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!
Kevin Schwantz's extraordinary Grand Prix career

Racing the legendary Suzuki RGV500

The unforgettable 500cc two-stroke era

His rivalry with Wayne Rainey

Battling some of motorcycle racing's greatest riders

Winning the 1993 500cc World Championship

The characters and personalities of the Grand Prix paddock

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.