This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined once again by 1987 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner for a very special episode celebrating one of the greatest motorcycle racing circuits in the world.

As MotoGP prepares to say farewell to Phillip Island, who better to join Nick and Jules than the man who won the inaugural Australian Grand Prix at the circuit in 1989?

With its breathtaking coastal setting, sweeping high-speed corners and decades of extraordinary racing, Phillip Island has become one of the most iconic venues in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history.

For riders, teams and fans alike, it has always been somewhere special.

And for Wayne Gardner, it holds a particularly important place in his remarkable career.

Nick, Jules and Wayne reflect on the circuit's extraordinary history, and the unique challenges of racing at one of the fastest and most demanding tracks in the world.

From the spectacular 500cc era to modern MotoGP, Phillip Island has given us some truly remarkable moments.

But with the Australian Grand Prix moving to Adelaide in 2027, the time has come to say goodbye to a circuit that many consider simply irreplaceable.

Can any other racetrack ever take its place?

A nostalgic and very special episode of Racing Back.

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, journalists and paddock insiders sharing first-hand stories from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing and motorcycle racing history. Episode 72 welcomes back Australian 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner for a special tribute to Phillip Island as the circuit prepares to host its final Australian MotoGP Grand Prix in 2026.

Racing Back Episode 71 – Kevin Schwantz: The Legend of Number 34

What a guest we have for you this week!

Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by one of the greatest names in Grand Prix motorcycle racing – 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz.

The legendary number 34, Kevin became one of the most exciting and popular riders of the late 1980s and early 1990s, thrilling fans around the world with his spectacular riding style and extraordinary commitment.

His battles with Wayne Rainey became the stuff of Grand Prix legend, while his relationship with Suzuki produced some of the most memorable moments in 500cc racing history.

And in 1993, after years of battling at the very highest level, Kevin finally secured the 500cc World Championship.

This week, Kevin joins Nick and Jules to revisit that incredible period of motorcycle racing, discussing the riders, motorcycles, rivalries and experiences that shaped his remarkable career.

From the fearsome 500cc two-strokes to the characters and personalities of the paddock, there is no shortage of memories to explore.

And with Nick and Jules having followed so much of Kevin's career firsthand, this promises to be a very special conversation.

Kevin Schwantz. Number 34. A true Grand Prix legend.

Another Racing Back episode not to be missed!

• Kevin Schwantz's extraordinary Grand Prix career

• Racing the legendary Suzuki RGV500

• The unforgettable 500cc two-stroke era

• His rivalry with Wayne Rainey

• Battling some of motorcycle racing's greatest riders

• Winning the 1993 500cc World Championship

• The characters and personalities of the Grand Prix paddock

• Memories from one of the most exciting periods in motorcycle racing history

  
  

  Kevins Website: https://kevinschwantz.com/

  
  

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, journalists and paddock insiders sharing first-hand stories from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing and motorcycle racing history. Episode 71 welcomes 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz, the legendary Suzuki rider famous for his spectacular racing style, rivalry with Wayne Rainey and iconic number 34.

This week on Racing Back, Andrea Coleman returns to the paddock for the second part of her fascinating conversation with Nick Harris and Julian Ryder.

In Part 1, Andrea introduced us to the extraordinary work of Two Wheels for Life, the official charity of MotoGP and the FIM, and how the motorcycle racing community helps support healthcare programmes across Africa.

This time, Nick and Jules delve deeper into Andrea's own story.

Where did her journey into charity work begin?

What motivated her to get involved in the first place?

And how did those early experiences eventually develop into a mission that would bring together the worlds of motorcycles, healthcare and Grand Prix racing?

Andrea talks about her beginnings, the reasons behind her determination to make a difference and the journey that ultimately led to the work being done today through Two Wheels for Life.

It's a fascinating conversation about the person behind the organisation – and the passion and purpose that can turn an idea into something capable of changing lives.

After discovering what Two Wheels for Life does in Part 1, this time we discover much more about why Andrea does it.

Another very special episode of Racing Back.

In this episode

• Andrea Coleman returns for Part 2
• Her beginnings in charity work
• What first motivated Andrea to get involved
• The experiences that shaped her journey
• How motorcycles became part of the story
• The relationship between motorcycle racing and healthcare
• The journey towards Two Wheels for Life

Find Out More

Two Wheels for Life is the official charity of MotoGP and the FIM, raising funds to support transport for healthcare programmes in Africa.

Find out more about the charity, its work, MotoGP experiences, auctions and ways you can support it through the Two Wheels for Life website.

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, journalists and the people behind the sport. Episode 70 features Part 2 of Andrea Coleman's visit to the Racing Back paddock, exploring her beginnings in charity work, her motivation and the journey that ultimately led to Two Wheels for Life.