling at school, finding sponsors from the age of 13 and developing the belief that if somebody else can do something, he can learn to do it too. 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, you can find some great photos on there And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im                                                                                                    You can follow Markus on Facebook here and Instagram here. With an epic journey from Sweden to the Isle of Man ahead of him - and a newborn daughter joining the travelling race team - Markus explains why reaching the Manx Grand Prix is a challenge being taken on by the whole family.    
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  Startline Ep 51 - Chris & Lorna Moore: Racing, romance and a windfall 16.07.2026 30мин

  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 Moore was surrounded by racing - his stepdad was a TT legend, and it all shaped him into a rider who’s been chasing the Isle of Man dream for more than 35 years. It was a life-changing moment in 1996 which helped open the door to the racing journey that followed. From there, Chris has gone on to race on the iconic Mountain Course, building a story of resilience, sacrifice, family support, and real love for the sport. And with his wife Lorna by his side, we really learn that racing isn’t just about speed -  it’s about the highs, the lows, and the people who ride every step of the journey with you.   You can follow Chris 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, you can find some great photos on there And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im 
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  Startline Ep 50 - John and Linda Mullin: Tea, Knitting and nana naps 09.07.2026 25мин

  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, but by tea, calm, kindness, knitting, and the odd well-timed nana nap. From marshalling around the Mountain Course to supporting riders in the paddock, John and Linda share brilliant stories of friendship, teamwork, nerves, laughter and what it really means to be part of the Manx racing family. The Isle of Man is quite literally their second home for much of the year, and if you're on the Island you may have spotted them in the Spaceship....all will be revealed. 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, you can find some great photos on there And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im     
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  Startline Ep 49 - Grant Thomson recorded live at the George 02.07.2026 53мин

  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 Grant Thomson after a season that has already brought incredible highs and difficult lows. From a tough first outing at the North West 200 to standing on the top step twice at the Pre-TT Classic Road Races, Grant reflects on how 2026 has unfolded so far. He talks openly about recognising the need to support his mental health, what it means to have family and friends behind him, and - in a Startline first - answers the all-important question: if you were a biscuit, what would you be? You can follow Grant 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     
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  Startline Ep 48 - Aarron West: From the rink to the Mountain 25.06.2026 29мин

  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. Aaron didn’t grow up on two wheels. In fact, he only learned to ride a bicycle after seeing TT highlights at the age of 19 and deciding, almost immediately, that one day he wanted to race on the Isle of Man. Since then, he’s gone from a professional ice hockey background to motorcycle racing, winning a US national endurance championship and earning his place as a 2026 Manx Grand Prix newcomer. In this episode, Aaron talks about discipline, determination, learning the Mountain Course from thousands of miles away, the moment his MGP acceptance email arrived while he was in the queue for the Disney teacups, and the huge logistical effort involved in bringing four bikes from America to the Isle of Man. This, once again, is a story about obsession, preparation, family, support, and the pull of the Mountain Course. You can find Aaron 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 
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  Startline Ep 47 - Andrew Coulter: The dream that wouldn’t go away 18.06.2026 26мин

  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   
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  Startline Ep 46 - Stephen Walsh: Juggle if you want to go faster 11.06.2026 42мин

  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     
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  Startline Ep 45 - Brandon Kavanagh: From paddock crew to Manx Grand Prix rider 04.06.2026 24мин

  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.
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  Startline Ep 44 - Andy Farrell: Let the speed to come to you - and if you need a wee...go 28.05.2026 28мин

  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 
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  Startline Ep 43 - Fraser Heginson: Just Loves Bikes 21.05.2026 30мин

  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   
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  Startline Ep 42 -Billown Bound: Pre-TT newcomers and returners gear up 14.05.2026 58мин

  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   
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  Startline Ep 41 - Pre-TT Newcomers: Ste Sewell and Liam Taylor 09.05.2026 27мин

  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 
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  Startline Ep 40 - Charlie Hopkins: From Yorkshire brews to Mountain Course views 07.05.2026 29мин

  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         
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  Startline Ep 39 - Lorenz Rothärmel: From Germany to Glencrutchery Road 30.04.2026 26мин

  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 
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  Startline Ep 38 - Shane Doran: From the front line to the start line 23.04.2026 26мин

  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 
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  Startline Ep 37 - Ray Goodwin and Sam Naughton: The sponsor and the sponsored 16.04.2026 32мин

  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   
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  Startline Ep 36 - Ryan Whitehall: Next stop TT 09.04.2026 31мин

  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