Racing Back

What a guest we have for you this week!

Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by Barry Coleman, motorcycle racing journalist, author, Kenny Roberts biographer and co-founder of Two Wheels for Life.

Barry has spent decades involved in some of the most fascinating chapters of motorcycle racing history, both on and off the circuit.

And one of those chapters almost changed Grand Prix racing beyond recognition.

In the late 1970s, Barry joined forces with three-time 500cc World Champion Kenny Roberts in developing the proposed breakaway World Series, a challenge to the established Grand Prix racing authorities over rider safety, prize money and the conditions faced by competitors.

Although the rival championship never actually took place, the threat of a breakaway helped bring about important changes within the sport.

And Barry was right at the heart of it.

This week, Nick and Jules explore that extraordinary period with Barry, discussing the riders, the personalities, the politics and the circumstances that led to one of the most significant challenges in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history.

As the author of Kenny Roberts' biography, Barry also brings a fascinating perspective on the man who transformed 500cc racing and became one of the sport's most influential figures.

But Barry's contribution to motorcycling extends well beyond racing.

Alongside Andrea Coleman, he helped establish the charitable work that became Riders for Health and Two Wheels for Life, using motorcycles and the generosity of the racing community to support healthcare transport programmes in Africa.

From the Grand Prix paddock to making a difference in communities thousands of miles away, Barry's story is an extraordinary one.

Kenny Roberts. The World Series. Motorcycle racing history. And the power of motorcycles to change lives.

Another fascinating episode of Racing Back.

Barry is a co-founder of the charitable work behind Two Wheels for Life, the official charity of MotoGP and the FIM.

The charity raises funds through MotoGP events, auctions and unique experiences to support transport for healthcare programmes in Africa.

Find out more:

https://www.twowheelsforlife.org/

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

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Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, journalists and the people behind the history of motorcycle racing. Episode 73 features Barry Coleman, motorcycle racing journalist, Kenny Roberts biographer and Two Wheels for Life co-founder, discussing the proposed 1979 World Series, the fight for rider safety and his extraordinary involvement in motorcycle racing.

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined once again by 1987 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner for a very special episode celebrating one of the greatest motorcycle racing circuits in the world.

As MotoGP prepares to say farewell to Phillip Island, who better to join Nick and Jules than the man who won the inaugural Australian Grand Prix at the circuit in 1989?

With its breathtaking coastal setting, sweeping high-speed corners and decades of extraordinary racing, Phillip Island has become one of the most iconic venues in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history.

For riders, teams and fans alike, it has always been somewhere special.

And for Wayne Gardner, it holds a particularly important place in his remarkable career.

Nick, Jules and Wayne reflect on the circuit's extraordinary history, and the unique challenges of racing at one of the fastest and most demanding tracks in the world.

From the spectacular 500cc era to modern MotoGP, Phillip Island has given us some truly remarkable moments.

But with the Australian Grand Prix moving to Adelaide in 2027, the time has come to say goodbye to a circuit that many consider simply irreplaceable.

Can any other racetrack ever take its place?

A nostalgic and very special episode of Racing Back.

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, journalists and paddock insiders sharing first-hand stories from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing and motorcycle racing history. Episode 72 welcomes back Australian 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner for a special tribute to Phillip Island as the circuit prepares to host its final Australian MotoGP Grand Prix in 2026.

Racing Back Episode 71 – Kevin Schwantz: The Legend of Number 34

What a guest we have for you this week!

Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by one of the greatest names in Grand Prix motorcycle racing – 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz.

The legendary number 34, Kevin became one of the most exciting and popular riders of the late 1980s and early 1990s, thrilling fans around the world with his spectacular riding style and extraordinary commitment.

His battles with Wayne Rainey became the stuff of Grand Prix legend, while his relationship with Suzuki produced some of the most memorable moments in 500cc racing history.

And in 1993, after years of battling at the very highest level, Kevin finally secured the 500cc World Championship.

This week, Kevin joins Nick and Jules to revisit that incredible period of motorcycle racing, discussing the riders, motorcycles, rivalries and experiences that shaped his remarkable career.

From the fearsome 500cc two-strokes to the characters and personalities of the paddock, there is no shortage of memories to explore.

And with Nick and Jules having followed so much of Kevin's career firsthand, this promises to be a very special conversation.

Kevin Schwantz. Number 34. A true Grand Prix legend.

Another Racing Back episode not to be missed!

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Kevin Schwantz's extraordinary Grand Prix career

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Racing the legendary Suzuki RGV500

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The unforgettable 500cc two-stroke era

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His rivalry with Wayne Rainey

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Battling some of motorcycle racing's greatest riders

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Winning the 1993 500cc World Championship

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The characters and personalities of the Grand Prix paddock

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Memories from one of the most exciting periods in motorcycle racing history

Kevins Website: https://kevinschwantz.com/

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, journalists and paddock insiders sharing first-hand stories from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing and motorcycle racing history. Episode 71 welcomes 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz, the legendary Suzuki rider famous for his spectacular racing style, rivalry with Wayne Rainey and iconic number 34.

This week on Racing Back, Andrea Coleman returns to the paddock for the second part of her fascinating conversation with Nick Harris and Julian Ryder.

In Part 1, Andrea introduced us to the extraordinary work of Two Wheels for Life, the official charity of MotoGP and the FIM, and how the motorcycle racing community helps support healthcare programmes across Africa.

This time, Nick and Jules delve deeper into Andrea's own story.

Where did her journey into charity work begin?

What motivated her to get involved in the first place?

And how did those early experiences eventually develop into a mission that would bring together the worlds of motorcycles, healthcare and Grand Prix racing?

Andrea talks about her beginnings, the reasons behind her determination to make a difference and the journey that ultimately led to the work being done today through Two Wheels for Life.

It's a fascinating conversation about the person behind the organisation – and the passion and purpose that can turn an idea into something capable of changing lives.

After discovering what Two Wheels for Life does in Part 1, this time we discover much more about why Andrea does it.

Another very special episode of Racing Back.

In this episode

• Andrea Coleman returns for Part 2
• Her beginnings in charity work
• What first motivated Andrea to get involved
• The experiences that shaped her journey
• How motorcycles became part of the story
• The relationship between motorcycle racing and healthcare
• The journey towards Two Wheels for Life

Find Out More

Two Wheels for Life is the official charity of MotoGP and the FIM, raising funds to support transport for healthcare programmes in Africa.

Find out more about the charity, its work, MotoGP experiences, auctions and ways you can support it through the Two Wheels for Life website.

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, journalists and the people behind the sport. Episode 70 features Part 2 of Andrea Coleman's visit to the Racing Back paddock, exploring her beginnings in charity work, her motivation and the journey that ultimately led to Two Wheels for Life.

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by the fantastic Andrea Coleman, co-founder and CEO of Two Wheels for Life, the official charity of MotoGP and the FIM.

And this is a rather different – and very special – motorcycle story.

For more than three decades, Andrea has been helping harness the extraordinary passion and generosity of the motorcycle racing community to support healthcare programmes in Africa.

Through unique MotoGP events, auctions, memorabilia and incredible fan experiences, Two Wheels for Life raises money to support transport systems that enable healthcare workers to reach some of the most remote communities.

At the centre of it all is something wonderfully simple:

Motorcycles can save lives.

Andrea takes Nick and Jules through the origins of the organisation, its extraordinary relationship with MotoGP, the support it receives from riders, teams and fans, and how the money raised by the motorcycle community is turned into practical help on the ground.

It's a fascinating story about what can happen when a sport and its community come together with a shared purpose.

And it's a reminder that the impact of motorcycle racing can extend a very long way beyond the chequered flag.

Another very special episode of Racing Back.

Find Out More

Find out more about Two Wheels for Life, its work, MotoGP experiences, auctions and how you can get involved through the charity's website.

Motorcycles save lives.

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, journalists and the people behind the sport. Episode 69 features Andrea Coleman, co-founder and CEO of Two Wheels for Life, discussing how the MotoGP and motorcycle racing community helps support healthcare programmes across Africa.

Stu Shenton is back!

This week Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined once again by legendary Grand Prix mechanic and crew chief Stu Shenton for another fascinating journey through a lifetime spent at the very heart of motorcycle racing.

Stu first joined us in Episode 59, but with a career stretching back to the 1970s and encompassing World Championship success with Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki, there were simply far too many stories to fit into one visit.

So we've invited him back!

From Kork Ballington and Freddie Spencer to Wayne Gardner, Kevin Schwantz, Anthony Gobert, John Hopkins and Loris Capirossi, Stu worked alongside some extraordinary riders during an extraordinary period in Grand Prix racing.

This time Nick and Jules once again tap into Stu's remarkable memory as he shares more stories about the riders, motorcycles, engineers, teams and characters he encountered along the way.

It's a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of Grand Prix racing from someone who wasn't merely watching history unfold – he was part of it.

If you enjoyed Stu's first Racing Back appearance, this is another episode you won't want to miss.

• Stu Shenton returns to Racing Back
• More stories from his remarkable Grand Prix career
• Working with some of motorcycle racing's greatest riders
• Life with Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki
• The relationship between rider, mechanic and machine

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP and motorcycle racing podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions, mechanics, engineers, journalists and paddock insiders sharing incredible first-hand stories from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing and motorcycle racing history. Episode 68 welcomes back legendary Grand Prix mechanic and crew chief Stu Shenton for more stories from his extraordinary career.

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by Terry Rymer – British Superbike Champion, twice an Endurance World Champion and five-time winner of the legendary Bol d'Or.

And with Terry's incredible history in endurance racing, Jules is very much in his element!

Terry's career spans an extraordinary period of motorcycle racing, from British and World Superbikes to competing – and winning – in some of the toughest endurance races on the planet.

In 1992 he became FIM Endurance World Champion and repeated the achievement in 1999. Along the way came an incredible five victories at the Bol d'Or, establishing Terry as one of Britain's most successful endurance racers.

Nick and Jules delve into the racing, the motorcycles, the teams and the characters behind those achievements, as Terry shares stories from a discipline that demands something very different from both rider and machine.

Because endurance racing isn't simply about being fast.

It's about maintaining that performance hour after hour, sharing the motorcycle with your teammates and relying on an entire team to keep rider and machine competitive through some of the toughest conditions in motorsport.

Superbikes, World Championships, endurance racing and FIVE Bol d'Or victories – there's a lot to talk about!

Another fascinating slice of motorcycle racing history from Racing Back.

• Terry Rymer's remarkable racing career
• Becoming British Superbike Champion
• Winning the 1992 and 1999 FIM Endurance World Championships
• Five victories at the Bol d'Or
• Life inside a 24-hour motorcycle race
• The physical and mental demands of endurance racing
• The motorcycles, teammates and characters Terry raced alongside
• Stories from an extraordinary period of motorcycle racing

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the motorcycle racing and MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring World Champions, legendary riders, engineers, journalists and paddock insiders sharing incredible first-hand stories from MotoGP, Superbikes, endurance racing and motorcycle racing history.

Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by Freddie Spencer for the final instalment of their three-part conversation.

And this time, we reach the 1985 Double.

Freddie’s achievement of winning both the 250cc and 500cc World Championships in the same season remains one of the most remarkable feats in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Two classes, two different motorcycles and a challenge that has never been repeated.

In this concluding episode, Nick and Jules turn to that extraordinary season, exploring the demands of competing in two championships and hearing Freddie’s own memories of the achievement that cemented his place in racing history.

It is a fitting conclusion to three episodes of fascinating stories from one of the sport’s greatest riders.

The Double. The man who did it. And the story behind it.

• The final part of our Freddie Spencer special
• The historic 1985 250cc and 500cc World Championship double
• Freddie’s memories of his remarkable championship season
• The conclusion of Nick and Jules’ three-part interview

Could the Double ever be repeated? We would love to hear your thoughts.

Become a member for £3.99 per month and enjoy early access, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more. Visit the Racing Back YouTube channel and click JOIN.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, World Champions and paddock insiders sharing stories from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing and motorcycle racing history. Episode 66 features Freddie Spencer and his historic 1985 championship double.

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by renowned MotoGP technical journalist, author and motorcycle technology expert Neil Spalding.

Neil is the author of the acclaimed MotoGP Technology series and has spent years documenting the technical development of the premier class and the extraordinary machines that compete at the highest level of motorcycle racing.

In this fascinating conversation, Nick, Jules and Neil explore the technology and engineering that sit at the heart of MotoGP.

From the development of the motorcycles and the work of the engineers to the constant search for performance, technology plays a huge role in determining how the sport evolves.

But its influence goes much further than the motorcycle itself.

Technical development affects the way teams work, the demands placed on riders, the way circuits and venues operate and, ultimately, the experience that fans have when they watch MotoGP.

Neil brings his unique knowledge and experience to explain what is happening behind the scenes and why those seemingly tiny technical details can have such a huge impact on the sport we see on Sunday.

A fascinating look at the side of MotoGP that isn't always immediately visible – but without which the sport simply couldn't exist at the level we know today.

Another episode of Racing Back NOT TO BE MISSED.

• Neil Spalding's career in MotoGP technical journalism
• The technology behind modern Grand Prix motorcycles
• How engineering drives the development of the sport
• The relationship between rider, bike and engineering team
• How technology affects teams and race venues
• The impact of technical development on the fan experience
• Why understanding the technology adds another dimension to MotoGP

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring World Champions, legendary riders, engineers, technical journalists and paddock insiders sharing incredible stories and first-hand insights from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing, motorcycle technology and the history of the sport.

The Freddie Spencer Special continues – and what an episode this is!

Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are once again joined by the legendary Freddie Spencer for Part Two of our special three-part conversation.

If Part One gave us a fascinating insight into the bikes, battles, engineering and determination behind Freddie's extraordinary career, this time we get even closer to the action.

Freddie shares remarkable in-the-saddle stories, taking us inside the experience of racing some of the most fearsome Grand Prix motorcycles ever built.

These are first-hand memories from a World Champion who wasn't simply watching one of motorcycle racing's greatest eras unfold – he was helping to define it.

From the sensations of riding these extraordinary machines to the decisions, reactions and sheer determination required when racing at the absolute limit, Freddie gives Nick and Jules a perspective that very few people could ever provide.

It's motorcycle racing history told by the man who actually lived it.

Packed with incredible stories and insights that put you right there alongside Freddie, Part Two will keep you on the edge of your seat.

And there's still more to come...

This is Part Two of our three-part Freddie Spencer Special, with the final instalment still to come.

Another episode simply NOT TO BE MISSED.

In this episode

• Freddie Spencer's incredible first-hand racing memories
• What Grand Prix motorcycles of the era were really like to ride
• Racing at the absolute limit
• Inside the mindset of a World Champion
• Extraordinary moments from Freddie's career
• The machinery and engineering behind the racing
• Stories from one of Grand Prix racing's greatest periods

If you haven't heard Part One yet, catch up with the beginning of this extraordinary conversation with Freddie.

Then make sure you're following Racing Back – Freddie returns once more for Part Three and the conclusion of our special series.

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring World Champions, legendary riders, engineers, journalists and paddock insiders sharing incredible first-hand stories and insights from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing and motorcycle racing history.

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by Peter Duke for a very special episode celebrating the life, career and legacy of his father – the great Geoff Duke.

And with the Manx Grand Prix approaching, there could hardly be a better time to remember one of the defining figures in British motorcycle racing history.

Peter joins Nick and Jules to look back at his father's extraordinary achievements, his connection with the Isle of Man and the remarkable era of Grand Prix racing in which Geoff became one of the sport's first true international superstars.

But this conversation goes beyond World Championships, famous victories and racing statistics.

Through Peter's memories we discover more about Geoff Duke the man, the father and the racer, bringing to life a period of motorcycle racing history that deserves never to be forgotten.

It's exactly what Racing Back is all about – hearing these stories, celebrating the people who made the sport and keeping the flame of motorcycle racing history burning.

Grab yourself another wonderful slice of racing history.

• Peter Duke remembers his father, Geoff Duke
• The man behind the motorcycle racing legend
• Geoff's extraordinary Grand Prix career
• His special relationship with the Isle of Man
• The Manx Grand Prix and his early racing success
• World Championships and TT glory
• Stories and memories from a very different racing era
• Preserving the history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, celebrating the riders, World Champions, engineers, journalists and paddock personalities who shaped MotoGP and Grand Prix motorcycle racing, preserving the incredible stories and history of the sport for future generations.

What an episode – and this is only the beginning!

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by one of the true legends of Grand Prix motorcycle racing – Freddie Spencer.

In the first of three special episodes, Freddie takes Nick and Jules back into one of the most extraordinary periods in motorcycle racing history.

This is the story of the bikes, the battles and what it really took to become a World Champion.

Freddie recalls his legendary battles with Kenny Roberts, but this fascinating conversation goes far deeper than the rivalry between two extraordinary riders.

He reveals the remarkable level of engineering and motorcycle development taking place behind the scenes as Honda and the other factories pushed the boundaries of what was possible with a 500cc Grand Prix machine.

The technology was evolving at an incredible pace – and it was down to riders such as Freddie to somehow harness it.

Freddie discusses the determination, physical demands and sheer grit required to compete at the very highest level, offering a rare first-hand perspective on an era that produced some of the greatest racing the sport has ever witnessed.

From Honda and the machinery to Kenny Roberts, World Championships and the mentality of a winner, this is Freddie Spencer telling the story from the inside.

And there is much, much more to come.

Episode 62 is Part One of a three-part Racing Back special with Freddie Spencer, with Parts Two and Three continuing the conversation over the coming weeks.

• Freddie Spencer's journey to becoming World Champion
• Racing the extraordinary 500cc Grand Prix machines
• His legendary battles with Kenny Roberts
• Honda and the engineering behind the motorcycles
• The relentless development race between the factories
• The physical and mental demands of the era
• First-hand stories from one of Grand Prix racing's greatest periods

This is just Part One.

Freddie Spencer returns for two more episodes, as Nick and Jules continue this remarkable conversation and delve even deeper into the career and experiences of one of motorcycle racing's greatest World Champions.

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming in the future.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring World Champions, legendary riders, engineers, journalists and paddock insiders sharing incredible stories and first-hand insights from MotoGP, 500cc Grand Prix racing and motorcycle racing history.

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined once again by the wonderful Dr Martin Raines for a journey through the history of the British motorcycle Grand Prix.

And Martin is particularly well qualified for this one.

Just how many British Grands Prix has he attended? We'll give you a clue – Covid prevented him attending just one...

Worked it out yet? Tune in to discover the answer!

Drawing upon decades of first-hand experience, Martin joins Nick and Jules to remember the races, riders, circuits and characters that have made the British Grand Prix such an important fixture in the motorcycle racing calendar.

There's also time to tackle one of the great debates among British MotoGP fans – Silverstone or Donington Park?

Which circuit provides the better home for the British Grand Prix? The team discuss the merits, memories and history of both as they look back over an extraordinary period of British motorcycle racing.

Packed with history, nostalgia, humour and the kind of paddock stories that Racing Back listeners love, this is another episode not to be missed.

In this episode

• Dr Martin Raines' remarkable history with the British Grand Prix
• Just how many British GPs has he attended?
• Decades of British Grand Prix memories
• The history and evolution of the event
• Racing at Silverstone
• Remembering the Donington Park years
• The great Silverstone vs Donington debate

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming soon.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, journalists, historians and paddock insiders sharing stories, opinions and insights from the world of MotoGP, Grand Prix motorcycle racing and its extraordinary history.

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder welcome one of the true icons of motorcycle racing, Wayne Gardner – Australia's first 500cc Motorcycle World Champion.

Known for his fearless riding and refreshingly honest opinions, Wayne joins Nick and Jules for an enthralling conversation covering the triumphs and disappointments of competing at the very highest level of Grand Prix racing. From winning the World Championship to the challenges of defending it, he offers remarkable insight into what it takes to succeed in one of the world's toughest sports.

Wayne also reflects on his years with Honda, the riders he competed against, and the moments that defined his legendary career. His trademark candour and humour make this one of the most revealing and entertaining Racing Back interviews to date.

Packed with unforgettable stories, fascinating insight and plenty of laughs, this is an episode every MotoGP fan should hear.

Check Out Wayne's Website: https://www.waynegardner.com/

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming soon.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, world champions, journalists and paddock insiders sharing stories, opinions and insights from the world of MotoGP and motorcycle racing.

This week on Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by legendary Grand Prix race mechanic Stu Shenton, whose career in motorcycle racing began before he had even left school.

Over the decades, Stu has worked with some of the sport's biggest names, helping to win World Championships with Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki while experiencing the highs and lows of life inside the Grand Prix paddock.

Described by Matt Oxley as "a man with plenty of tales to tell," Stu certainly lives up to that reputation as he shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from a lifetime spent at the heart of motorcycle racing.

There was simply too much to fit into one episode, making this the first part of a fascinating two-part conversation with one of the paddock's true characters.

In this episode

• Stu Shenton's remarkable career in motorcycle racing
• Working as a race mechanic from a young age
• Winning World Championships with Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming soon.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, mechanics, engineers, journalists and paddock insiders sharing stories, opinions and insights from the world of MotoGP and motorcycle racing.

This weeks episode is dedicated to Maria Costello and all women in racing.

In this episode of Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by filmmaker and documentary producer Maria Köpf for a thought-provoking conversation about the role of women in MotoGP and Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

Maria discusses her forthcoming documentary and the fascinating stories that inspired it, highlighting the women whose passion, determination and contributions have helped shape the sport throughout its history. Together, Nick, Jules and Maria explore a side of MotoGP that is often overlooked but is every bit as important to the championship's remarkable story.

From pioneering figures to the continuing evolution of the sport, this episode is packed with insight, history and fascinating conversation, offering a fresh perspective on the people who have helped make MotoGP what it is today.

A must-listen for anyone interested in the rich history and future of motorcycle racing.

The almost unbelievable Cold War birth of the modern two stroke!This week on the Racing Back MotoGP podcast, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by one of motorcycle racing's most respected journalists, former Grand Prix racer and acclaimed author, Mat Oxley.Mat takes Nick and Jules on a fascinating journey through the rich history of the Sachsenring, the remarkable story of East German motorcycle racing, Degner's defection, the legendary MZ marque that helped shape Grand Prix racing and the almost unbelievable Cold War birth of the modern two stroke! Along the way, he shares incredible insights, untold stories and the historical context that makes this one of the most fascinating conversations we've had on Racing Back.With his unique experience as both a racer and journalist, Mat brings the past to life with the passion and knowledge that have made him one of the sport's foremost historians.If you love the history of MotoGP, Grand Prix racing and the stories behind the legends, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Interested in learning more?To find out more about Mat's writing and purchase his books, visit his official website: Mat Oxley – https://matoxley.bigcartel.com/Want even more Racing Back?Become a member of The Racing Back Paddock for just £3.99 per month.Members receive:⚡ Early access to new episodes🏅 Exclusive loyalty badges📣 Member shoutouts on the show🔜 Plus more exclusive perks coming soon!Simply click the JOIN button on the channel and become part of the paddock.Enjoyed the episode?Please Like 👍, Comment 💬 and Subscribe 🔔 to support the channel and help more motorcycle racing fans discover Racing Back.💬 Question for viewers:What's your favourite piece of Grand Prix racing history, and which historic circuit or manufacturer would you like us to explore in a future episode?#MotoGP #MatOxley #Sachsenring #MZ #GrandPrixRacing#MotoGPHistory #RacingBack #NickHarris #JulianRyder#MotoGPPodcast #MotorcycleRacing #Motorsport #BikeRacing#MotoGPLegends #motorcyclehistory Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, journalists, team managers and paddock insiders sharing stories, opinions and insights from the world of MotoGP and motorcycle racing.

The fascinating conversation with Paul Butler continues!

In this episode of Racing Back, Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are once again joined by one of motorcycle racing's most experienced and respected figures.

With over 50 years immersed in the sport, Paul continues to share a remarkable collection of stories from inside the Grand Prix paddock and beyond. From unforgettable personalities and pivotal moments to the evolution of MotoGP over five decades, his memories provide a unique window into the history of motorcycle racing.

Full of humour, insight and anecdotes that only someone with a lifetime in the paddock could tell, this is another essential episode for anyone who loves the rich history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming soon.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, team managers, journalists, officials and paddock insiders sharing stories, opinions and insights from the world of MotoGP and motorcycle racing.

This week on the Racing Back MotoGP podcast, MotoGP legends Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are joined by renowned Dutch MotoGP commentator and journalist Hans van Loozenoord, leading the pilgrimage to Assen on what will be his 62nd visit to the Dutch TT.Assen is unique in that at has been in the GP calendar since the championship’s inception in 1949. It has changed in places but it is still one of the best tracks there is Hans has reported on most of those races and is uniquely placed to explain the mystique of everyone’s favourite race.The Racing Back PaddockIf you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming soon.Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders, journalists and insiders sharing stories, opinions and insights from the world of MotoGP and motorcycle racing.

In this episode of Racing Back, MotoGP commentators Nick Harris and Julian Ryder are once again joined by the ever-insightful Peter Clifford.

This time, Peter takes listeners inside the world of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, revealing exactly how one of the most successful rider development programmes in motorsport operates.

From the selection process and the qualities organisers seek in young talent to the realities of life inside the programme, Peter offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to progress through the ranks of motorcycle racing.

The conversation also highlights the remarkable number of riders who have graduated from the Rookies Cup and gone on to become Grand Prix stars, underlining just how influential the programme has become in shaping the future of MotoGP.

Packed with insight, stories and plenty of surprises, this is another essential listen for anyone passionate about motorcycle racing.

In this episode

• The origins and purpose of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup
• How riders are selected for the programme
• What qualities organisers look for in young talent
• The challenges facing aspiring racers
• Famous graduates of the Rookies Cup
• Why the programme continues to shape the future of MotoGP

The Racing Back Paddock

If you're enjoying Racing Back, you can support the show by joining The Racing Back Paddock on YouTube for £3.99 per month.

Members receive early access to episodes, loyalty badges, member shoutouts and more exclusive perks coming soon.

Racing Back is the MotoGP podcast hosted by Nick Harris and Julian Ryder, featuring legendary riders and insiders sharing stories, opinions and insights from the world of MotoGP and motorcycle racing.