Startline Ep 20 - Two wheels, future uncertain: Israel Gillette

Start Line with Beth Espey

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 - 28 minutes

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

Startline Ep 20 - Two wheels, future uncertain: Israel Gillette

Start Line with Beth Espey

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