Motorsport Podcasts

​Motorsport:

THE STARTLINE PODCAST WITH BETH ESPEY:

• Startline Ep 60 - Ben Wilkinson: From Birmingham to Bray Hill, the MGP dream

  Ben Wilkinson has one goal firmly in his sights: racing at the Manx Grand Prix. After beginning on motocross bikes at the age of 11, Ben moved into circuit racing before turning his attention to the roads. But his journey suffered a painful setback following this year’s Southern 100, when a low-speed road-bike accident left his shoulder broken in four places and his arm out of its socket for four days. In this episode of the Startline Road Racing Podcast, Ben talks candidly about the physical and mental challenge of recovery, the family and friends helping to rebuild him, and why the accident hasn’t diminished his determination to race again - although it does mean the garden has been neglected... We also hear why his first Manx Grand Prix application was unsuccessful, what he needs to do next and why, however long it takes, Ben won’t stop until he reaches the startline. We're also joined by Ben's friend Kean, who's quickly proved he's got what it takes to be a crucial part of the team. And in this episode, we also catch up with former guest Shane Doran who did his first MGP in 2026. You can follow Ben's Peach Racing page on Facebook 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 see some extra content, you can find some great photos on there.  And if you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can email beth@startline.im     

JOURNEY TO A DREAM WITH BETH ESPEY:

• The Biker Mums - Catriona McIntosh Thomson & Jayne Simpson

  Not every journey to a dream starts on the Mountain Course - and not every hero in the paddock wears leathers.In this episode of Journey to a Dream, the spotlight shifts to two important people behind the scenes: the biker mums.Catriona McIntosh Thomson and Jayne Simpson are known around the paddock as the mums of Grant Thomson and Marcus Simpson, but their role in road racing goes far beyond that.They talk openly with Beth about what it’s like when your child chooses road racing, the nerves that never quite go away, the early mornings, the overflowing trophy cabinets and the unwavering support it takes to help someone else chase a dream.Honest, funny, and relatable, this episode is a reminder that while riders take to the course alone, they never get there on their own.You can listen back to the previous JTAD podcasts with Grant here and with Marcus here, and they both also took part in the first ever Journey to a Dream Live from the Queen's.It would great if you could follow the riders on social media - your support makes such a difference. Grant is on Facebook and Instagram and you can find Marcus on Facebook and Instagram too. You can find details about their supporters clubs here too.And if you'd like to get in touch with Beth, you can email bethespey@manxradio.com

ATTENTION PADDOCK: 

• MURRAY WALKER's 2011 COMMENTARY, 'MILESTONES OF THE MOUNTAIN '

  A chance to hear legendary commentator Murray Walker broadcasting a very special parade lap on the course in 2011: the "Milestones of the Mountain" which commemorated the Centenary of the iconic Mountain course and some of the most celebrated riders.

SOUTHERN 100 RACING:

• Southern 100 - Classic Sidecar Race - Thursday 9th July 2026

  Full commentary of the Daryl Blake Construction Classic Sidecar Race over four laps.Chris Kinley, Rob Pritchard and Beth Espey describe the action.

 

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