Startline - Road Racing podcast

Beth Espey
  • 0.0 (0)
  • AUTOMOTIVE

The Isle of Man Mountain Course is the most iconic and dangerous road racing circuit in the world - 37.73 miles of public roads, bends, bumps, and breathtaking bravery. For riders chasing a place on the start line, the price is total commitment. It demands physical strength, mental endurance, and a race bike tough enough to survive the punishment of the Mountain. Startline goes behind the visors with Radio TT and Manx Grand Prix presenter Beth Espey, as she uncovers what it really takes to earn a spot on the grid. Series 1 follows road racers fighting for a dream - to qualify for the Manx Grand Prix 2026, and take on the legendary Isle of Man course for the very first time.

  1. 17H AGO

    Startline Ep 29 - It takes a team: MBR Motorsport's Mike Bibby and Rodger Wibberley

    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 organisers of 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

    44 min

  2. FEB 12

    Startline Ep 28 - Racing is why I wake up every morning - Illiam Quayle

    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 organisers of 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

    27 min

  3. FEB 5

    Startline Ep 27 - Raised on bikes, from Enduro to the IOM: David McArthur

    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 and eventually road racing. Along the way, he discusses the realities of building a racing career, including the importance of community support, sponsorship, and the people behind the scenes who make it possible. Looking to the future, David talks about his ambitions in the sport and offers thoughtful advice to newcomers, drawing on the lessons learned throughout his journey and the value of being part of a supportive racing community. You can follow David on Facebook here and Instagram here. We also hear from Lee Stanaway in this episode, and you can find his Facebook here. If you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im

    27 min

  4. JAN 29

    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.

    28 min

  5. JAN 22

    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.

    35 min

  6. JAN 15

    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

    41 min

  7. JAN 8

    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

    58 min

  8. JAN 1

    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

    19 min
See All (29)

About

The Isle of Man Mountain Course is the most iconic and dangerous road racing circuit in the world - 37.73 miles of public roads, bends, bumps, and breathtaking bravery. For riders chasing a place on the start line, the price is total commitment. It demands physical strength, mental endurance, and a race bike tough enough to survive the punishment of the Mountain. Startline goes behind the visors with Radio TT and Manx Grand Prix presenter Beth Espey, as she uncovers what it really takes to earn a spot on the grid. Series 1 follows road racers fighting for a dream - to qualify for the Manx Grand Prix 2026, and take on the legendary Isle of Man course for the very first time.

Information

You Might Also Like