Racing Back

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.