Startline - Road Racing podcast

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...

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. B...

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.

A...

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 th...

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, f...

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 ...

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 ab...

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 import...

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 an...

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, solidarit...

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 thou...

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 m...

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 ap...

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 th...

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 ...

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 const...

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, ca...

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 ...

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 ...