In this episode, David McArthur shares the story of a racing journey that began far from the grid.

Growing up riding bikes in the Scottish Highlands, his early experiences were shaped by family influence - particularly his father’s passion for motorcycles - and a love of riding that developed long before competition entered the picture.

David reflects on his progression through different disciplines, from trials riding to enduro and eventually road racing.

Along the way, he discusses the realities of building a racing career, including the importance of community support, sponsorship, and the people behind the scenes who make it possible.

Looking to the future, David talks about his ambitions in the sport and offers thoughtful advice to newcomers, drawing on the lessons learned throughout his journey and the value of being part of a supportive racing community.

You can follow David on Facebook here and Instagram here.

We also hear from Lee Stanaway in this episode, and you can find his Facebook here.

If you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im

In today’s episode, we are there as the Women Riders World Relay rolls into the Isle of Man. 🌍🏍️

This powerful global initiative has already connected more than 20,000 women riders across 102 countries, all with one shared mission: to challenge expectations and reshape what the world thinks a woman motorcycle rider looks like.

Using a dedicated app, the relay passes a digital baton from rider to rider, carrying stories, solidarity and momentum as it travels around the globe.

Beth speaks with Lisa Brain, the Women Riders World Relay Ambassador for the Isle of Man, alongside other riders and guests who gathered at Isle of Man Motorcycles for the event.

The relay’s visit was supported by Open Face Racer and RideSafe.im, with the day captured beautifully by John from Bikersmag.co.uk and Emily Ashworth Photography.

We also catch up again with George Anderson after he heard the decision about Manx Grand Prix 2026 and Shaun Anderson, MGP winner and TT racer, offers some insights about taking on the Mountain Course.

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im and follow the podcast on social media.

In this conversation, Johnny Stewart reflects on his journey from a small-town upbringing in Galashiels, Scotland, to life as a motorcycle racer.

He discusses his experiences competing at the Manx Grand Prix, the realities of sponsorship, and the financial challenges that come with the sport.

Throughout, Johnny highlights the importance of enjoying racing, shares the emotional intensity of sitting on the start line, and offers thoughtful advice for those who'll be doing the MGP for this first time.

Oh - and we also find out why Johnny's dad doesn't trust him near the lawnmower...

You can follow Johnny on Facebook here and Instagram here.

Also in this episode, we find hear from some previous Startline guests about whether or not they'll be at Manx Grand Prix 2026.

If you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email beth@startline.im and follow the podcast on social media.

In this episode, Roddy Taylor takes us through a life shaped by motorcycle racing - from the early family influences that first put him on two wheels, to the moments that tested his resolve and pulled him away from the sport altogether.

He speaks openly about loss, perspective, and what it really takes to find your way back to racing after stepping aside.

Roddy also reflects on the power of the racing community, the importance of mentoring the next generation, and the lessons that only years in the paddock can teach.

Now, with his sights set firmly on the Manx Grand Prix start line, he shares what resilience, determination, and belonging truly mean - and why racing still matters.

You can follow Roddy on Facebook here and Instagram here - and check out Startline on social media to see the photograph of Dougal who gets a mention too.

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

In this episode, we hear from four riders who all had the Moutain Course in their sights for 2025 - and they have all raced the dream.

So what was it like - can you ever really prepare for what the ultimate road racing experience throws at you?

Ste Sewell, Blake Kelly, Lee Stanaway and Dale Brew talk us through their experiences, which include forgetting something on the start line, doing something your surgeon probably wouldn't approve of and countless cups of tea.

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

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