Journey to a Dream

In this episode of Journey to a Dream, we’re catching up with a rider who’s made a huge impact in an incredibly short time - Harley Rushton.He burst onto the Manx Grand Prix scene as a newcomer in 2024 and wasted no time making his mark - taking a race win and, this year, adding a lap record to his growing list of achievements.Harley’s the kind of racer who eats, sleeps, and breathes bikes - but life off the track looks a little different. When he’s not clocking up miles on the Mountain Course, he’s behind the wheel of a coach… or raiding the biscuit cupboard.And racing might just be in the blood - his grandad got a racing licence not so long agoWe talk to Harley about racing dreams, sugar fixes, and what it really takes to make your mark on the Manx Grand Prix.You can follow Harley's racing page on Facebook and InstagramTo get in touch with Beth, you can email bethespey@manxradio.com Journey to a Dream is supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here and also the Manx Motorcycle Club.And if you've enjoyed this podcast, you might like Startline - you can check that out here.

We are joined on Journey to a Dream today by William Grant, other wise known as “The Sheriff” 🤠, He is from Scarborough and is undoubtedly O2’s fastest salesman!William made his 2025 Manx Grand Prix debut with the experienced Cowton Racing team, competing in both the Junior and Supertwin races on Kawasaki machinery. He finished 30th in the Supertwin and 36th in the Junior, lapping at over 106mph - even riding a lap with a missing foot peg!It’s been a dream year for William: competing on the Island in perfect Manx weather, and securing podiums at both the Cookstown 100 and Armoy. He also finished runner-up in the Oliver’s Mount Lightweight 400cc Championship, and raced a season in British Superbikes. He’s also a big personality online, with over 1,300 YouTube subscribers, and recently ran 10km in quite the outfit to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.Follow William on Facebook here, Instagram here and his YouTube channel is hereYou can follow Cowton Racing on their Instagram page here.Journey to a Dream is supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here and we're also grateful to the Manx Motorcycle Club. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxadio.com

In this episode, we’re heading to Ampthill in Bedfordshire to meet Eddy Wormald, a rider who made his Mountain Course debut in 2025, and what a debut it was.Eddy burst onto the scene at the Manx Grand Prix, quickly making his mark as the best overall newcomer of the year. Riding an R6 in the Supersport and Senior races, and an Ian Lougher Racing Paton in the Supertwin and Junior classes, he delivered an incredible set of results and some seriously impressive lap times.With perfect weather across race week, Eddy completed all four races, and clocked the fastest Sulby speed trap times in both the Supertwin and Junior races, finishing as top newcomer in every class.It’s been a remarkable rise - and this is just the beginning.You can follow Eddy on Facebook here and Instagram here.Journey to a Dream is supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here and we're also grateful to the Manx Motorcycle Club. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxadio.com

Our guest in this episode is another rising star on the road racing scene - Toby Shann.A multiple race winner at his home circuit, Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough, Toby has also competed on many of the UK’s short circuits and taken on the legendary North West 200.He made his Mountain Course debut in 2024 at the Manx Grand Prix, where, despite tough weather conditions, he impressed with a 9th-place finish in the Junior race and 13th in the Senior, lapping at over 114mph and earning the title of second-best newcomer that year.Fast forward to 2025, and Toby really stepped things up - finishing all four races and taking two podiums, with 2nd places in both the Supertwin and Junior races for Cowton Racing. He also grabbed strong results in the Supersport and Senior races, clocking an incredible 119.123mph lap.With that kind of progress, Toby’s journey is only just starting and for 2026, he’ll be among the favourites for MGP success.You can follow Cowton Racing on their Instagram page here.Journey to a Dream is supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here and we're also grateful to the Manx Motorcycle Club. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxadio.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Calum Pert - a talented young racer with deep roots in the Manx Grand Prix.The son of experienced MGP competitor Ian Pert, Calum made his debut in 2024 with support from, among others, the fantastic Billy Redmayne Memorial Fund.It wasn’t an easy introduction to the Mountain Course in 2024 - with weather disruptions and mechanical issues testing his resolve; but Calum wasn’t deterred.Fast forward to 2025, and the story couldn’t have been more different. With sunshine and smooth running all week, Calum impressed in both the Supertwin and Junior races, securing two 17th-place finishes and lapping at over 109 miles an hour.He also took on the Classic TT aboard a VFR Honda, finishing 16th overall and 6th in the Ultra Lightweight class.Away from the Island, Calum’s enjoyed strong performances in the Scottish Championships this year, further cementing his reputation as one to watch.Here we talk about Calum’s racing journey so far, his hopes for the future and his connection to the Hedzup Youth Development Programme - co-founded by his dad - and how Hedzup Racing continues to inspire and support the next generation of riders.You can follow Calum on Facebook here and Instagram here.Journey to a Dream is supported by the Andreas Racing Association and the Manx Motorcycle Club which runs the Manx Grand Prix. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

In this episode we’re joined by a rider whose determination, resilience, and raw passion for road racing make him one to watch.Ryan Whitehall, from the Isle of Wight, races under the banner of WR Racing.He first caught the racing bug back in 2018 and from those early days, he made an immediate impact - cutting his teeth in the Thundersport Series before moving up to the Elite 600 class, where early success quickly followed.But Ryan’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2021, he suffered a massive crash at Armoy that left him with compound fractures in his right leg and an eight-month recovery ahead. Yet, in true racer spirit, just days after having the metal cage removed from his leg, Ryan was back on the bike - returning to Cookstown and, incredibly, winning the 600 ‘B’ race.Since then, Ryan’s story has been one of relentless progress; returning to Armoy in 2023 and taking victory in the Open B race, adding strong performances at Oliver’s Mount, and making his Manx Grand Prix debut the same year.And 2025 has been a huge year for Ryan earning his first ever podium at the MGP and joining the exclusive Tommy Clucas Club with a blistering 120.58 mph lap. He's also preparing for his second time at Macau this November.Off the track, Ryan has a brilliant YouTube channel and keeps fans engaged across social media with behind-the-scenes content, insights, and a good dose of humour.You can find the YouTube channel here, and find Ryan's Facebook page here and Instagram racing page here. Journey to a Dream is supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website hereYou can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxadio.com

Today, we’re talking to one of the rising stars of road racing - Lee Hara.Lee, from Northern Ireland, is already making waves at just 19 years old. He competed in this year's Manx Grand Prix and his racing track record so far is nothing short of impressive.Back in 2023, Lee was crowned Supersport 600 USBK Cup Champion and went on to finish 13th in the Supersport Pro Class, a huge achievement for someone so young. He only made his road racing debut in April 2024, at the age of 18, but quickly showed his talent at events like Armoy and Cookstown. At Armoy, as a newcomer, he missed the podium by less than a second in the Senior Support race, finishing 4th. And at Cookstown, he secured 4th place in both the Senior and Junior Support races.Fast forward to MGP 2025, and Lee’s progress was nothing short of outstanding. He set a 108mph lap in the Supertwin race and finished 15th in the Senior with a lap speed of over 116mph. For someone of this age, that’s an incredible achievement - and a sign that Lee Hara is very much a natural talent to watch for the future.You can follow Lee's progress on his Facebook page here and on Instagram here.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website hereYou can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxadio.com

It’s hard to believe that in 2024, Caomhan Canny was a newcomer, setting out on his Mountain Course journey….and now, just over a year later, he’s the 2025 Senior Manx Grand Prix Winner.His path to the top hasn't been straightforward though - back in June, Caomhan’s hopes of even competing were in doubt after a huge crash at the Tandragee 100.But through sheer determination, he fought back, was declared fit to ride, and lined up on the famous Manx grid.This year, he not only smashed through the 118mph barrier in practice - he joined the exclusive Tommy Club with a stunning 120.229mph lap, becoming the 35th rider in history to do so.When he’s not at the Manx, you’ll find Caomhan racing on the Irish roads and in the Ulster Superbike Championship, where he’s already collected plenty of wins and podiums. But looking ahead, his eyes are on the Isle of Man TT - and for that, he’ll need some more backing.You can follow Caomhan's race page here and his personal Facebook page here.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.You can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxadio.com

In this episode, recorded during the Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT, we take a trip around the Mountain Course with Martin Morris.With more than a decade of racing experience, Martin has established himself as a rising force on the roads - having first competed at the MGP in 2022 and moving to the TT the following year.Following a strong season this year, his focus is already shifting to 2026, which will see him take on exciting new challenges - including his debut at the Southern 100.You can follow Martin’s progress on his Facebook racing here or on Instagram here.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.You can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxadio.com

Today we’re joined by Don Gilbert - a rider who races in the Manx Grand Prix, Southern 100 and has his sights set on TT.Don didn’t come up through the sport the traditional way, starting a little later than some.It's also fair to say he faced some resistance at home and learnt the hard way just how tough the road can be, with setbacks that might have stopped someone else for good.But Don’s story is about persistence, resilience, and finding his place in one of the most demanding forms of racing there is.From scrimping and saving for his first bikes and battling back from a serious crash, to pushing for faster laps and new opportunities like Macau; Don's journey is full of grit, growth, and some remarkable highs.You can find Don on Facebook here and on Instagram here, so give him a follow as he prepares for Macau this November.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.You can get in touch with Beth by emailing bethespey@manxadio.com

In this episode, we hear from four riders who all had the Moutain Course in their sights for 2025 - and now 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.Click on their names for the original podcast recorded before this year's Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.

In this episode, we explore what life is like on both sides of the track.Chris Moore is a highly experienced and successful Manx Grand Prix and TT rider - he won his Newcomers MGP race, and although he doesn’t live on the Isle of Man, his Manx roots mean his heart is firmly here.His wife Lorna has been by his side for almost the entirety of his racing career. She shares what it’s like to watch the sport from a very different perspective: as the partner of a rider tackling one of the most demanding courses in the world.Both Chris and Lorna are deeply dedicated to road racing. In fact, when they arrived on the Island ahead of Classic TT 2025 qualifying, they even signed on as marshals for the very first time - adding yet another layer to their involvement in the sport.This episode really does have it all: love, racing, a surprise lottery win, and even a reminder that Chris might not be your best pick for a pub quiz team…You can follow Chris on his Facebook page here.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

In this episode, we meet Dale Brew, one of the six Andreas Racing Association newcomers taking on the 2025 Manx Grand Prix. A regular at Jurby and currently sitting third in the Uggly & Co Supertwin Championship, Dale has already shown great promise on the short circuits.His journey to the Manx, however, hasn’t been without setbacks - and we'll hear why it was only just a few days before qualifying got underway, that he knew for certain that he'd be able to race.Beyond his own racing, Dale is also a key part of Ryan and Callum Crowe's sidecar team, working as their mechanic and sharing in their success at the TT, Southern 100, and on international circuits. In fact, there was quite the moment in Belgium recently where Dale swapped the spanner for a microphone...listen until the end of the podcast to hear if Dale can be persuaded to recreate that moment...Coming from a family steeped in the sport, with his uncle Allan Brew running the Manx Grand Prix Supporters Club, Dale’s story is one of resilience, community, and unwavering commitment to the road racing scene.You can follow Dale's progress on his Facebook page.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

In this episode, we meet Wayne Avis, a local newcomer taking on his first Manx Grand Prix. Originally from Essex but now living in Braddan, Wayne works for Isle of Man Energy and says the support from his partner Laurie and his brother-in-law (who's no stranger to the Mountain Course himself) has been a huge part of his racing journey.Wayne began racing in 2021 at Jurby with the Andreas Racing Association and has quickly built an impressive résumé. He’ll line up in both the Supersport and Senior classes at this year’s MGP, and has been supported by the Billy Redmayne Memorial Foundation and Tracey’s Pictures as well as other sponsors whose support Wayne appreciates very much. Often racing with the number 20 on short circuits, Wayne has gained valuable experience across a range of events - and we'll hear why the number 20 is significant.In 2024 he made his Southern 100 debut, securing a top-6 finish, and he's also competed in the Pre-TT this year. Despite suffering a heavy crash in the rain during the 400cc race, he bounced back to repair his bike just in time for the Southern.His career so far includes podiums and top-6 results at Oliver’s Mount, strong performances at Aintree, Anglesey, and Oulton Park, and consistent success at Jurby with the ARA.His championship record reflects steady progress, and now with determination and growing experience, Wayne is ready to take on the challenge of the Mountain Course, fulfilling a long-held ambition to compete alongside established MGP and TT regulars.You can follow Wayne's progress on his Facebook page hereJourney to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

In this episode, we hear about the incredible work Tracey and Juan Harrison do to support newcomers at the Manx Grand Prix and other motorcycle events.Over the years, their tireless fundraising and dedication have provided vital help for riders in their first year, raising significant amounts of money and creating opportunities for many competitors.The couple are behind Tracey’s Pictures, a highly regarded photography venture that has grown into a mark of quality on the Isle of Man and beyond, with regular appearances at various racing events. They organise online raffles and auctions, using social media to generate further support for newcomers.This year, Tracey and Juan are supporting 29 newcomers from the Island and further afield.It all started with the 'Back a Newcomer' scheme spearheaded by Jim Hunter - and we're also joined by Jim to tell us more about that.You can find the Tracey's Pictures Facebook page here and their website here.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

As we know, here on the Isle of Man, motorcycling is more than a sport, it’s part of the Island’s identity and our guests in this episode really embody that spirit.We are delighted to be joined by 'Wobbly' Bob Taylor (we'll find out where the wobbly came from) and Francesco Faraldo. Bob, a devoted TT and MGP supporter since the early 1970s, is the founder of the Leece Motorcycle Museum in Peel and a long-standing sponsor.His ‘Sound of Thunder’ events and museum displays have become fixtures of the racing calendar, and there's another one happening on Thursday 21 August. Find out more here.Francesco Faraldo is one of the Island’s great successes, a multiple Andreas Racing Association champion and lap record holder at Jurby.Alongside his own racing success, he runs a respected fibreglass fabrication business , regularly supports TT, MGP, S100, and ARA riders, and is known for his dedication to helping the next generation of racers. Working together since 2024, Bob and Francesco have combined experience, skill, and passion to build competitive machines, honour past riders, and contribute significantly to the Island’s rich motorcycling heritage.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Victor Ortega Pérez from Pedreguer in Spain, one of the most dedicated international riders on the Manx Grand Prix scene.Victor made his debut on the Mountain Course back in 2019, finishing ninth in the Newcomers A race and competing in the Junior MGP. Since then, he’s returned in 2022, 2023 and will be on the start line again this year, steadily building pace and now lapping at over 110mph.Victor represents a growing number of international competitors drawn to the unique challenge of the TT and Manx Grand Prix.This year he'll be racing in the Lightweight class at the Classic TT, and in both the Senior and Supersport races at the MGP.Back home, he’s a well-established racer with years of experience across multiple championships. He finished second in the 2024 Spanish Classic Supersport Championship and is currently competing in the Spanish EVO series on a CBR with the Boulevard Racing Team.Victor also makes regular appearances at UK circuits like Cadwell Park to secure the all-important signatures for his Mountain Course licence.You can find Victor on Facebook here, and on Instagram here.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

In this episode, we meet Anthony Stephens - better known in the racing world as Kev, and we'll find out where that nickname came from.Originally from New Zealand and now based in Australia, Kev made his Manx Grand Prix debut in 2024. But it was far from smooth sailing and once again we find out just how much mental determination plays a part in getting racers to the start line.Fresh off his second Southern 100, he’s now gearing up to tackle the legendary Mountain Course once again - and he’s made some serious sacrifices to chase this dream including, for now, the comforts of home.We’ll hear what it’s like to be thousands of miles from family while taking on one of the toughest challenges in road racing and why Kev says he’s done with BBQs.Follow Kev’s racing journey right here.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

In this episode, we’re catching up with one of the Isle of Man’s six local newcomers set to take on the legendary Manx Grand Prix in 2025 - Blake Kelly.A full-time fire officer and blue light driving instructor by day, Blake has been racing since 2019 and has already made his mark at events like the Pre-TT, Oliver’s Mount, the Southern 100, and Jurby. Now, with the support of the Billy Redmayne Memorial Foundation and Tracey’s Pictures, among others, he’s realising his dream of racing on the Mountain Course.All being well, he’ll be lining up in the Classic TT Lightweight, as well as the Supersport and Senior races at this year’s MGP.Off the track, Blake is also the face behind Unrestricted Isle, a YouTube channel that gives fans a raw and honest look at life behind the visor and there's a song or two in there for unsuspecting sheep...It's something that’s earned him nearly 10,000 followers and recognition as one of Gef’s 30 Under 30 trailblazers in 2023.You can follow Blake's progress on the Unrestricted Isle Facebook page - and you definitely need to check out his latest singing challenge...Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com

As we approach Manx Grand Prix 2025, we hear from some of the people who help make it happen in this episode of Journey to a Dream.Chair of the Manx Motorcycle Club John McBride, Vice-Chair Jim Hunter and Treasurer Ned Bowers take us through how this year is looking, with 28 newcomers and a host of events planned to celebrate this motorcycling highlight.You can find out all the information on the MGP website.John and Jim have both been guests on the podcast before - but this was Ned's first time - and it's great to hear a little about he started out.Journey to a Dream is brought to you by Kawasaki Insurance and is also supported by the Andreas Racing Association and you can visit their website here.If you would like to be part of the podcast, get in touch with Beth, by emailing bethespey@manxradio.com