Startline - Road Racing podcast

In this conversation, Danish racer August Kroon shares his deep-rooted passion for motorcycle racing, influenced by a family legacy that spans generations. He discusses his aspirations to race in the Isle of Man, his achievements in Danish and German championships, and the challenges of balancing his racing career with his job as an aircraft technician. August also highlights the importance of community support and sponsorship in pursuing his racing dreams, while reflecting on his personal life and future goals. You can find August on Facebook here and Instagram here. In this episode, we also hear from recent MGP newcomer Craig Szczypek about the thing he wished he'd know before taking on the Mountain Course for the first time.  You can find Craig's Facebook here and his 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. To be part of the podcast, email Beth - it's beth@startline.im 

In this conversation, Nick Round shares his journey as a motorcycle racer, discussing his recent successes, future aspirations for the Manx Grand Prix in 2027, and the challenges of balancing his career as a secondary maths teacher with his passion for racing. He reflects on the importance of sponsorship, the supportive racing community, and the analytical mindset that helps him improve his performance on the track. Nick also talks about his upbringing in a bike loving household, his familiarity with the Isle of Man course, and his dedication to training and preparation for the upcoming racing season so he can be absolutely ready for MGP. We also find out why his race team is called Randy Racing... you can find it on Facebook here, Instagram here and his YouTube Channel is here.  And in this episode, we also hear from Manx Grand Prix rider Grant Thomson, offering some insight after his amazing debut. You can find Grant's racing page here and before his first time at the MGP, I recorded another podcast with him (love a podcast) and you can find that on the Journey to a Dream page. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes. To be part of the podcast, email Beth - it's beth@startline.im 

We meet Dan Nurrish in this episode - a racer whose passion never left him, even when life forced him off the bike for a number of years. Dan grew up around motorcycles, and those early memories have shaped everything, and now with his sidekick and canine manager Bailey by his side, he's aiming to make the dream of Manx Grand Prix 2026 a reality. We know it isn't easy - sponsorship is tough to find and the demands are high. But for Dan, racing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifelong passion - and he’s now getting the chance to chase it again. You can follow Dan's racing page on Facebook and Instagram. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes. To be part of the podcast, email Beth- it's beth@startline.im   

We meet Daniel Pearson in this episode - the Yorkshire rider powered by tea, legendary naps, and spending time with his Dad doing what they love most. Every rider has their own way of getting race ready, and as we'll hear, Daniel’s no different - although perhaps a little more relaxed than some. His routine, his family support, and his ability to handle those unexpected, last-minute changes have all shaped his journey so far, as he aims for Manx Grand Prix 2026. In this episode, we chat about the nerves, the laughs, and the last-minute chaos that make this sport what it is. You can find Daniel's race page on Facebook here and Daniel's also on Instagram here. We also hear from Blake Kelly and Luke Blevins in this episode and you can find Blake's Unrestricted Isle YouTube channel here. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so please give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes. To be part of the podcast, email Beth- it's beth@startline.im   

In the high-speed world of motorcycle road racing, the thrill of the chase comes hand in hand with risk, resilience, and reflection. In this episode, Damian Horan and Andy McAllister open up about a season that didn’t go quite to plan - the setbacks, the hopeful comebacks, and the lessons learned along the way. From the physical toll of recovery to the mental battle of getting back on the bike, this honest and down-to-earth conversation shines a light on what it really takes to return to the Startline. It’s a story of perseverance, passion, and the unbreakable spirit that fuels every racer on the road to the Manx Grand Prix. You can follow Damian on Facebook here and on Insta here. Andy's Facebook page is here and his Insta is here. Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, so give the pages a follow and keep up to date with the latest episodes. To be part of the podcast, email Beth- it's beth@startline.im 

In this episode, we chat with Lee McGavock, a road racer whose journey is fuelled by family support, determination, and a love of speed. From buying a pizza shop to balancing life, work, and training, Lee shares the real story behind the leathers. He talks about career highlights, sponsorship challenges, and why the joy of the journey matters just as much as the finish line - all while aiming for the Manx Grand Prix in 2026.  Click here to find Lee's racing page on Facebook and here on Instagram and follow his progress on the road to the Mountain Course.  This is another down-to-earth conversation about passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of a racing dream. To be part of the podcast, you can email Beth- it's beth@startline.im 

In this episode, we meet Thomas Altendorfer, a determined young motorcycle racer from Austria who’s setting his sights on one of the toughest and most iconic challenges in road racing - the Manx Grand Prix 2026 on the Isle of Man. Thomas shares his journey from the early days of falling in love with speed to carving out a path toward the legendary mountain course. He opens up about the grit behind the glamour - the balancing act between a full-time job and a racing career, the essential role his girlfriend and family plays in keeping his dream alive, and the physical and mental preparation needed to face the demands of road racing. Thomas’s story captures the spirit of every rider who’s ever stood - or longed to stand - at the start line. You can find his Instagram page here. If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, the email is beth@startline.im   

In this episode of Startline, George Anderson takes us back to where it all began - watching the TT at the Crosby pub with his dad. Inspired by Adrian Archibald’s victory in that race, he recalls the moment that first lit his passion for racing. George reflects on how early memories can spark lifelong dreams on the road to the grid, as he aims for the Manx Grand Prix in 2026. You can find George on Facebook here and the George Anderson Racing page here. We also catch up again with Adrian O'Connor to find out how it went when he picked up the bike he's hoping to race at the Classic TT in 2026. Adrian's Gracie Quinn Racing page is here. If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, the email is beth@startline.im 

Joining us in this episode is Adrian O’Connor – a self-confessed rebel with a lifetime of stories.    Turning 50 if he makes the grid for the Classic TT, Adrian’s journey has been anything but ordinary: from a promising boxer sidelined by injury to time spent in prison, where he decided life was too short not to chase his dream of racing.    Now, with his Gracie Quinn Racing team named after his two young children, he’s determined to make it happen.   You can follow Adrian on Facebook on his newly formed racing page here.   If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, the email is beth@startline.im

In this episode we’re joined by Nick Healy from Ireland - a racer who’s been on the grid since 2014. After the decline of road racing in the south, Nick and a few mates set up the NRW Race Team to keep the spirit alive. Now, with Nick's sights set on the Manx Grand Prix next year and one of his four kids already showing talent on two wheels, racing clearly runs in the family. You can follow Nick's own Facebook page here and his Instagram here. NRW Racing is also on Facebook and Instagram so give them a follow too. We also catch up again with Ashley Robson in this episode to find out how her final race of the season went. You can find Ashley on Facebook here and Instagram here. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing beth@startline.im  

In this episode of Startline, we’re in the fast lane with a rider who’s chasing dreams on two wheels and breaking the internet while he’s at it. With a massive social media following, Arran Hands is turning heads both on the road and online, and he's got one goal in his sights: the Manx Grand Prix 2026. You can find Arran's YouTube channel here and follow him on Facebook, Instagram and X.  You can get in touch with Beth by emailing beth@startline.im

In this episode we meet Neil Rutledge - a racer and a family man who's dreaming big. Here Neil opens up about life in the garage, balancing work, family, and the relentless pursuit of speed. It’s not just about bikes - it’s about belief, sacrifice, and chasing something bigger than yourself. You can follow Neil on Facebook here and Instagram here.  

She’s aiming for the Manx Grand Prix in 2026  - and she’s not slowing down. Beth Espey talks to road racer Ashley Robson about what it takes to make the Startline of the most challenging course on earth. You can find Ashley on Facebook here and Instagram here. You can get in touch with Beth by emailing beth@startline.im