Start Line with Beth Espey
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.
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Episodes
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Startline Ep 20 - Two wheels, future uncertain: Israel Gillette
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
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 constant source of strength both on and off the track. His journey has been anything but straightforward. Along the way, Israel has faced deeply personal losses and th...
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Startline Ep 19 - You just want to go again: Andy Herd
Thursday, 18 December 2025
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, camaraderie and sponsorship in the racing world, and the friendships that make the paddock feel like a second home. There’s also a wry moment of reflection on how a...
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Startline Ep 18 - Journey to a Dream Live: Grant Thomson, Rory Parker and Marcus Simpson
Tuesday, 16 December 2025
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 Manx riders, Grant Thomson, Rory Parker and Marcus Simpson. Thank you to Okells for supporting this event and to Lee and Carol Bartram for organising everything. ...
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Startline Ep 17 - If you love something enough, you'll find a way: Bailey Harker
Thursday, 11 December 2025
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 Bailey explains how discipline - and a healthy dose of passion - keeps him moving. At the heart of it all is the unwavering support of his family and the camarade...
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Startline Ep 16 - Where love meets the Mountain: Jordan Larkin and Olivia Quinn
Tuesday, 9 December 2025
In this episode, Jordan Larkin and Olivia Quinn open up about their shared obsession with motorcycle racing - and Jordan’s aim to be on the start line at Manx Grand Prix 2026. They discuss their racing roots, the emotional weight of supporting each other, and why community and sponsorship can make or break a rider’s future. We also explore the heart of their relationship, the families who shaped them, and Liv’s powerful perspective on why motorsport needs more women. In a sport where support is everything, Jordan and Olivia show just how far belief, love, and grit can take you. You can find...
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Startline Ep 15 - It's absolutely achievable: Adam Williams
Thursday, 4 December 2025
In this conversation, Adam Williams shares his journey as a motorcycle racer, detailing his experiences from his first race to his aim to be at the Manx Grand Prix 2026. He discusses the realities of bike racing, the importance of preparation, and the support he receives from the racing community. Adam also opens up about the challenges of balancing racing with his full-time job, managing diabetes, and the quest for sponsorship. His passion for racing and commitment to improvement shine through as he reflects on his experiences, including an outstanding result at this year's Southern 100, a...
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Startline Ep 14 - A toda máquina siempre: Victor Ortega Pérez
Tuesday, 2 December 2025
In today’s episode, we sit down with Victor Ortega Pérez, a rider from Spain who is one of the most dedicated international competitors at the Manx Grand Prix. Victor first tackled the Mountain Course in 2019, grabbing an impressive ninth place in the Newcomers A race and making his debut in the Junior MGP. But today, Victor’s isn't just talking about his own progress - he shares advice for anyone taking on the Manx Grand Prix for the first time - from preparation, to mindset, to surviving the learning curve of the world’s most demanding road circuit. As part of a growing wave of internatio...
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Startline Ep 13 - Born with gasoline in my blood: August Kroon
Thursday, 27 November 2025
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 al...
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Startline Ep 12 - When your Teacher's faster than your Wi-Fi: Nick Round’s road to MGP
Tuesday, 25 November 2025
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 rac...
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Startline Ep 11 - Back in my happy place: Dan Nurrish (and Bailey)
Thursday, 20 November 2025
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 Ins...
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Startline Ep 10 - The art of the power nap: Daniel Pearson
Tuesday, 18 November 2025
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 Dan...
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Startline Ep 9 - Back to the Startline: Damian Horan & Andy McAllister
Thursday, 13 November 2025
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 ...
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Startline Ep 8 - From pizza to podium: Lee McGavock’s road to the Manx Grand Prix
Tuesday, 11 November 2025
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 conve...
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Startline Ep 7 - Chasing the Island dream:Thomas Altendorfer’s road to the Manx Grand Prix
Thursday, 6 November 2025
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 ...
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Startline Ep 6 - A dream without a plan is just a wish: George Anderson
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
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 202...
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Startline Ep 5 - From the ring to the road: Adrian O’Connor’s fight for the Classic TT
Thursday, 30 October 2025
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@startlin...
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Startline Ep 4 - NRW Racing and the road ahead: Nick Healy’s journey to the MGP
Tuesday, 28 October 2025
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...
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Startline Ep 3 -Throttle dreams and viral moments: Arran Hands on life, bikes & the road to MGP
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
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
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Startline Ep 2 - Fuelled by passion: Neil Rutledge's aim to race the Manx Grand Prix
Tuesday, 21 October 2025
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.
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Startline Ep 1 - Breaking barriers on the road to the MGP: Ashley Robson
Monday, 20 October 2025
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