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Startline - Road Racing podcast

Startline - Road Racing podcast

By: Beth Espey
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About this listen

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
  • Startline Ep 31 - Jack Fowler: "My brain's like a washing machine."
    Mar 5 2026

    In this episode, Beth chats with TT rider Jack Fowler about his road racing journey so far.

    Since starting out at the Manx Grand Prix in 2018, Jack has steadily built his experience on the Mountain Course, moving to the TT a couple of years ago.

    And all this while balancing racing with family life and a full-time role in motorcycle product development.

    In this conversation, Jack shares what it’s really like to prepare for the TT, from the mental focus required at high speed, to the challenges of race week, sponsorship, and life beyond the paddock.

    He also reflects on the importance of enjoying the experience, the support behind every rider, and his personal goals for the season ahead.

    Oh and we also talk air frying...

    You can follow Jack on social media - his Facebook page is here, he's also on Instagram and if you'd like to get in touch with him, you can email jfow1@hotmail.co.uk

    The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for 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

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    35 mins
  • Startline Ep 30 - Returning champions and rising stars: Reeves & Farnier, Ellis & Clément, David Datzer and the MGP newcomers weekend
    Feb 26 2026

    Today we explore the world of sidecar racing on the Isle of Man with two of the sport’s standout crews.

    TT winner Tim Reeves is joined by his new passenger, Melanie Farnier.They open up about forming a fresh partnership, the trust it demands, and the relentless physical and mental pressures of competing at the highest level.

    Alongside them, Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clément share their own journey through one of road racing’s most demanding disciplines. From securing vital sponsorship and managing the brutal demands of the sport, to the tight-knit community that keeps competitors coming back year after year.

    For anyone thinking about sidecar racing, Tim and Todd say Steve's Sidecar Place is a great place to start and you can find a link here.

    Also In this episode we catch up with the fastest German ever around the Mountain Course, David Datzer, who returns to fitness for 2026 after injury forced him out last season. He tells us what his dream is and how it will be marked with a new tattoo when it happens.

    You can follow David on Facebook here and Instagram here.

    Finally we meet some of the newcomers taking on the 2026 Manx Grand Prix, fresh from their very first Newcomers’ Weekend here on the Island.

    The Startline podcast is brought to you in partnership with the Manx Motorcycle Club, the Promoter and Rights holder for 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

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    42 mins
  • Startline Ep 29 - It takes a team: MBR Motorsport's Mike Bibby and Rodger Wibberley
    Feb 19 2026

    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 Promoter and Rights holder for 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

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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