We catch up with Ashley Robson again in this first episode of 2026, as she waits to hear whether or not she'll be at the Manx Grand Prix this year.

Alongside her parents, Lee and Hazel, we discuss Ashley's early passion for bikes, the emotional challenges of watching her race, and what it was like when Ash got on the podium in the Pre-TT on the Billown Course in 2025.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, they talk honestly about their hopes for the season ahead and what it truly means, as a family, to stand behind Ashley’s racing career.

You can find Ashley on Facebook here and 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.

And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email Beth - it's beth@startline.im

In this episode with Stuart Clotworthy and Stefan Alger, we don't just talk about the Manx Grand Prix - although that does feature.

We mainly find out about Stefan's love of pugs and why for Stuart, karaoke is now a no go.

Stuart has done the MGP before, thanks in part to Stefan's backing, and now Stefan is aiming to be on the Glencrutchery Road start line himself in 2026.

This is a team that doesn't take itself too seriously, but undoubtedly has the experience and the passion to make racing dreams come true.

You can follow Stuart on Facebook here and Instagram here.

Stefan's Facebook page is here - send photos of pugs.

If you'd like to get in touch with me, you can email beth@startline.im and if you're able to follow the Startline Podcast on Facebook and Instagram, that would be amazing.

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 the pressures of navigating business setbacks, moments that tested his resolve as much as any race ever could.

Yet through it all, his focus has never wavered.

With his sights firmly set on the Manx Grand Prix, he speaks passionately about what racing represents to him: freedom, self-belief, and the courage to keep moving forward when the odds are stacked against you.

Surrounded by a hard-earned support network and fuelled by a renewed sense of purpose, Israel looks to the future with determination and optimism; not just to compete, but to prove that it’s never too late to return stronger, faster, and more focused than ever.

You can find Israel's Moto Mutt International YouTube channel here, his Instagram here and take some time to read his blog.

We also hear from MGP rider Harley Rushton in this episode, about what he wishes he's known before taking on the Mountain Course for the first time.

You can find Harley on Facebook here and Instagram here and I recorded a Journey to a Dream podcast with Harley which you can find here.

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im

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 single missed email had unexpected consequences last year...

Throughout the conversation, Andy’s passion for racing is unmistakable, underpinned by the unwavering support of friends, family and sponsors as he continues to chase his goal race the most demanding roads in the world.

You can follow Andy on Facebook here and Instagram here.

In this episode, we also hear from MGP rider Andrew Jones about what he wished he'd known before his first MGP. You can find Andrew's Facebook page here and Instagram here.

Please also follow the Startline Podcast on social media and you can contact Beth by emailing beth@startline.im

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.

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im

Thank you to Hannah McHugh for the photographs on the night.

It was all to raise money for Tracey's Pictures who support newcomers every year and you can watch the progamme on Manx Radio's YouTube channel here.

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 camaraderie of being part of the Cowton Racing team, both of which ground him as he chases ever bigger goals, including Manx Grand Prix 2026.

You can follow Bailey on Facebook and Instagram.

You can follow Cowton Racing on their Instagram page here.

We also hear from MGP and TT rider Chris Moore in this episode. You can hear another interview I recorded with Chris and his wife Lorna on Journey to a Dream here.

And Chris is also on Facebook and Instagram.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, 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 Beth - it's beth@startline.im

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 Jordan's racing page on Facebook here, and Olivia's is here. Her TikTok is also one to follow too.

In this episode we also hear from Manx rider Dale Brew who did the MGP for the first time this year - his racing page is here, and you can listen back to a podcast I recorded with him before he raced on the Mountain for the first time here.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, 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 Beth - it's beth@startline.im

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, and his future goals.

You can follow Adam on Facebook here and Instagram here.

We also hear what racer Ste Sewell wished he'd know before doing the Classic TT for this first time this year. You can also hear an interview I did with Ste before that here and afterwards here.

You can follow Ste on Facebook and Instagram.

Startline is on Facebook and Instagram too, 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 Beth - it's beth@startline.im