Oxley Bom MotoGP podcast

Interview - Bob Barnard is Barely Bothered

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 19:00:00 +0100

Sadly, we've lost Philip Island. So now what’s going to take us back to Australia?

Well, welcome to the Adelaide Street Circuit. It’s 4,13 km (2,57 miles) long, has 15 turns and might run straight through some very special parkland.

It’s also, thanks to reasons not completely unrelated to the above, rather controversial.

Having seen the virtual rendition, Mat and Peter are wary. Don’t get us wrong, it seems like a lovely idea to make a street track. But should it really be in the middle of a park? Regardless, it’s happening next year so we might as well see if it’s any good for racing. And in order to do that, we decided to call an old friend of the show.

His name is Bob Barnard, and he makes racetracks for a living. Racetracks like Philip Island. For some reason, he doesn’t seem to be the Adelaide Street Circuit’s biggest fan.

If you haven’t heard our previous interview with Bob, I can recommend giving it a listen. He’s got some great stories and he knows how to tell them. He’s also got a mind like nobody else when it comes to the complexities of track design, as he shows us this week how many factors enter into the nightmare of complexities that is a racing track.

So come join us as we ask Bob to take us on a tour from the right shapes of gravel to actual riot control. Let’s go!

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Oh, and a quick word in regards to sponsors:
If you’re interested in connecting with a really unique MotoGP audience — we’re working with Smash Brand Group out of Sydney to manage partnerships. Curious? Just head to smashbrandgroup.com.au and get in touch!

Aragon 2026 - Aerodynamics and the Rubber Band

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100

Sometimes, small mistakes make for big excitement. Case in point: Marc Marquez, neglecting to disengage the rear holeshot device, sparks flying as the battle for first becomes an open question. See, there's something interesting about this track and the current set-up of MotoGP and it's got a lot to do with the tires.

You might not see it on camera* but this track eats rubber for breakfast. Want to win? Then get in first, close it up and don't try to get away too far because you'll still have miles to go. Want to get from the back to the front? Well, you'll get exactly as far as your tires are willing to go...and then that's where you stay.
So when Marc makes that come-back and starts leading the race, know that behind the easy-going facade there's some serious struggle going on. From rubber to bones, it ain't easy being number 1. But can he keep it up?

And then there's Acosta, riding the KTM straight across the razor's edge with not an inch to budge. That's some real solid performance, right there. And if you want to know exactly how those overtakes work here, we should probably look at aero and the unexpected effects that riders have to calculate on the fly. Just goes to show you that no matter what changes, MotoGP is still a sport where the rider can make all the difference in the world.

Well, Mat and Peter wouldn’t want it any other way. So grab something nice to drink, turn up the volume and let’s get into Aragon 2026!

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Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music! And additional thanks to flowerhead, who's music you can find here.

MotoGP Legends - Riding and Racing Honda's RC211V

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0100

You want to ride a MotoGP-bike? Yeah, good luck with that: everyone knows these are machines made for murder, beasts of technology that only those gifted with near-superhuman reflexes can manage. These days, those rides have about as much in common with your average road bike as a space shuttle has in common with a paper airplane. What can I say; you can't walk the cutting edge if you don't expect to bleed a little.

Except that once upon a time, there was a bike that was different. Fast as lightning but turned on a dime. Easily built in bulk, yet suited to almost every riding style under the sun.

Rossi rode it to victory. So did Max Biaggi.

Like a samurai blade, its deceptive simplicity was only possible because it built on ages of experience with every complex mechanic under the sun. Its name was the Honda RC211V and it was the bike that changed everything.

It's a machine born out of necessity: when the sun finally fell on the era of the two-stroke engine, it was a whole new game for everyone. MotoGP itself was different then, too: way more of a technological wild west, where there were many different ways to build your ideal racer as long as those ways weren't electronic. It's impossible to avoid: telling the story of the RC211V means telling a story about MotoGP itself, because its role in racing history is just that big.

Luckily, we've got some great storytellers in Mat and Peter here. One of them even rode the bloody thing! This is going to be one of those episodes that you really don't want to miss, so pour one out for a legend and get straight into it...

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MotoGP - These Mad And Mighty Machines

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0100

No race? Nope! It's the second summer mini-break, giving everyone some time to catch their breaths. It also raises the question what a million dollar rider does to relax. Drinks at a tropical beach, anyone? That'd be our plan, surely. Not sure what cocktails would be involved, but feel free to let us know your best guess for your favourite rider.

The last time we had a break like this was last month, and we spend it talking about the characteristics of the top five riders. This week we're doing something similar, but looking at the other side of the equation. That's right, it's time for shiny metal and high tech wizardry as we dive head first into bike analysis!

There's five different machines, and while some are clearly better than others they all have some very unique characteristics. And if you're like Mat and Peter, this is the kind of stuff that keeps you up at night. Small wonder, then, that your hosts have plenty of thoughts on the matter. In fact, I'd argue that this week's episode is so big it might just kill any spare time you'd have had until the next race. Lucky!

So go imagine yourself on some brilliantly sunny shores, pour out that cocktail and press play. We've got some serious bikes to discuss...

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Silverstone 2026 - Scary Speedy Bikes

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0100

Some things are just meant to be together. You know: peanut butter and chocolate. Salt and pepper. Silverstone and Aprilia. Yes, Assen and Phillip Island are nice. But bring these bikes to Silverstone, and their aero really starts making the difference.

The result? A clear domination, where in one historic weekend the Italian manufacturer managed to lock down the grid's front row, take all three top places during the sprint and then doing the same during the main race in a pretty historic victory. The result? Three of Aprilia's four bikes are holding steady in the top three positions of the tournament.

So congratulations on that - but are these bikes getting a little too good for sportsmanship? We're not in Formula 1-land just yet, but Peter's feeling a little spooked. When does a briliant design become a danger to the game?

That might sound grim, but luckily there's still the factor of the riders themselves and what they bring to play. Good thing Mat and Peter got some thoughts on those, too!

So come join us as we discuss Silverstone. Cheers!

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Visiting Öhlins: Pump Friction

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0100

IMPORTANT: This episode uses a lot of photo’s, which you will probably want to look at. To do that, please watch this episode on our Patreon or YouTube. Enjoy!

Trip report! Being world famous (and very handsome!) MotoGP-journalist, you wouldn’t believe the places that Mat and Peter have been. But even for them, there’s some places you just don’t get to go to. Places like the country of Sweden, for example.

Yet that’s exactly where we went, just north of Stockholm, to visit the elusive factory of Öhlins. We all know that the suspension is one of the most immediately noticeable crucial parts of a bike and its setup, so imagine what happens behind closed doors at the biggest provider of suspension systems in the tournament. Or actually, don’t! Because why imagine, when we can just tell you?

So come join us on one hell of a trip as we dive deep into a world of springs, pumps, pressure and carbon in places where you wouldn’t expect it…and then stick around for the industrial espionage, the truth about manufacturer exclusivity in the tournament, previously classified devices for Ducati and machines that can condense any race track in the world into a machine barely more than a few meters big.

Interested? Then let’s go!

Questions and Answers: The Frankenstein Special

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:00:00 +0100

So, imagine this. It’s July. You’ve got nothing to do. The day’s a real scorcher, and all you want to do is just sit down in the shade, have a cool drink and, who knows, listen to a ninety minutes long podcast where two geezers discuss the potential benefits of strapping a nuclear reactor to a motorbike and other hypotheticals.

Well, whether you’re having a sunny holiday or are just getting your tan on in the mediterranean bliss of, eh, London…we’ve got just the thing for you!

Last week, we asked our awesome Patreons to send in their questions. Then, on Friday, Mat and Peter went to answer them. ‘Which ones?’, you might ask.

In which case we’d say: ‘All of them!’

Yes, they called us mad. Yes, they said it couldn’t be done. But here we are, with questions about Frankenstein bikes, superstitions about crashing, the feel of a perfect throttle and more. Oh, and stick around to learn something about cycling…

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MotoGP - The Fearsome Features of the Fast Five

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:00:00 +0100

Jorge Marttin. Ai Ogura. Marc Marquez. Marco Bezzecchi. Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Five names, and only a total of 24 points separating them. Never before in the history of MotoGP has a championship seen this many contenders for the top spot at the halfway point, let alone have them be so incredibly close.

No, seriously: we made Mat check the history books, so you can quote us on that!

It's a fearsome line-up of killers, each of a different ilk and shouldering different struggles.

It is also the perfect moment for Mat and Peter to take a break and look at the roads these 'Fast Five' have ridden to get here. What have been there strengths and weaknesses, how do they relate to their bikes and what would a victory mean for them?

There's only one way to find out, so let's just get it started. Cheers!

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Sachsenring 2026 - Monaco For Bikes

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0100

Sometimes, racing motorbikes is kind of like dating: there’s a hundred little things that seem super important to the performance, but in the end everybody just wants you to be interesting. And being interesting is kind of a challenge when we’re at the Sachsenring, because this track has one good line and three places to overtake. Or, to quote the great poet Luca Marini: it’s Monaco for bikes.

But don’t be fooled, because this year we have riders who definitely spiced things up. Ai Ogura continues to deliver, veteran Cal Crutchlow’s confidently sharing cool critiques and wounded warrior Marc Marquez’ masterclass in safe driving shows him fighting the beast inside until it has had time to lick its wounds. No matter - he’s winning anyway, setting a new record of 11 wins in a row at Germany’s track.

And now we’re neck deep into the tournament and the results are still fully up in the air - and unless someone replaces all the riders with pod people copies, there’s very little chance of that changing any time soon!

So yes, we’ve got plenty to talk about, so let’s stop rambling and start the episode…cheers!

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And thanks to our sponsors, OnTrack Experiences. Check them out if you want an easy all-in-one package for your favourite race! The music used in the sponsored segment is Dolphin Shores, by flowerhead.

The Bikes From Bologna

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0100

It’s the fourth of July, and that means we have something to celebrate! Yes, on this very day, a very long time ago, a bunch of dudes thought up something that would grow into a world-changing institution whose age has reached the triple digits.

So, congratulations Ducati!

Let’s be honest: your hosts are giant history nerds, and Peter has a very long history with this particular manufacturer. In fact, some might even say that the story of Ducati overlaps with his origin story!

So join us today as we’re telling the story behind the bikes from Bologna, and share some of our wildest experiences with them. Yes, there will be racing. There will be crashes. There will be plenty of victories, losses and comebacks.

And you might even find out what art hangs on the hosts’ their walls...

Let’s go!

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Assen 2026 - Stones Are NOT Your Friend

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0100

Today's race was brought to you by the letter 'A'. That's 'A', like in 'Assen', 'Aprilia', 'Ai' and, of course: "Aaaaaaaaaargh, why is there so much sharp gravel everywhere?"

That gravel is especially nasty, as Peter assures us that the stones here are particularly unfriendly. And that's not even getting into those killer curbs, and the sharp corners that become extra tricky in the sweltering heat.

Today we got to see the oldest track in MotoGP deliver all those nasty surprises and ultra speedy passages. It's the kind of track that is perfectly suited to Aprilia's current killer setup, bringing us the first Japanese winner in over two decades in Ai Ogura and shaking up the tournament even further. It's an awesome performance by a young rider who's cool as a cucumber, raising the question what, exactly, is causing Moto2's former golden boy to step up and deliver in these last few races. Mat and Peter have their theories, but whatever it is: keep it coming!

And speaking of winners, according to Mat the number of potential champions this season is now up to a humble six. Looks like there's no such thing as a sure bet this year...

Okay, that's enough of my rambling. Let's go!

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Brno 2026 - Crime And Punishment

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:00:00 +0100

Sometimes we get by with a little help from our friends. Case in point: Marc Marquez, taking first place with the help of Martin and Bezzecchi. The latter's help was especially unconventional, as the Bez managed to get himself suspended for a race when he decided to slap a race official.

And no matter what you say, you just can't go around slapping stewards or mauling marshals. It's a slip-up from the world's fastest hippy - or, to quote Mat: "The Red Mist can be a terrible thing!"

And if you're going to miss out on a track, don't let it be Brno! Your hosts have to admit to having a little bit of a crush on the Czech track, with those beautiful sharp S-corners. And a good race like this? Well, it definitely helps!

So come join us as Peter reveals why he's a fan of a very specific front tire and we wonder whether Aprilia suffers from a curse on their riders. Oh, and there's some interesting hints that seem to have something to do with Ohlins?

Cheers!

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Robin Tuluie - Always Great To Be Banned!

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0100

Ah, the holeshot device. If you've heard Mat and Peter talk about it before, you'd fear to think what would happen if they ever met the poor devil who invented it...

...well, his name is Robin Tuluie and he's joining us this week!

To say Tuluie is an important figure in motor sports is slightly underselling the man. Yes, he invented both the ride height device in MotoGP and introduced mass dampeners to F1, but that's really just fooling around for this modern day Renaissance Man and astrophysicist who currently runs PhysicsX, using machine learning to crack the secrets of physics and engineering.

Sounds good, right? So come join us today as we welcome the smartest person to ever come on our podcast. Take it away!

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And thanks to our sponsors, OnTrack Experiences. Check them out if you want an easy all-in-one package for your favourite race!

Balaton 2026 - Gentlemen's Duel

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0100

Last year was the first time we went to Balaton, and the result wasn't great. This year? Hate the track, love the riders. And I say 'riders', plural, because it takes two to tango.

And people, did we get one hell of a dance between Acosta and Marquez today.

Yes, the king is back and schooling everyone with 1,5 functional arms. Keen readers might notice that this is slightly less than the average of 2, but leave it to Marquez to make the best of it and show everyone how it's done. And if that doesn't make you excited, then just think:

He's only going to get better from here.

Who also keeps steadily doing better is Pedro Acosta, showing us how gentlemen duel while speeding over the tarmac with Marc. He's making the KTM look good, perhaps even better than it really is.

Now let's put him on a Ducati next year, and see what happens...

So yes, Mat and Peter have got plenty to talk about. Also, is this going to be the year that the Bez becomes champion? You never know...

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And thanks to our sponsors, OnTrack Experiences. Check them out if you want an easy all-in-one package for your favourite race!

Mugello 2026 - Making Friends

Sun, 31 May 2026 23:00:00 +0100

It's a party at Aprilia and occasion for some very cross glares over at Ducati this Sunday at Mugello. Good race? You bet! So let's go over to Italy, and see what caught the eye of our hosts Mat and...

...wait, I'm getting word that Peter is still on a secret mission somewhere? Oh dear. Have we got anyone else on the ground, then?

Nope, nobody but Mat and his incredible social skills! So there he goes, conjuring up a co-host out of thin air for this weekend! Give it up for Cory West, American rider representing Saddlemen Racing in the Bagger World Cup. He's very charming, funny and isn't afraid to walk around the entire track with Mat while carrying a silly microphone. And let me tell you, the man knows his history. Thanks Cory!

Okay, we'll be back to our regular broadcasts next week, but until then enjoy this very special episode from Mugello. Cheers!

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MotoGP - We Are Not At War!

Sun, 24 May 2026 21:00:00 +0100

You've heard it here first, everyone!

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WAR RIGHT NOW.

'What war?', you might ask? Well, I couldn't possibly tell you! Maybe the Duke of Luxembourg decided to invade Thailand. Maybe it's the manufacturers versus Liberty. Maybe cats and dogs are finally getting serious about it. All just as likely, right?

Okay, maybe if there was a war it would be about the second topic. And maybe that hypothetical scrap would be about a new rule that limits riders to a single bike all weekend, giving a whole new dimension to already disasterous crash-outs.

And if that were the case, wouldn't that touch upon a topic at the heart of the sport? I'm talking here about crashes, about risk and its old companion danger. There's no denying it: we all love that MotoGP is a sport with serious teeth. But what is acceptible, what is moral and what is realistic? Consider this our little addendum to last week's race.

Alright, enough blabbing on my part. Let's get Mat and Peter in here, eh?

Cheers!

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Catalunya 2026 - A Stressful Day

Sun, 17 May 2026 21:00:00 +0100

Well, that wasn't what we expected, nor what we wanted. Bloody disaster!

In case you're reading this from some far-off future where people (hopefully) don't remember this race very well anymore, know that we had a pretty mess on our hands with bad, avoidable crashes galore. You could call it a lottery, you could call it a farce...but you can't call it racing.

Understandably, Mat and Peter have some thoughts on the matter. What type of thoughts? Well, let's just say that as a producer I always love it when I get to flag an episode as 'explicit' on some platforms. And today? Oh brother, is that box checked.

And if that's a problem with you, just remember that swearing is a perfectly healthy way to deal with stressful days like today. Speaking of stress: how the hell do these riders do it? You know, having to restart the race again and again. Watching horrible crashes and knowing it could be you. It's harder than you think; just listen to Mat talk about the moment he realized his racing days where numbered.

So yes, we have plenty to talk about today. Let's do it!

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France 2026 - Screwed at Les Mans

Sun, 10 May 2026 22:00:00 +0100

Oh dear, what a weekend! For want of a screw, the race was lost. Or, maybe I should say: for want of a proper screw. Yes, I'm talking about Marc Marquez, him having a screw loose leading to a rather painful absence for the man who'd absolutely shattered the lap record at Les Mans on Saturday.

And it's bad news for Ducati, too, as Alex took a tumble within the first rounds today and left the door wide open for Aprilia to, once again, establish dominance. It looks like the greatest contest this year will be an in-house affair for the Bezz and his teammate Martin. Yes, it's the Axe Murderer versus the Mad Philosopher. Here's to many more battles to come!

So yeah: bad news for Ducati. But maybe not as bad as you'd think. Why? Well, I could tell you that but I won't. Not because I don't like you, dear reader, but because we've got Mat and Peter ready to talk about it. So let's just wrap this up and hit play, alright?

Cheers!

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And thanks to our sponsors, OnTrack Experiences. Check them out if you want an easy all-in-one package for your favourite race!

Valencia 2006 - Holy Cow, It's The Best Race Ever!

Sun, 03 May 2026 19:00:00 +0100

Come on, it's time to check out the best race ever.

You might have noticed, but a lot has been changing in MotoGP recently. New owners, new rules, new tracks and the end of the 1000cc-era. It feels weird, doesn't it? Most humans, when unsure about the future, start ruminating on the past in search of answers. After all, it's often only when seeing where we came from that we can actually see how far we've come and how much things changed. But turn back the clock by, say, twenty years. What do we find? Well, it's the 990cc's last hurrah. There's money galore, courtesy of the tobacco companies, but those sponsors aren't coming back next year. In other words: it's the end of an era, all over again.

So, Valencia 2006. In one corner, there's the late but great Nicky Hayden, aka The Kentucky Kid. In the other corner, it's Il Dottore himself. Whoever wins the race, wins the tournament. It's one of the greatest underdog stories in the MotoGP's history, ending in 'the greatest quote of my life'.

That's Mat's words, by the way.

So come join us this week as we go back in time and rewatch this legendary race. Go here (right at the 4:00 minute mark!), mute the video, press start when we tell you and enjoy the live commentary!

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And thanks to our sponsors, OnTrack Experiences. Check them out if you want an easy all-in-one package for your favourite race!

Special Jerez Update - Tales of Testing!

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0100

VIDEO ALERT! We've got Mat and Peter live from Jerez, with their mugs on camera! I'd click this, if I was you!

Normally after a race, you just pack up and go. If you hurry up, you've got just enough time to celebrate your victory or mourn your losses and still catch your plane.

But if you did that this week you'd feel pretty silly at the airport, because we've got testing to do!

And it's a little bit of a special occasion, too, as we draw inevitably closer towards the end of the 1000cc bikes now looms closer and closer. Every test done is one less remaining. One tick closer on the clock to the history books of MotoGP. After today? Only two of those remaining. Get them while they're hot!

Having said that, what did we see today? Well, that depends on which manufacturer we're talking about. Let's just say that the value of a day like this might be a little different for a dominating giant like Aprilia than it is for, say, KTM...

Well, luckily we've got Mat and Peter on the case. And because yestarday's episode was rather brief, we've decided to share their findings with all of you instead of only with our super cool and special Patreon supporters. And if you're a supporter, don't worry: we've got some pretty cool stuff coming up, just for you...

Okay, that's enough for now...enjoy this special update!

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And thanks to our sponsors, OnTrack Experiences. Check them out if you want an easy all-in-one package for your favourite race!

Jerez 2026 - The King of Chaos' Dancing Days

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0100

VIDEO ALERT! We've got Mat and Peter taking a stroll across Jerez, and that's the episode version I'd most recommend!

There's this thing called the law of opposites. You know: for every Ying, there's a Yang. For every good thing, a bad thing. For every exciting sprint, one boring race.

Oh bloody hell, we weren't allowed to say that!

Well never mind anyway, because it won't stay boring if you look a little closer. And you know who's really good at that? That's right, your hosts Mat and Peter!

It's a little cliche to call Jerez "Marquez-country", but there's good reason: in the past, the Spanish 'King of Chaos' has always ruled supreme over his kingdom here. But this year, something's seriously wrong. Marc was out in the second lap; not a great sign for his condition this season. And now the king's younger brother reigns in his stead, while Aprilia is steadily cementing itself further and further as best in class.

And right in the middle of this? Mat and Peter, taking a stroll across the grid. Want to come backstage with us and see what they thought of it all? Then jump in!

(Small note: today's episode is pretty short, but tune in tomorrow night for a special surprise!)

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The song during the sponsor segment is called Dolphin Shores by flowerhead.

And thanks to our sponsors, OnTrack Experiences. Check them out if you want an easy all-in-one package for your favourite race!

Tech Talk - Super Speedy Superbikes

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0100

Here's MotoGP. Here's World Superbike. Quickly: what's the biggest difference?

Speed, of course! Or at least that's what the answer would have been at any point in history. But here we are, at the threshold of the biggest rule shake-up in the history of the sport, laying down new regulations on aerodynamics, ride height devices, fuel and engine capacity. All to slow down the machines to a level where squishy humans won't get turned into goo when their bike flips out on a track that was never build for this kind of velocity.

That this might end up bringing them below the top speed of a World Superbike machine was NOT the intended outcome - but it is a very real possibility that now confronts the sport.

So, what's really going on and what is the new management going to do about it? Well, since they own both tournaments they've got plenty of options. But before all that, we might want to ask what's really going on here.

Are superbikes faster than MotoGP-machines? Yes, sometimes, in very specific contexts. And to understand how that works, I'm going to leave you in the capable hands of Mat and Peter.

Take it away, boys!

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Tech Talk - Coming in Clutch

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0100

It's tiny. It's kind of hard to reach. It gets used at the start of the race, and then it gets folded away. Oh, and for riders and engineers it's the last big tool to shave off precious time in the corners.

That's right, this week Peter's coming in clutch with a deep dive into...the clutch! How does it work, what influence does it have and why are these devices so different in MotoGP, compared to the ones on your own bike?

Mat wants to know, and Peter has got the know-how. Some of it is proven, other bits are reconstructed from observation. So come with us as we courageously construct critical clutch knowledge...cheers!

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Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Oh, and a quick word in regards to sponsors:
If you’re interested in connecting with a really unique MotoGP audience — we’re working with Smash Brand Group out of Sydney to manage partnerships. Curious? Just head to smashbrandgroup.com.au and get in touch!

Making Tracks With Bob Barnard

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0100

When not writing descriptions for episodes of the Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast, I love to spend time on games. And I mean games in every format, from ancient boardgames to weird videogames and, of course, racing. It's not just about playing them, but also about appreciating the design behind them; the way every little aspect has been tweaked just so, in order to make it fun and meaningful.

So trust me when I say: making a game flow right is so, so much harder than you'd think.

Why am I telling you this? Because I need you to understand how horrifyingly titanic a task it would be if someone walked up to you and asked you to build a multimillion dollar racing track...that feels good. Yet that is exactly the task that our guest of today specializes in. Everyone, give a round of applause for Bob Barnard!

Funny fact: he made a track called Phillip Island.
(We miss it dearly!)

Anyway, we decided to give Bob a call and see if we could get him to tell us the juicy truths of track design. Luckily for us, he picked up - and here's the chat. Bob, it's been an honor!

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Austin 2026 - Super Sunday Boy Strikes Again!

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100

During the week, he's an unassuming MotoGP-rider. But when the weekend comes around and Sunday's knocking, he changes into...Super Sunday Boy! This week, will our superhero have a mighty collision before parking his bike all the way at the front?

Yes, he can!

And speaking of the front, something we didn't find there was Ducati. Forget about that beautiful uninterrupted streak of victories last year - this season, they're being passed left and right in the same corner. So what is going on here?

We've watched and understood it all, in a way we very much can't say about the Baggers!

Oh, and on another note, remember we talked about sponsors during the Q&A-episode? Well, we got a lot of responses from you all...and something might be brewing!

Cheers!

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Brazil 2026 - That Sinkhole Feeling

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

It's the second race of the season, and MotoGP is back in Brazil. It's been absolute ages since we've last been to the Autodromo Internacional de Goiania, so how has it faired? Well, they say love starts with first impressions - and Goiana definitely delivered. She's short, she's wet (especially after the rain), she's wild...and she's got a sinkhole that's ready to mingle! To quote Mat: "At least it gives you an interesting memory."

(Cue the Liberty Media exec's kicking their TVs: "Four billion pounds...for this?!")

In other news: Aprilia continues to impress, while KTM and Honda are scrambling to not start the season with too much of a stumble. And then there's Marc Marquez, whose fight with Fabio Di Giannantonio ended with both riders overtaken by Jorge Martin. Was this a normal error on Marquez' part? A nasty consequence of that infamous injury? Or is everybody's favourite alien...becoming suddenly human?
Marc, for his part, blames the asphalt.

And then we've got to talk about Bezzecchi, taking home the second win in a row, and so much more. Cheers!

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The Revenge of Questions and Answers!

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Last week, we asked our dear Patrons if they had any questions for us. And, well, you know the drill: lots of you responded, we picked our favourites and finally Mat and Peter do their best to answer them in an hour or so. Right?

I mean, how many questions in need of resolution could there possibly be?

Well, let's just say that if you normally pour yourself a glass for these episodes, then this time you might want to bring the bottle. Or just bring the whole damn cask, because we'll be here for awhile. If your question was: "What's the longest episode you've ever done?", then you've already found your answer here...

...Two hours, baby!

So come hang out with us as we answer all your questions, and I do mean all your questions. Oh, and we've got mail from Graham Norton and other celebs! Or someone with the same name - but that NEVER happens on the internet, right?

Cheers!

MotoGP - If the World Ends Tomorrow...

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

It's all good times for Aprilia. Their hardware is proving top-notch at the track, and even after one race they've already got some spectacular results in the pocket. In fact, if the world ends tomorrow they'd technically be world champions! But what are the chances of that happening?

In completely unrelated news, are we still doing that Qatar GP or are we canceling it due to a chance of missiles?

And speaking of apocalyptic disasters, we should probably peak over at Ducati and see how they're doing. The numbers don't look great, but there is always more to the story - so we're going to start digging, and we're going to keep digging even if that means we have to engage in some small, reverent grave-robbing over in Bolognia so we might solve the secrets of the desmo...

Oh, and we're also hitting on vortex generators (sounds a bit sci-fi!), dragon's teeth (sounds a bit fantasy!) and potential top speeds (sounds VERY MotoGP!).

Cheers!

Buriram 2026 - The Aprilia Appreciation Station

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Ah, take a whiff of that! You smell it? It’s that unique scent of jungle, petrol and excitement which can only mean one thing:

MotoGP is back, baby!

Now, you might wonder why we just described the above mentioned (and highly questionable) smell. But you have to understand that Mat is currently at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand while being sick as a dog. Seriously, some vicious flu has got him down and he’s purely holding on through the strength of willpower and lozenges. The poor lad has even had to give up drinking this week! Here’s to hoping he will get through this unfortunate period of sobriety…

Luckily, there’s plenty to take the mind off things as we dive head-first into the opening race of the 2026 season. And will you look at that: it’s Aprilia and KTM dominating! What has given them an edge, and what does this mean for the rest of the season? That’s what we’re here to find out! Also, why on earth is Mat suddenly interested in the Saturday Sprint? Does he have a fever, or is there something more going on here?

Time to press that play button and find out...

MotoGP - That's Capitalism, Baby!

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0000

In 1776, Adam Smith famously speculates on the concept of a free market and coins the term 'capitalism'. Then, in 2026, the organizers of MotoGP suddenly announce that Philip Island is gone from the official roster of the tournament. Coincidence? We think not!

Yes, it's the cruel, cold, capitalist culling of a great circuit and the hosts are not amused. In fact, Mat's literally sick of it and has come down with an awful flu. But just like a certain racing organization, we're a bunch of brutal bastards - so get that man in front of a mic, pronto!

And you, too, better press that play button. Because today we're discussing what it means to lose Philip Island, why this decision was made, what precedents it sets and why it's both aggravating and frightful.

And stick around, because we've got plenty of other things, too, that we need to discuss before we start racing next week. Like, what bike do we now have the highest technical expectations of? Is it possible for riders to unionize? And what is the best way to keep your temper around awful bikes? Heads up: that last one might be particularly interesting to one specific rider...can you guess who?

Please write down your guess on a piece of paper, open up a drink and press play to see if you were right...

Interview - Livio Let's Loose!

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Here at Oxley Bom, everyone knows that the thing we're most famous for are our 'charming' personalities. Like, we can promise we don't physically bite - but that's about the limit of what we can guarentee. So you'll understand when I say it is a great honor to have an actual returning guest to our show! Who is this dauntless fellow? Why, it's the awesome Livio Suppo!

For those not in the know (or those who haven't listened to our interview two years ago) we should probably tell you that Livio is an actual real-life legend in the pit, leading teams for Ducati, Honda and Suzuki. Oh, and he worked with some small riders like Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez. I don't know, you might have heard of them...

So get ready to hear some insights from our man on the inside – but be warned, because this week we’re taking no prisoners!

MotoGP - Scoops from Sepang

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

It's hard being a motorsports journalist, you know? Always traveling the world, visiting exotic countries and having to tell people about all the cutting-edge machines you saw there. It's a horrible job, really, but someone has to do it. And this time, that arduous task fell to Peter. Sorry Peter, you're up!

So yes, we sent our most intrepid expert packing and told him not to come back until he's got some good stories for us.* And here he is, ready to give Mat the debrief on everything he saw at Sepang. Were our predictions last week on the money, or did we miss the mark completely?

One thing's for sure: we're definitely excited about 2026, now...

Cheers!

*Which some of you have already had a sneak peek at, as Peter shared daily updates with our fantastic Patreon-supporters.

MotoGP - The Great Auction

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Hey, want to score a special deal? How about a nice MotoGP-rider, pretty fast and only slightly used. No? Maybe prefer a rookie, instead? Someone promising but without proven records, so dirt cheap if you act fast. Better act fast before they're all gone...

Yes everyone, it's Auction Day at Oxley Bom and we are your auctioneers! In front of us: a collection of riders, contracts currently still unsigned. Who will ride into a new season, and who will step out of the race? That's what we're about to find out. It's mean and merciless - but that's business, baby!

So come with us and get bidding, because these riders are going fast...

MotoGP - A Frosty Chat

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:00:00 +0000

We've talked about the riders.

We've yapped about the manufacturers.

And today?

Today we get to the real meat and potatoes...the bikes!

Never mind that everybody's still getting ready to start testing in Sepang - we've already got plenty to discuss. We already know a lot about these bikes, so it's time we start looking at the hard questions. Questions like: Are they going to make the racing better? Will they be safer? Are they fun to watch? What's their zodiac? And who might have to get ready for a frosty chat?

Just, you know, plenty of questions about the machines that define this sport. Let's get some answers!

Questions and Answers, pt. II - Fans in High Places

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000

A certain German philosopher once warned that he who stares into the racing grid long enough must know that the racing grid also stares back.* This week, Peter discovers that we have some very particular fans in high places, and wishes they stayed anonymous. We can't talk crap about you if we know who you are - stop being friendly to us! Rather, we prefer our listeners and us to be like estranged spouses: cold and distant strangers, drawn together by a shared mania.

Love you, though, and give our regards to Toprak!

So, to stay on theme, let's get to know our anonymous audience on a first name basis by interacting with them through listener questions! We've got time traveling what-if's, fear for Australia and the tricks to a zen-like flow. Also, one of the above examples is the answer to last weeks' cliffhanger. Exciting!

So hit play, grab a fresh one and enjoy!

*Or something like that; my German is a bit rusty these days.

Questions and Answers, pt. I - Welcome to Wet January!

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Everybody has questions. Wait, let me rephrase that: everyone of you has questions for us. And you know? We were kind of asking for it – literally, since we asked our sweet Patrons to donate not just their money, but their MotoGP-inquiries as well.

And let me tell you, our Patrons can be very generous!

So here we are, four pages of questions ranging from the mundane to the bizarre and everything inbetween. Do we have enough time to get through all of them? Not this week, we don’t. But trust us when I say we’ve got some juicy bits here!

So maybe you’re curious about what parts of a MotoGP-bike will never make it onto the street. Perhaps your wondering how difficult it is to make the jump from Superbike to MotoGP. Or maybe you just want to know what the most debauched thing Mat and Peter ever saw was. In any case, we invite you to crack open your drink of choice and join us for the start of Wet January.

Cheers!

The Oxley Bom School of MotoGP Journalism

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Happy new year, everyone! As we recover from the absolute madness of December, a lot of us in the racing world find ourselves with some free time on our hands. No races means less work, right? And that means more time to better yourself. It's the perfect moment for New Year's resolutions, like: "I want to become a better MotoGP-journalist!"

I mean, not us, of course. We're bloody perfect.

But here at the Oxley Bom Podcast, we sometimes feel like the rest of the world has some catching up to do. So we decided to let some of the secrets out and get down and dirty. Want to know what not to ask at a press conference? How to get actual scoops? Or how to deal with hungover interviews, on the side of the rider/journalist/both?

Just press that button, listen to us ramble and we promise that by the end of this, you'll have everything you need to become an actual journalist.* Also included: the secret origin story of Mat and Peter's first meeting. Let's go!

*Note: we legally, technically and emotionally promise no such thing...

Out With A Bang! (Manufacturer's Roundup, pt. II)

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Got any unfinished business? Better take care of it fast, because the year is almost at an end and the clock is ticking...

Take Mat and Peter, for example. They started by listing the riders. Then they moved on to the manufacturers - the bottom ones first. And now? All that's left is the big cats, the factories at the top of the food pyramid. They all got straight A's, so they should be safe, right?

Right?

Nah, I think we're leaving 2025 behind on a bang. It's more fun that way.

So cheers, good times to all and we'll see you on the other side!

The Oxley Bom Holiday Special (Manufacturer's Roundup, pt. I)

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

It is the longest, darkest night of the year in it's longest, darkest season.

In the depths of Dickensian London, Mat discusses bike design with the ghosts of racing past, present and future. In the desolate woods around Assen, Peter is furiously peddling his bike in an attempt to hunt Kris Kringle. And meanwhile, our producer is off performing some unspeakable rites with a goat on the winter solstice.

In other words, it sure sounds like the holidays are upon us!

So what better time to end our naughty-or-nice-list? Last week we wrapped up the riders - now, we're coming for the manufacturers. So strap in and get ready as we go through what we can expect of the machines at the center of this all.

And then tune back in next week, when we wrap the whole thing up just before the year ends. Cheers everyone, and happy holidays!

MotoGP - Flickering Lightbulbs 2: The Shituation

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:00:00 +0000

If you've checked out last week's episode, you'll know that it was Jeremy Burgess who first described riders as 'flickering lightbulbs'. Why? Because the moment they start to fail, you just replace them with a new one.

Cruel, yes, but that's MotoGP for you. You can be one of the twenty fastest riders alive - but all that matters is that you're always just a little slower than the next guy. You've been demoted to dead wood, to borrow another term from Burgesss. Good luck, and goodbye!

So maybe you're one of those riders who didn't appear last episode. Maybe you thought this meant you were safe.

Bad luck, buddy: that means Mat and Peter just haven't gotten to you yet!

MotoGP - Flickering Lightbulbs

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Who's got six thumbs in total and is back in their own recording booths, with audio that won't melt your ears off? That's right, it's the Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast!

Now, if your are a rider and are currently enjoying some well-deserved R&R, you might want to turn off this podcast. Because they might be off the bike, but that doesn't mean they're off the hook.

This week, we're taking a page from the book of Jeremy Burgess when he said: "Really, riders are like light bulbs: if they start to flicker you screw one out, and put another one in." It's a ruthless and mean thing to say, but MotoGP can be a really ruthless and mean sport. And nobody is more ruthless and mean than your hosts Mat and Peter, right?

So come join us in our first part of a two-episode rider review. We'll be doing the 'deadwood' (another Burgess-coined term!) this week, and hand out our best-of-class awards next week. So press play, and hope you're not mentioned in this episode...

SPECIAL - Live in London!

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Oh boy, have we got something special this time...

Last week, Mat and Peter gave their first ever live performance at the Bike Shed in London. I thought we'd get filthy rich of it, but it turns out those silly sods were doing it for charity? Oh well, I guess we can do it for free this one time...

To all those who attended: thank you so much! We hope you had a great night. And for all the rest of our listeners, we've got this recording to show you what happened. Mat and Peter joined forces with the legendary Keith Huewen to discuss the 2025 season. There was no plan, we went on for hours and the audio was of dubious quality. So what else is new, eh?

We'll be back to our regularly scheduled broadcasting next week, but until then please consider donating to Two Wheels For Life. They're a charity that sends motorcycles to provide medical aid in areas of the world where other vehicles are less viable. So you get to help save lives, buy cool bikes and get more people riding them, all on the same dime. Pretty cool, right?

Alright, see you all next week. Enjoy!

MotoGP - Everybody Wants A Calm Ass!

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000

It's over! It's all over! Forever!

What am I talking about? The 2025 MotoGP-season, of course. Layed to rest in Spain last week, gone but not forgotten, etc. We all had fun, didn't we?

Okay, with that out of the way...it's on to the 2026 season!

If you are part of our Patreon, you will already have heard Peter talk about the Valencia test in our special crossover episode. But there is a lot more to be said, and it's high time we did so.

So, what did we see the teams testing in Spain last week? First of all: lot's of aero. There's no getting around it, but there's definitely different ways of implementing it. And let's just say that not every type is equally enjoyable for any particular rider.

But it's not all just hot (and cold!) air. We've got mass dampeners, rigorous rider training regimens, Ducati's naming schemes and much, much more. So open a drink, turn up the volume, and remember: sometimes the only difference between a calm ass and a calamitous chatterbox is a mere 5 millimeter...

(Oh, and thanks to everybody that showed up to our first live performance last week. We had a lot of fun. Hope you had, too! )

Valencia 2025 - Spanish Stroll

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Hey everyone, this podcast is best experienced as a video. But for those of you who prefer us only going into your ears rather than your eyeballs, here's the audio only version! And now that I have your ear...

...We're doing our first ever LIVE SHOW, this Friday at the Bike Shed in London! Want to be there? Then go buy your tickets here, and help support Two Wheels For Life! Okay, back to our regular programming...

----

And just like that, it's over. "Not with a bang, but with a whimper", as T.S. Elliot might have said if his idea of a whimper was the sound of 24 massive machines roaring around at absolutely insane speeds. And includes the crying and cheering of thousands of spectators.

Regardless, it's a lot of excitement and your hosts need to gather their wits for a moment. So why not join us for a little walk behind the scenes at Valencia?

Portimão 2025 - A Bump Or A Ram?

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Want to see a magic trick? Then just keep watching Marco Bezzechi as he disappears right in front of Álex Márquez and Pedro Acosta's eyes, only to magically reappear right next to them on the victory podium!

Yes, today was the day that Bezzechi showed us all what he's capable of. Even Peter didn't see it coming! And 'the Bez' was far from the only one serving us spectacular scenes of racing delight, as we had some rough play and knife fighting going on. Did some of it include our favourite maniac Franco Morbidelli? It very well might! All I can tell you is that Mat and Peter can't seem to agree on this one, and that it involves the exact difference between a bump and a ram...

Enjoy!

MotoGP - Of Speed and Sangria

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000

If you are looking for the beating heart of MotoGP, you need look no further than Spain. It's where young riders go to get an education, where living legends have their own training grounds and where the Dorna keep their headquarters. Want to be part of the circus? Then you better get yourself down south - because if you're not in Spain, you're going nowhere fast.

But it wasn't always like this, was it? Isn't it a bit strange that a global tournament is this beholden to a country that doesn't even house a competing manufacturer? Is MotoGP becoming too Spanish? Is it all a shadowy plot?

Spoiler alert: there's no plot, just a lot of history. Complicated, fascinating history. So join us today as we go back in time to see how we got here and if this is how things will remain. It's a story that shows how incredibly interconnected the various aspects of this sport can get on a global level - and how this influences what is required of the riders that make it all worthwhile.

So put on some flamenco and forget about the dreadful autumn for awhile as we head down to the country of speed and sangria. Cheers!

Sepang 2025 – Five Reasons Why

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0000

There’s some days in racing that everyone dreads, knowing that they might be inevitable. Today was one of them, with a horrible crash in Moto3 between José Antonio Rueda and Noah Dettwiler seeing both taken to the hospital and the latter undergoing several emergency surgeries. Our thoughts go out to them.

Meanwhile, in MotoGP, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s business as usual with Alex Marquez snatching another victory for his ever-growing collection. But let’s look beyond that and see some very interesting things going on. Accosta rides as a born-again man, and Bagnaia is just nailing it right now.

But wait, how did that happen? Does this mean Pecco’s dark days are finally over? And what caused the troubles in the first place?

Well, here’s the thing. Mat has the official story, but Peter doesn’t buy it. In fact, he’s gone out and gathered five reasons that might explain what’s going on.

Some are likely.

Others are unhinged.

All are theories.

So get ready to dive behind the scenes and deep into the pitlane, as we head straight into some fascinating technical dilemma’s and lovely loony conspiracies…

Phillip Island 2025 - Rub Him The Right Way!

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0100

You have to hand it to Phillip Island: there's no track quite like it.

I don't mean that metaphorically, by the way - it really is unique in two very specific ways. First of all, there's the fact that this track's high speeds and twisty turns demand the type of agile bike that normal aero cannot give you. The solution? An official exception from normal aero setup.

Also, this lay-out of high-speed turns makes a fool out of holeshot devices. It all results in some fantastically old-school racing, even if the new tarmac means that the troubles of the tire game are no longer what they once were.

(Of course, I don't have to tell you this if you're one of our amazing Patrons - you'll have already heard all about it in Peter's Track Talk!)

So what happened? Well, Raúl Fernández finally made good on that promise he showed back in Moto2 by grabbing first place in his first-ever Grand Prix win. Coming from a completely different kind of underdog-position is Fabio Di Giannantonio, who fought his way through half the grid before snatching a second place from the jaws of potential defeat.

And then there's Bagnaia, who's running stream of bad luck is something we really have to talk about.

Alright, that's enough of me yapping. Hit play, enjoy, and cheers!

Questions and Answers, Clowns and Badgers!

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +0100

It started with us asking our listeners for some questions. Then you responded. Now we're here, with the longest episode in the show's history. Funny how those things go, eh?

Yes, it's Q&A-time! Our wonderful Patrons brought the questions, and now Mat and Peter will have to find the answers. We've got tires, brakes, bikes, riders, conspiracies, mountain bikes and even clowns and badgers! Trust me: you are not ready.

I'd write more here, but I think you all got the gist and I don't want to spoil any surprises. So why don't you just press play, kick back and enjoy? Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music, or ask who's writing the theme tune on our Patreon!

Mandalika 2025 - Crashing Out

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +0100

When it comes to racing, you either cash out or crash out. And today? Today we're all about the latter, both literally and figuratively. There's a crash for Marc Marquez, potentially locking him out of the next races. And while a broken collar bone hurts like hell, the knowledge that he's already got the championship in the pocket might give some comfort.

But there's many kinds of crashing. Take Ducati for example: dominating the earlier half, but now hitting a performance wall. Meanwhile Aprilia and Honda are right behind. And then there's the Bagnaia situation - what's going on there?

And finally, there's our connection! Yes, we suffered some technical difficulties at the end, losing Mat's words to the aether. Little bit of an odd end, but aren't all crashes? Mea culpa, and we'll have a proper ending for you next time!

Motegi 2025 - Master Marc Marquez' Massive Motegi Masterwork

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0100

We've got a new champion! We all knew it was going to happen, but it's still magical to see: Marc Marquez completes his comeback by securing the world title, and nobody was able to do a thing about it. Tell you what, somebody should write a book about the guy...

But while Ducati has one hell of a reason to throw a party, they also have reason to worry. Because what was going on with Bagnaia's bike? It seems to finally be doing what its rider wants it to do, but what causes it? Did Ducati roll back to a previous model? Is that even possible? And what about (here they come!) the conspiracy theories?

Well, guess we have plenty to talk about today. So press that button and cheers!

MotoGP - A Chat With Jack Miller

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:00:00 +0100

!!!ATTENTION!!!
THIS ONE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A VIDEO. WE’LL BE BACK NEXT WEEK WITH THE NORMAL PODCAST, BUT THIS IS A VIDEO INTERVIEW THAT YOU SHOULD WATCH HERE ON VIDEO. YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE AUDIO ONLY HEAR, BUT DON’T SAY WE DIDN’T WARN YOU OR YOUR EARS!

You remember how, last week, we took a camera with us to Misano? Now, you know we wouldn’t just use that to report on the race, now would we?

Oh yes, last week Mat and Peter snuck into the quarters of Pramac in order to have a chat with the one and only Jack Miller. See Jack walk! See Jack talk! On film!

But seriously, thanks to Jack and Pramac for allowing us in there. We hope you enjoy this special video, and see you all next week!

Misano 2025 - Secrets of the Chain

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0100

!!!ATTENTION!!!

THIS EPISODE WAS ORIGINALLY FILMED AS A VIDEO. YOU CAN WATCH IT HERE. RATHER LISTEN TO IT ON AUDIO? THEN CONTINUE HERE!

Ever wanted to attend the race at Misano? Then come live vicariously through us!

Your hosts Mat and Peter are ready to take you along for a stroll. We'll start at the Ducati celebrations and keep walking. Along the way we will discuss the secrets behind a flying chain, the insane performance of Bezzecchi, the woes of Bagnaia and we might even walk into a behind-the-scenes war where the weapon of choice is...loud music?!

Yes, it's a party in Italy and you're all invited, so come along!

Barcelona 2025 - Laws of the Jungle

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 20:00:00 +0100

It's a jungle out there* and the predators are running wild! That's the metaphor Peter uses to describe today's race, explaining why he and Mat have a very clear Man of the Match in Barcelona. Spoiler warning: he came in fifth today...

And yes, the Marquez siblings continue to reign supreme as they dominate every other rider who showed up to their home country. But surprisingly, it's Alex that takes the number one position. Is Marc slipping? Is he going soft on family? Or is he suddenly showing a special kind of restraint? Well, it can't be the first option if there's a two-second gap between those chargers up front and the runner-ups behind them. Maybe the answer is a lot more simple. As Mat puts it: who'd want to fuck up their own brother? And can you even hold that against someone?

Also up for discussion is the future of Ducati. They doing fantastic right now, but a lot of that has to do with those above-mentioned Spanish brothers. Meanwhile the other manufacturers are getting closer and closer, and a clear counter has not yet been shown.

So let's go bonkers about Barcelona in today's episode. Cheers!

*A metaphorical one, mind you - our dreams of monkeys and tigers racing motorbikes have yet to come true.

MotoGP - Live From Phillip Island, 2015!

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Ten years ago, two riders had a bit of a scuffle. Today, we’re still seeing the consequences play out.

The place? The Phillip Island racetrack, Australia. The time? September, 2015. Going neck-on-neck are two riders of a special caliber. The first has long cemented his legacy as one of the best riders in history – a living legend on wheels. But he’s fighting now, struggling against a Spanish newcomer who’s got his eyes on the prize. Before this, they presented themselves as amicable competitors. By the time this race is over, the seeds for a legendary rivalry will have been sown.

That’s right, this week we’re looking at the origin point of Rossi versus Márquez! How? By live commentating on it, of course! So go load up the race from wherever you can, follow Mat’s instructions and join us as we travel back in time to settle the matter once and for all...

Balaton 2025 - Press 'START' for Mario MotoGP

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 20:00:00 +0100

Wa-hoo! It's Mario ̶K̶a̶r̶t̶ MotoGP, where chaos reigns on a brand new track with more turns that Rainbow Road. This is very exciting, much like falling down the stairs is a thrilling experience.

Who knows, maybe next year we'll see Marc Marquéz being chased by Blue Shells!

If it sounds like we're grumpy this week, it's probably because there's nothing more frustrating than an interesting failure. Is Balaton really this bad? Yes, and that's because it's doing the right things in all the wrong places. Like certain video games, it's giving us so much to do that actual racing becomes an afterthought.

If all of the above sounds confusing, then that's probably because I should just let Mat and Peter explain it.

So come with us as we grab our controllers, pick our characters, and...LET'S-A-GO!

Austria 2025 - Aprilia Attacks!

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0100

Look, we all knew who was going to win this one. We're living in strange times, when legends ride amongst us. You might say this makes things too predictable - it's always going to be Mark on number one, driving the Ducati. But even Ducati's dominance cannot remain absolute - not forever, at least.

Enter Aprilia, taking third place on the podium with a machine piloted by Bezzecchi. And right behind comes KTM, with a respectable fourth place in the troubled manufacturer's home game. Interesting things are afoot...and then there's still an entire race to talk about!

I'm just going to hand you off to Mat and Peter, okay? Cheers!

MotoGP - The Critical Contructor's Championship Circus!

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 18:00:00 +0100

Mea culpa! Mea maxima culpa!
Yes, it seems like we suffered a bad case of "missing Maverick" during our rider reviews. What can we say - he was right in the middle and we just straight skipped him. Scandalous! Seems like the rider reviews aren't quite done, yet...

What have we got in other news? For starters, there's Constructors' World Championship. That's the grading system where we're not looking for the best rider, but the best bike. Don't feel bad if the above doesn't immediately make you feel excited or even ring a bell, because the Constructer's Championship is woefully underexposed in MotoGP. That's a shame, because it is an arena where the stakes, drama and tension are all sky-high.

In other words, it makes for good stories. And we all love a good story, right?

So now that we've done all the riders, let's have a look at their rides and dive straight into this championship-inside-a-championship. Cheers!

MotoGP - Return of the Rider Reviews!

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Last week, Mat and Peter set out on a journey to review every rider currently in MotoGP.

This Sunday...they're back to finish the job!

Yes, we're going all the way to number one this week as we bring our mid-season Rider Reviews to an end. According to my notes, we've got (in no particular order): a semi-stoned maniac, a warrior monk, space aliens and the reason Yamaha isn't going to flog a dead bike.

That has got to make you curious, right? So hit play and cheers!

MotoGP - Run! It's Rider Reviews!

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0100

Quick question before we continue:

Are you now, are were you at any point in the last year, a MotoGP-rider? If so, you probably shouldn’t be listening to this. In fact, I think we can all agree that you should probably just turn off this device and come back next week. Don’t worry, there’s fun Patreon-episodes that you can listen to. I’d offer them for free, but you’re riding bikes around the world while I’m writing podcast descriptions, so I know you can miss it. Go listen now, you’ll have fun! See you next week!

…are they gone? Good, then we can begin with our great Rider Review! Yes, Mat and Peter are going to discuss all the riders and see where they’re at at this point. And yes, it’s going to be best for all of us if we do this without the riders themselves, because we’re scary! We’re ruthless! We really respect what they’re doing! But we’re going to say some very mean things, regardless! Because we love the sport! And exclamation marks!

This is getting silly, and I feel like you already know why this is going to be fun. So pour one out, and let’s have a little chat. Those riders will be back next week, you know?

What?
We’re maybe doing part II next week?
Oh, bugger, they’re not going to like that…

Brno 2025 - I Found My Thrill On Horsepower Hill

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0100

Remember the Cybermen, from Doctor Who? Scary races of machine-men and living computers who share all their experiences in a massive network. And that makes them really daunting, because any trick you might use in a fight against them only works once. Fool one once, and all of them learn and adapt. Your victories only help them slowly iterate towards perfection, all through data, data and more data.

Why am I waffling on about sci-fi when we just had a spectacular race? Because the Cybermen are in MotoGP, too, but here they're called Ducati. Each bike gathers more and more data, sorted and organized by algorithmic machine learning brains forever searching for speed. So what happens when that advantage disappears?

Well, it's not a great day to be on a Ducati if your name is not Marc Marquez. But what does that mean? For one, it's showing the capabilities of the riders in a whole new light. But it also shows that, under the right circumstances, the Ducati's may be less removed from the Aprilia- and KTM-machines than they care to admit.

And Marc Marquez? Well, five years after a horrific injury he's still the winner. There's a story there, and we've got Mat and Peter to tell it.

So strap in, because we're lifting off!

Sachsenring 2025 - Gimme Danger?

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Sachsenring, where riders face an education in teutonic terror in every turn. Eighteen riders on the grid, and ten make it to the final finish. It's crash central down here!

But what would motorsport be without a little danger? That's what Mat and Peter wonder as they take a look at Sunday's race. Are the Marquez brothers holding back in their fights on the tarmac, or is Alex just really good at calculating the risk-reward ratio when it comes to attacking his brother? And Marc himself walks a frightful tightrope, too, constantly leveraging an increasingly battered physique to demonstrate utter domination on the grid. If he falls, the damage could be immense - but as long as he wins, he's writing history.

Yes, we love danger - or maybe we just love the feeling of taking risks and getting away with it. That's a very different danger than the one faced by riders in the JuniorGP, who were witness to tragedy this week as a shameful lack of marshals and preparation resulted in the tragic and completely avoidable death of Borja Gomez. That's the wrong kind of danger, and this episode goes out to him.

MotoGP - The Big Buyout Bonanza, with Dennis Noyes!

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

It's happened: MotoGP is now the property of Liberty Media, owner of Formula 1. So, what now?

Well, things are definitely going to change and that might not be a bad thing. Change is life, right? The only question is which changes are necessary, which are wanted and which are inevitable.

To find an answer to this, Mat and Peter turn to the one and only Dennis Noyes. Dennis was a racer, he's one hell of a journalist and commentator, and he's right here with us for a little chat.

See, this isn't the first time that the whole circus was sold and it most definitely won't be the last. So what happened last time around, when the Spanish moved in and Dorna Sports bought it all? And how was that different from now?

Noyes is intimately familiar with this world, covering MotoGP from Spain. His son, Kenny Noyes, won the 2014 Spanish Superbike championship before suffering a career-ending crash the following year. You want someone that knows the culture, the history and the sport? Noyes is your man.

So join us as we attempt to look at the future of MotoGP under it's new corporate overlords, before immediately getting distracted and talking instead about that time King Kenny gave the King of Spain rabbit ears.

Hey, what were you expecting? Cheers!

Assen 2025 - All The World's A Stage

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0100

"I cannot praise a fugitive and cloistered virtue, unexercised and unbreathed, that never sallies out and sees her adversary, but slinks out of the race where that immortal garland is to be run for, not without dust and heat."

-John Milton, London, 1644

"I'm going to ride my fast machine!"

-Franco Morbidelli, Assen, 2025

It's always awesome to be in Assen, and this year was no exception as the Dutch track celebrated it's Tourist Trophy Centennial. Luckily, the race itself proved worthy of the occasion with some truly spectacular fights. We've got Marc Márquez winning, but something seems different this time around. We've got Alex crashing, more teams than Ducati on the podium and Franco Morbidelli being, well, Franco Morbidelli.

Also, we've got a surprising amount of poetry?!

It's going to be a good one, so go get yourself a drink and let our humble bards Mat and Peter sing you the ballade of Assen. Cheers!

Mugello 2025 - Champagne or Gravel!

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0100

Well, that was an extremely exciting and unpredictable race...until Marc Márquez woke up and showed everyone how it's done, again. Yes, nr. 93 achieved his 93th victory in his archrival's backyard, while his brother Alex fights off Bagnaia and a surprisingly competitive Di Giannantonio.

So what else is there to talk about? Well, we've got a bunch of knobheads booing, a 'dead bike riding' and penalties escaliting into punishments. And a lot more, too, but you're just going to have to have a listen for yourself, eh?

Cheers!

MotoGP - Totally Toprak!

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

A new rider has appeared in MotoGP! Well, he's only new if you haven't watched the WorldSBK in years and he's not really appearing yet – he’s only coming over next year. Nonetheless, long-running rumours about Toprak Razgatlioglu making the step to MotoGP have finally been confirmed this week as the Turkish Tornado signs a contract with Pramac Yamaha.

That means there's lots to be excited for. Not only because his riding style is anything but boring, but also because this move coincides with some other big changes at Pramac. Will he replace Jack Miller, or Miguel Olivera? Are we looking at a one-year deal, or something more long-term? And that's not even mentioning the Yamaha V4, the new bike tasked with turning the Japanese manufacturer's luck around. So what's going to happen? We have no clue, but luckily Mat and Peter have plenty of ideas! One thing's for sure: it's going to be interesting, either way...

Aragon 2025 - Partly Tech, Mostly Mind

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 21:00:00 +0100

Ah, Aragon! They used to shoot westerns here, you know. The wide empty desert was the perfect backdrop for spaghetti western action. Cowboy versus cowboy, gunslingers living dying by the grace of their hair-trigger fingers and lightning-quick reflexes.

And maybe the spirit of those films never really went away, because now we’ve got some old-fashioned drama like rival brothers and the return of a rider who was really fighting some technical difficulties. But was that really all there was to it? Does the tech tell a more complicated story? Or is it all mental?

Live from the aftermath of Aragon, it’s the Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast. Cheers!

You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers! It's Q&A!

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 19:00:00 +0100

Answers, answers! Going cheap, barely used, fresh off the press! Good answers to tricky MotoGP questions! Come get them while they're hot!

Earlier this week, we asked our Patrons to send us their questions. This time, we thought, maybe we'll succeed in answering all of them? I mean, how many questions could you all possibly have for us?

Turns out that the answer is: A whole lot! Sixty seven, at the time of writing. Did Mat and Peter get through all of them? No, because then this podcast would take up most of your day. But they definitely try!

Oh, and in case your question didn't make it: don't worry! We'll be back soon with a part two, to take care of any stragglers that might have gotten away.

But for now...let the Great Question Party commence!

Silverstone 2025 - Must Be Opposite Day

Sun, 25 May 2025 18:00:00 +0100

At the time of writing, it is 02.00 AM in Kyoto and the only thing keeping me awake is leftover adrenaline from watching pure madness on the tarmac. Silverstone is an outlier, this we know. But this time? This time, nobody ended up where they thought they'd be when the lights first turn green. Red flags, infernal ride height devices and an incredibly competitive Honda are just some of the unexpected turns that showed themselves at the UK's twisty track.

Today is opposite day, the world turned upside down. But is that a surprise? And if not, what does it mean to be good at a track where everything is so very different from a normal race?

This week, we're coming to your ears as fast as you can. So we hope you enjoy this episode, and here's to a really great race!

Cheers!

MotoGP - Honda History Hour

Sun, 18 May 2025 09:00:00 +0100

It has four cylinders. It won ten world championships, claimed first in over a hundred races and still holds the world record for longest uninterrupted streak with twenty-two wins in a row. It's the Honda NSR500, and it might be the meanest, fastest two-wheeling machine of the 20th century.

But it really didn't start out like that. Turn back the clock to those first few years, and this modern legend looked more like a lame duck. The weight distribution was horrible, it took Freddy Spencer to the bloody edge and even famous 'wild man' Wayne Gardner could barely wrestle it under control.

But they won with it, and the bike kept getting better, turning itself into a world title machine. From Spencer to Gardner to Lawson to Doohan to Crivillé and, finally, to Valentino Rossi - all of them riding Honda's famous twostroke.

So, in the direct aftermath of Ducati's dashed hopes of breaking Honda's record, we take a look at the NSR500 and how it changed the landscape. And maybe we discover that the more things change, the more they stay the same...

France 2025 - Le Mayhem at Le Mans!

Sun, 11 May 2025 20:00:00 +0100

Sometimes, MotoGP is all about the numbers. Like the number 23 - the amount of races Ducati would have had to win in order to set a new world record. Or the number 1 - the amount they came up short. That bit was courtesy of Number 5, a.k.a. Johann Zarco, the man driving the home crowd wild through a spectacular performance. And going wild they should, as it's been 73 years since a Frenchman claimed victory at Le Mans!

And then there's the weather, the tires and of course the crashes, including one incident caused squarely by our old nemesis Mr. Holeshot Device. Think Mat and Peter have some thoughts on this? You know they do!

So join us in drinking cheap champagne and talking about, let's just say it, the best race this season. Cheers!

Decoding Ducati's Desmosedici - Part Deux!

Sun, 04 May 2025 17:00:00 +0100

For the first time, we’re going back for seconds! That’s right, it’s time for a sequel as we go back to our history of Ducati’s Desmosedici and take care of our unfinished business. Haven’t heard the first part yet? Then quickly go here to change that!

So, last time we saw how the incredibly talent of Casey Stoner brought victory to the Italian manufacturer. But nothing last forever, and now we’re going to see Ducati take a tumble from the top of the world to one of it’s all-time lows. Left without their champion and stuck with a bike even the legendary Doctor can’t fix, things are definitely looking grim. The Italians need a change, and they need it yesterday. Luckily, a certain engineer with the nickname Gigi is about to make some suggestions…

We hope you enjoy this episode, and cheers!

Jerez 2025 - Give His Head A Wobble

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0100

Ah Jerez, we’ve missed you! The Spanish track never fails to be a season highlight, and this year was no exception. Also no surprise is that the winner is, of course, Marquez. Except it’s not the one you might have thought, because he might have to give his head a wobble.

Yes, it’s that kind of race where an ugly surprise for the champion results in every other competitor displaying their raw talent in a bid for the title. You want to know how the championship is going? A rumble like this will bring it all to the fore. From pressure problems in the front tires to a well preforming Yamaha (!) and some good old fashioned fighting, there’s plenty to see and plenty to discuss.

So join us as Mat gives Peter a call from the press center. Cheers!

MotoGP - Decoding Ducati's Desmosedici

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0100

If you want to know the secret to Ducati's success, it's these four words: desmodromic distribution, sixteen valves. Or, if we call it by its more common Italian shorthand: Desmosedici, the name of Ducati's killer MotoGP-bikes that have been absolutely dominating these last few years.

But it wasn't always like that. There was a time when Ducati was not the reigning champion, but a worn-out shell of a manufacturer that was about to lose it all. It's a fascinating story, and absolutely crucial if you want to understand the motivations that drive the company and its racing divisions to this very day.

So this Easter, we're talking resurrection as we go back in time and witness the many rise, fall and rise of of Bolognia's most famous motorbikes. Cheers!

Qatar 2025 - One Small Scoop, As A Treat

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100

We've got a scoop! Curious? We'll give you a hint: this episode contains exclusive news! But what is it all about? Well, that's the question! Maybe it's about Honda - have they found themselves a new rider for a new era? Or perhaps this is about a new contender coming through from World Superbike, as told to us from a live witness? Or perhaps none? Perhaps both?

Only one way to find out, eh?

And then there's the race in Losail, where floodlights glisten off the dragon's teeth that guard the curbs in the desert. Wait, you cry, isn't that what this whole episode is supposed to be about? Well, you're right! It's both at the same time. I know, totally bonkers.

Cheers!

MotoGP - The Wake of the YZR-M1

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Dearly beloved,

It is with heavy heart that we gather to say our final goodbyes to a legend: the Yamaha YZR-M1. Its life seemed short to us, but way too long to others.
After a long struggle with a clinical lack of competitive edge and a distinct lack of aero, its family at Yamaha has decided to pull the plug and let its beloved inline-engined legend pass with dignity. The YZR-M1 is survived and will be missed by its V4 successors.

You are hereby cordially invited to attend the wake of the Yamaha YZR-M1. The ceremony will be held by your hosts, Mat Oxley and Peter Bom, and all attendees are asked to bring along at least one beverage of their choice.

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music! Additional music in this episode: "Funeral March for Queen Mary", written by Henry Purcell, performed by Bablung Music.

Austin 2025 - The Too-late Terrible Telephone Talks!

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0100

Apologies! Something went horribly wrong last night with the recording, and it took as a long time to fix it. Mat's in Austin, Peter's in Portimão and we completely forgot to sacrifice a chicken to the wifi-gods...the end result was a slight catastrophe where we ended up recording at least one of your host over the phone. Just imagine Peter sitting in the corner of a dark hotel room with a telephone in one fist and an old fashioned recorder in the other, and now you're getting it.

So, what did they call about? Oh, it's a lot! There's the race, of course, and a risky wheelie - but we're also getting reports of some very, very interesting riders in Moto2, and some sources are claiming that BMW is more than serious about being on the grid sooner rather than later.

If you're still reading this, you have my thanks - but you should probably hit play now! Enjoy, and cheers!

MotoGP - To Acquire A New Tire Supplier

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0000

You know how we sometimes promise we won't talk so much about tires? Well, we lie! You might have heard about Pirelli moving in and replacing Michelin as the official tire of MotoGP in 2027. And maybe you wonder how much influence a single change like this could possibly have. After all, they're just pieces of rubber - shouldn't we have basically perfected the art of the tire by now?

Well, imagine it like this. Here you have a MotoGP bike, pure metal and technology that just wants to go fast. It's powerful. It's very, very powerful. And underneath it is the hard and unforgiving tarmac. The only thing inbetween the two, and the only thing that translates that raw movement into something workeable, is this little bit of rubber called the tire.

And it really has a mind of its own, sometimes.

So join us this week as Mat and Peter discuss the impact of this change. Not just on the technology, but also on the riders and their strategies. It's fun! It's educational! It's hot and sticky! It's all yours!

Cheers!

Argentina 2025 - The Super Marquez Bros.

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Britpop has the Gallagher brothers.

Tennis has the Williams sisters.

Video games have the Super Mario Bros.

And MotoGP? It's the second race of the season and nobody is getting close to the Marquez brothers, bringing Ducati to dominate the track. Which begs the question: is MotoGP boring now?

It's a tricky problem, that's for sure. What fun is a game when the winner is already basically determined before the match even starts? Or are we selling the sport short when we act as if winning is the only thing that matters?

Case in point is everything happening in the brothers' dust. Peter is deeply fascinated by development behind the scenes and it's effects on rider psychology. Case in point: Honda is making a very speedy technical comeback, while KTM finds itself in hot water that's quickly heating up further. What does that mean for Acosta and Binder? Who do we expect to fight and ride harder: a man who's jockeying for position in the top three, with no chance of winning? Or his teammate, who's incredibly competitive but fighting for scraps at the end of the line?

And Mat, meanwhile, doesn't mind a predictable outcome if it means that he gets to see genius at work. And the best rider in the world, riding the best bike in existence? How can you love MotoGP and not want to see that?

Well, looks like we have plenty to talk about this week - so get ready, pour out a cold one and let's talk Argentina!

March Mayhem - It's Wayne Rainey

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Oh, you knew it was coming! Just admit it. First it was December and we got you Kevin Schwantz. Did you really think we could do that, and then not invite Wayne Rainey?

Come on, be real!

Yes, we've got Wayne with us this week so you just know this is going to be fireworks. But it's not all about legendary rivalries and racing so hard you can feel your teeth chatter - it's also about being really clever and technical in ways that the rest of the world sometimes doesn't understand yet. Case in point: there's a good argument to be made that Rainey was the first to use datalogging on the bike. Think Peter has a few questions about that?

There's lots more to tell, but I'm not going to bother. In fact, why are you still reading this? We've got Wayne Rainey waiting behind the play button. Go, go, go!

Buriram 2025 - Take Your Brain Out!

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

It feels good to be back!

The first race of a brand new season is in the pocket and it promises to be a very interesting season, indeed. We've got the Márquez brothers, both on Ducati's and both in front. Maybe not a surprise if you're Marc, but definitely a promising feat if you're Alex. Have we been underestimating the younger Márquez?

And then there's Ai Ogura, the rookie who takes our breath away, and Jack Miller taking his brain out and showing that the right rider really can make the machine. Lot's to talk about, so why not press play and we'll get started!

Oh, and before we forget...happy birthday to Mat!

Listener Questions - A Gentleman's Bromance

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 18:00:00 +0000

You've got questions. We've got answers. Let's make a podcast!

Yes, this week we're once again opening up a big bag of mail to do some listener questions! Which listeners, you might ask? Our Patreons, of course, because they're awesome and you should really consider joining them. Then you, too, might ask questions like:

Who takes the blame when a slow rider has a fast teammate? Will the future be electric, or is it running on biofuels? How much can a bikeframe bend if bikes was build to bend? Will we ever see a return of the mighty 2 stroke? And should riders seek out help from sport psychologists, or might that accidentally give a whole new (and very literal!) meaning to the words 'Freudian slip'?

We've got the answers to these and more, so come get 'em!

Testing in Thailand – Too Much Of A Good Thing

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Ready for racing? So is everyone, but there’s one more test we need to talk about first – and it’s an event that shows some very interesting changes...

Welcome to Buriram, Thailand. It’s the last chance to get everything in order before the big circus starts. If you’re a competitor, this is the moment you most want your tech to be not just cutting edge, but also on the exact right side of familiar so you can be in complete control of it. Unless you’re Ducati, and you just decide to go back to last year’s engine.

Say what?

Yes, it might sound weird, but Mat and Peter believe it’s not that outlandish. In fact, they’ve seen things like this before and have a pretty good idea what might be causing it. The answer involves things like engine breaking and crankshaft inertia, and if you know what those things mean you’re going to love this. And if you don’t know, we’ll just explain it so you do – and then just see the previous sentence.

We’ve also got some interesting insights into why the Yamaha handles not completely unlike a rally car and get ready to meet the new Aprilla, which looks to be very friendly. Oh, and Peter admits he might have underestimated a rider...but also tells us who he thinks needs a stern talking to! Watch out!

Testing in Sepang - Rumble in the Jungle!

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 15:00:00 +0000

We're back, we're back, we're finally back at the track! It might be a few weeks until the next season officially kicks off, but Mat and Peter need their fix yesterday.

The solution? Send them to Sepang, where every team is getting their last tests in before the championship starts. It's hot, it's humid and when the rider kicks their machine into high gear, the power and the vibration will shakes your sternum all the way from the pitlane to the cheap seats. Man, it's good to be back!

So this week, come join us in the pitlane as your hosts dodge incoming riders and get in some final observations before we are, quite literally, off to the races...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

"I always called him the Rider" - Interviewing Alex Briggs

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Beattie. Doohan. Rossi. What do these legends all have in common? Well, they all had their bikes worked on by Alex Briggs, for starters. This week, we're interviewing one of MotoGP's old veteran mechanics. He's the man who saw 26 seasons and multiple championship victories before retiring in 2020, and he's got some great stories for us...

This week, join us as we discover what it was like to work with some of MotoGP's greatest riders and what drove them. Want to know why Doohan needed a different kind of anger to go fast than Rossi? What it was like to work with one of the best bikes of it's era's, before moving on to one of its more infamous? Or how to accidentally go viral on racing Twitter? Well, stick around because we're about to find out!

MotoGP - Pacing and Placing with Frankie Carchedi

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 20:00:00 +0000

We've got another guest! This week, we're calling Frankie Carchedi. You might have heard of him - he's one of the legendary crew chiefs currently working in MotoGP, winning the 2020 championship with Joan Mir and working with Marc Márquez last year. And since one of our hosts has experience as a crew chief himself, we've got plenty of questions!

So, how do you deal with a rider's ego without shattering it? What tells you if a disappointing result is an issue with the rider, the tech or both? And that's not even getting into the secret strategy for using tires. Or a small discussion on the proper application of the tickling of riders' balls. Cheers everyone!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - The Return of Livio Suppo

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:00:00 +0000

We've got a special guest this week, and if you've seen the title of this podcast you can probably guess who it is...

...that's right, it's the return of the legendary Livio Suppo!

So, what's on the menu today? Well, we're gearing up for what promises to be a spectacular season and we don't know what the outcome will be. There's top riders being positioned into intense rivalries, there's old paddock mainstays like KTM in dire, dire straits and there's technology that can make all the difference...if you can get your hands on it. Add to that the future passing of the reigns from Dorna to Liberty Media, and it becomes clear that this is the start of an era that's becoming stranger and more interesting by the day. We don't know what's going to happen - but we have Livio's number, so let's give him a ring and pick his brain about things. Shall we?

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Techie's Throwing Things

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Remember December? If not, don't worry, it's all a little blurry for us as well. Well, just before the holidays we discussed the top twelve riders and what the upcoming season might have in store from them. Which is all well and good, but what about the bikes? WHAT ABOUT THE BIKES?!

Well, don't worry because this week Mat and Peter are dusting off the old crystal ball to look at what MotoGP's next season might look like from a more...mechanical point of view. We're going to look at each manufacturer and their bikes, so we can ask where they are at, what they need and what could really throw a wrench in their plans.

Oh, and that last question might be a little more literal than you're imagining...

Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

OUR FIRST VIDEO! - The Department of Squiggly Lines

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 18:00:00 +0000

STOP! DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS AUDIO! THIS IS MEANT TO BE A VIDEO. GO WATCH IT ON OUR PATREON OR ON YOUTUBE!

Okay, still here? Hello, this is producer Sam. Normally, I'd be writing a description for our new episode here, but we're kicking off the new year with a very special scoop and we're going to need video to show it to you. I've put the audio here, but if you choose to listen to it rather than view it you will probably end up being incredibly confused. So go to our Patreon or YouTube, press play, kick back and enjoy!

Oh, and don't worry: next week, it's all back to our regular scheduled broadcasting!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Mat's Archive: Casey Stoner

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Hey everyone! This week, I'm afraid that Mat and Peter are lost in the late-December limbo. So instead, we're giving all of you a holiday present in the form of a (formerly) Patreon-exclusive post. This interview with Casey was first published in March, and was one of the first things we uploaded exclusively for our subscribers. Like this? Then why not start 2025 with a subscription to our Patreon, and get cool stuff like this on the regular? Trust us – you’ll love it! We'll be back with you in 2025, so see you all in the new year!

Cheers,
Mat, Peter and Sam

Original Patreon description follows below:

Mat's been a journalist for longer than our producer's been alive, so he's got quite the archive. For this series we've asked him to pick some of his favourites, and we're kicking things of with the legend himself: Casey Stoner!

Mat called Casey to talk about how his riding technique changed over the course of his career, from the 990cc to 800cc and the inevitable 1000cc. Mat: “And oh my god, he's so fucking good at explaining how he rides the thing!"

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

A Christmas Miracle - It's Kevin Schwantz!

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Ho ho ho! Are you feeling the holiday spirit yet? No? Well, have we got just the thing for you: a visit from Father Christmas himself! No, not Saint Nick – we’re talking about the one and only Kevin Schwantz, wearing a funny little red hat!*

Yes, we gave Kevin a ring and he picked up the phone for us. A few minutes later we were talking about his racing career, and before you know it there’s some pretty cool stories being shared. Some of them are about fighting for your life on a machine that seems to have a mind of its own, others are about one of the very best rivalries this sport has ever seen. And some stories may even be about the cheeky projectile launching of edible goods in a restaurant...

So grab yourself some eggnog, turn off the umpteenth rendition of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer and gather everybody around the tree, because it’s time for some bloody great stories from the Christmas Schwantz!

*Because of the audio format of this podcast, the hat might be imaginary. On the topic of seasonal headwear, listener discretion is advised.

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - The Twelve Riders of Christmas

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

This week, we're getting ready for the holiday season as we count down the Twelve Nights Riders of Christmas! Yes, Mat and Peter have been making a list (and checking it twice) from Bezzecchi to Martin, and they’re about to let you know who’s been naughty or nice…

So, who rides with the strongest emotions? Who has the most fighting spirit, the most crashes, the most wins and the most potential? Who should be proud and full of good cheer, and who might have been slacking a bit and finds coal in their socks?

There’s only one way to find out, so grab a drink, hit play and get ready...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Listener Questions - The Secrets of Rider Intelligence

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This week, we asked our Patreon-supporters to send in their questions and they did not disappoint. For example: How do factories look at independent teams? Was there ever a crash so bad, it made Peter and Mat reconsider racing? How do you talk to a rider who just messed up their race? Whtiny mistakes can have the biggest consequences for a rider's career? And what does Peter mean when he talks about 'Rider Intelligence'?

The answers to all the above and way, way more are found inside this extra long episode. So go ahead, jump in and enjoy!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Money Matters (With special guest Dario de Wet!)

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Oh boy, something went wrong this week! No, we’re not talking about the financial trouble KTM finds itself in – although I promise we’ll touch on that in a bit – but about our microphones. We’ve got it fixed for next week, but this episode the quality is in the lovely tone of ‘tin can’. Sorry about that.

However, don’t go away just yet, because we’ve got a guest! This week, we’re talking about the future of MotoGP. That’s the financial future, to be precise. With Liberty Media buying the championship, the question is: what motivates them to do so and what could they do with it? To answer this, we’re joined by financial expert, old friend of the show and Monza Group founder Dario de Wet.

It starts about finance, but pretty soon the bigger picture appears when the concept of ‘value’ comes up. Because what is it that gives MotoGP value? Not just monetary value, but an actual presence in the lives of people? And can new owners bring that to a new audience without alienating the old one? Or, put simply: how can we show people what makes this sport great, without losing it?

Barcelona Tests - Things That Look Good In My Lounge

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

This week, we’re staying at the Barcelona paddock to report on the big test. That’s right: it’s been at least hours since a new champion was crowned, so testing for the next season can begin!
So, what will Mat and Peter find and does it get them excited? Well, there’s some stuff that looks absolutely amazing. And it’s right next to the stuff that will probably give us headaches. But what’s what, and why so?
The only way to find out is to listen! Also, get ready for guest appearances by Jorge Martin’s bike - and maybe we’ll see Jorge, too, or at least his doppelgänger. What’s he doing here? Does he want to be rewarded for winning the championship with a gifted subscription to this podcast? Or is he looking for something else?

Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Barcelona 2024 - The Misadventures of Party Peter and Mischievous Mat

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 21:00:00 +0000

We've got a champion! Big congrats to Jorge Martin - and now it's time to party! Look, I could write a very long description here, but we all know the drill. It's the end of the season, Mat and Peter are in the paddock and there's beer being served. Care to join us in a 'live' celebration?

Here's what you do. First, try to answer the following questions. Your job is to guess who:

...commits a crime against God and Drink
...loves to kill everyone
...doesn't mind 20 punters in your pit
...knows where to get free beer
...almost ran over our hosts!
...'lost' a few tools
...gets down with a bottle of red after victory
...gets some surprise compliments
...knows the dark arts of the mass damper
...is a manufacturer that might be preparing for a whole new event at MotoGP next year
...is about to suggest the best holiday gift ever?

Okay, locked in your answers? Then grab the biggest pint you can find, hit 'play' and enjoy the chaos. Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Peter Does Barcelona…Again!

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +0000

It’s back to Barcelona as we count down the days till MotoGP 2024 reaches its conclusion. The question, of course, is what will happen and where it will take place. Luckily we’ve got a Peter, so let’s ask him!

And luckily for Peter, he already wrote about that very thing. But that was for a different part of the year, with different weather, different humidity, different tires and different stakes. So he ended up having to do the work again, anyhow. Sorry!

(Oh, and as always: don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!)

This is a free excerp, where Peter describes the track turn-by-turn. For the full analyses, please consider subscribing to our Patreon!

MotoGP - Let's All Go To Barcelona

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000

According to most Catalans, their capital is being overtaken by tourists. So we should probably apologize to them in advance for booking tickets to Barcelona. But hey, this race is going to be spectacular!
As we move towards the season finale next week, Mat and Peter look back at the events that brought us here and try to imagine themselves in Bagnaia and Martín's boots. Is this going to be one of those rare years where an independent team takes the title? Whatever you expect, don't let anyone tell you the outcome is already set. To quote Mat: "If Bagnaia wins both races, Martin needs a 6th in the sprint and a 6th in the GP to take the title by one point. Easy! In theory." Emphasis on those last words...

Cheers everyone, and we hope you'll enjoy this episode!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Sepang 2024 - The Gentle Killers

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Malaysia is in the pocket, we’ve got one last race to go and it would take a powerful curse to keep Jorge Martín from claiming the world title in two weeks time.
So, what else is new?
Well, a whole lot! Mat and Peter saw some things on the track today that they wouldn’t have expected to ever see there this year, including some very solid actions by Bagnaia. We’ve also got Jack Miller spilling some beans, two riders facing of in what might be more accurately described as a duel rather than a fight and a closer look into the ways weight distribution determines the possibilities of a bike. So if you want to know some very interesting technical knowledge, you’ve come to the right place at the right episode!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Peter Does Sepang

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:00:00 +0000

Hey everyone,

You might have looked at the runtime of this week’s episode and noticed it appears a little short. There’s a reason for that. Simply put, it has to do with a few changes we’re making to what we’re uploading to Patreon. We always intended the Peter Does… series to be Patreon-exclusives. But Peter wasn’t sure if he could pull it off, and wasn’t comfortable charging money for something that he thought still needed a lot of improvement. So we decided to upload these episodes for free, until he felt confident enough about this series and we could move it to Patreon.

This worked quite well, and looking at the numbers it seems you folks really like it, too! The problem is that we are still only three people, and when the season picked up speed I started running out of time. In between the track episodes and the main episodes, there was less and less time to do Patreon-episodes as well. That sucks, because that’s exactly what we promised to give to our subscribers!

So we’re turning this around, and saying that the moment has finally arrived to move this series where it belongs: Patreon. However, since we’re at the very end of the season and we know a lot of non-subscribers enjoy these, we’re not going to paywall the whole thing. If you’re not a subscriber you’ll still be able to listen to Peter talk you through the track, corner by corner. But if you also want to also know Peter’s predictions on the riders, the tires, the best places to overtake and the expected crash areas - well, then you’ll just have to support our Patreon.

Okay, that was me bringing you the bad news. Now unto the fun stuff!: Sepang! Let’s goooooooo!

(Oh, and as always: don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!)

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Buriram 2024 - I’m Racing In The Rain, Just Racing In The Rain...

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0000

If you have a cat, you’ll know that felines hate wet surprises. But you know who hates it even more? Everybody on- and around a MotoGP bike - especially when we’re at the decisive tail end of the tournament. Every normal talent becomes secondary to that weird six sense required to drive a bike across a slippery, watery track.

So we end up with a race that gives us little to say the outcome of this year’s tournament, but plenty of spectacle and some truly spectacular improvisation and cool. We’re looking at you, Pecco, and your very cool thinking when chased by the devil Marquez himself.

So, plenty to talk about and only one episode to do it…let’s go!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Buriram

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Thailand! This week, we're getting ready for the last three races of the season as MotoGP heads towards Buriram. There's a lot at stake here, so we can expect the riders to give it their all. But what will be required of them, exactly?

Peter's got the answers and he's taking us on a tour of the track, corner by corner, to share them with us. It's all your essential education for the week in one place: where to overtake, where to watch out for crashes and where to hit the gas like you mean it. Enjoy!

(Oh, and as always: don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!)

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Phillip Island 2024 - Nothing More Dangerous Than A Wounded Mosquito

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +0100

Phillip Island, to quote Peter, always delivers. And this year we start out with a blast, as Marc Márquez fights a bug. And from big bugs we go straight to close calls, tight fights and daring tactics when comes to tire preservation. This is the track where there are always a hundred things happening at once, and Mat and Peter can't wait to see what it all means...

Oh, and we discuss some new ideas to get rid of bothersome wildlife, including snipers! What fun!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Phillip Island

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +0100

This is Phillip island. It's fast, twisty and tricky. It's where a massive strait pushes your machine to the limits, where a wild gust of wind can suddenly make all the difference and where corners sometimes work exactly like how you expect they wouldn't.

Yeah, we love this place!

This week, join Peter as he talks you through every nook and cranny of this Ozzy ripper. And stick around for some great corner names, and the stories behind them!

(Oh, and before I forget: pull up our map of the circuit!)

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Calamitous Koala's and Dead Kangaroos

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 18:00:00 +0100

It's almost time to go down under, all the way to Phillip Island, so now's the time to tell tall tales about Ozzie riders and their wildest exploits. To start: why are there so many Australian riders, compared to other countries? What's the culture like, and why does Peter love working with them? Where does the life-or-death obsession with speed come from, and why does it make the Ozzies so bloody determined? And why should you always claim to have seen a koala when you drive your car into a ditch?

From Mat's interactions with Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner, to Peter's work with Broc Parkes and Chris Vermeulen, there's some wild stories to be told here. And some of them even tell us some very interesting things about Phillip Island! You see, we'll tie it all together, somehow...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Motegi 2024 - The Ten Million Dollar Question

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 22:00:00 +0100

A lot can happen in 40 minutes, but if that was the case today then it surely happened somewhere else than Twin Ring Motegi. We can't blame Bagnaia, of course: the man is here to win. Perfection is not entertaining, but pretty impressive.

So yes, it was a boring race. But that doesn't mean nothing happened - it just all happened within the little details. For example, Marquez is getting familiar with a new flywheel after last month's disaster in Indonesia, the presence (or lack of!) certain duels point at interesting developments, engineers are making unexpected alliances and Honda is about to ask itself a Ten Million Dollar Question.

Curious yet? Just hit that 'Play' button and find out...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Motegi

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 22:00:00 +0100

Officially, it's called the Twin Ring Motegi. So this weekend we're getting two tracks for the price of one! Well, would if we'd needed more than one. And if the other one wasn't made for car's, so let's not speak about it too much. But if you must know, we'll let Cartman explain it to you...

Okay, so now about the track we're actually racing on this weekend! Actually, let's just let Peter explain it, because he does a bang-up job of it. Take it away, Peter!

(Oh, and as always: don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!)

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Mandalika 2024 - The Lord of the Rims

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Sometimes, it can all happen in a matter of minutes. One moment we have a four-way battle for the championship, the next finds Bagnaia and Martin as the last two standing. So what happened?

Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta gets bogged down in tire pressure regulations but clears them because of a 'leaking wheel rim'. But what does that mean? Is it even possible? Or is Acosta in possession of the mythical Rim of Power? You know, the artefact created by Sauron, the Dark Lord of Motor, that can make it's wielder invisible to tire regulations at a horrible cost? And does this mean that Accosta must now make a perilous journey to toss his KTM into Mount Doom?*

The answers to all these questions lie within this episode, together with Mat's impressions of MotoGP's newest track. Enjoy!

* There were originally about 15 more Hobbit-based puns, but we decided to spare you...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Misano 2024 Redux - It’s A Funny Old World

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 22:00:00 +0100

Love Misano? Can’t wait every year for the race, and wish you wouldn’t have to wait another year when it’s done before you can see it again?
Well, this is your lucky year! Yes, we’re back at Misano and everybody is feeling the heat as this championship is swinging wildly. It might become a test of endurance, where the winner will simply be the one who makes the least mistakes - but what does that mean, and what will it look like?
Oh, and stick around for some lovely stories about riders’ dirty tricks throughout the ages. It’s a good one!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Grip Like Money

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0100

No race this week, but Mat and Peter have plenty to talk about! First up is a new technology that can only mean trouble: the bloody radio. Yes, we might have been mucking about with radio's for more than a century, but until now nobody had the bright idea to put them inside the rider's helmet. And according to our hosts, there are some bloody good reasons for that...

But that's not all, because there's also another brand new piece of tech that a major manufacturer is still trying to keep under wraps - and this one could be very interesting. Also, we take a look at what it means for the championship to suddenly have to deal with a competitive Marc Márquez in the middle of the season and discuss what the introduction of some new front tires could mean. Ever wondered what determines the exact right levels of grip? We'll explain that, and more, in this week's brand new episode!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Misano 2024 - Nature's Sprinkler Surprise

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 22:00:00 +0100

According to Peter, when the Dutch get that sinking feeling in their stomach that tells you something is about to turn into an unpleasant surprise, they say that they are "feeling wetness". Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini can probably relate, as they called a surprise downpour's bluff and got away with it. Why? Because it the rain didn't 'smell right'. Call it local wisdom, but that's one hell of an advantage when racing at Misano.

So, what exactly happened? And what other teams should be "feeling wetness" after today? Mat and Peter are ready to hash it out on air! Oh, and Mat has some beautifully diabolical ideas to spice up future races. It's just going to require a whole bunch of sprinklers and Keanu Reeves' phone number...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Misano

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Within the microstate of San Marino, there live just over 30.000 people. Those Sammarinese better get ready for a busy weekend, because when MotoGP comes to Misano World Circuit they tend to bring along more than 140.000 (!) visitors. So, what can those roving crowds expect to see this Sunday?

Join Peter as he talks us through a track where no bike design has a clear upper hand and where it all comes down to the skills of riders who know every bump and curve like the back of their hand. Just one lap and you, too, will know why this is the place where tracklimits are everything and the 'Misano curb' was invented. Sounds good? Then turn up the volume and press play already!

(Oh, and as always: don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!)

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Aragón 2024 - How to Win/Lose a Championship

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 22:00:00 +0100

When asked about his motivation during a race, Usain Bolt explained that he imagined all the other runners were giant spiders: 'And then I get super scared.' But it's not just runners that are privy to this trick: riders, too, have their own fantasies that get their mental engines going. For example, Mat would imagine he's a fox. Luca Marini, today, had a very different trick to keep him sane in last place. And we can only speculate what it was that went through Marc Márquez' head as he took control and showed everyone that the legendary Beast is still in a class of his own.

Oh yes, this was a race to remember - and Mat and Peter have plenty on their list for today. So grab some cerveza, get comfy, and enjoy the show!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Aragón

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0100

MotoGP doesn't go to California anymore - so according to Peter, it's a good thing that Europe has it's very own Laguna Seca! It's in Spain, it's less likely to kill you and it's called the Ciudad del Motor de Aragón. We just call it Aragón, for short.

This week, find out why you shouldn't bet on any rider who isn't in the two front rows at the grid and why it's a bad idea to have vertigo in Spain. Enjoy!

(Oh, and as always: don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!)

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Listener Questions - It's Called Throwing You Under The Bus

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0100

Well, we asked - and you delivered! We've got a whole list with your questions, and now it's time to answer them. What sensors would we rather see gone? What's our favourite fantasy team-ups? How much of MotoGP runs on beer, and will we ever see Mat and Peter covering MotoE? Well, we're sure you already know the answer to one of those questions...but if you want to know the rest as well, then you'd better put on this episode!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Red Bull Ring 2024 - Thinking About Danger

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 22:00:00 +0100

How do you bring excitement to an otherwise rather unremarkable race? Easy: you put the world's most deadly maniac at the fourteenth place and watch what he does. That's why Peter had a great time watching the race from the perspective of Marc Márquez' dashcam. But what exactly went wrong with his bike, and could it have been prevented? Mat and Peter are on the case, and it seems that the killer is that good-for-nothing ride height device...

And actually, come to think of it, Márquez wasn't the only rider that had a weird time in Austria. And how many times in a row has Ducati now dominated the podium? And who can look back at this race with satisfaction, and who should get worried? Looks like there is lots to discuss - so grab a drink, get ready and cheers!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Red Bull Ring

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:00:00 +0100

The Red Bull Ring is Silverstone's evil twin: a track that demands vicious and long braking, full of elevation and with very little flow. If you think that sounds too negative, you could also say that it's like a northern Mugello: a place where technical skills are pushed to the limit by riders that have to showcase perfect mastering of stop-and-go manouvering. And just like the energy drink that it's named after, the Ring will definitely raise your heartbeat and give you cold sweats...

Want to know more? Then let Peter talk you through the Red Bull Ring in this week's bonus episode.
As always, don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Peter's 26 Kids

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0100

Want to be a famous MotoGP racer? Then you'd better start young, move to southern Europe and make a name for yourself. And one of the best places to do that is in Red Bull Rookie Cup.

This week, we invite former racer and journalist Peter Clifford for a chat. For the last 18 years, he's been responsible for guiding and helping the young talent in the Rookie Cup. He's worked with people like Acosta and Binder when they were just teenagers, and knows exactly what goes into developing young talent into legendary riders.

What's the selection process like? How do you make sure that talent from all over the world gets a fair shot? And what does he think about the future of MotoGP, as someone who works with the next generation of riders on a daily basis?

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Silverstone 2024 - The Wizard of Silverstone

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 21:00:00 +0100

It's a party at Silverstone, as MotoGP celebrates 75 years of racing there. Or is it actually 76 years? Never mind, back to the celebrations! And there's nobody with more reason to celebrate as Ducati, who continue their spree of dominating the podium with Enea Bastianini, Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia taking respectively first, second and third place.

But look behind the results, and you find a race where the bleeding edge tech that dominates modern racing collides with a track that has some serious old school quirks. And that leads to some really funny racing, especially when the new tire rules come into play...

Also in this episode: Peter is making record time with his introduction, some lessons from Hogwarts and Mat explains why bikes will never look better than when they take the form of a cigarette package travelling at 180 mph. Enjoy!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Silverstone

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0100

When asked to report his experiences of Silverstone, Peter described it as "a place full of history and tradition, that can also be wet, grey, cold and miserable."

We then asked him to describe the track rather than the country it's in, and this episode is the result. So grab your bike, put on your headphones and come join us as we take a ride on one of the widest circuits in the tournament, where the engines run hot but the brakes stay cool. Cheers!

As always, don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Everything's Connected 2: Electronic Boogaloo

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0100

It's rider versus machine in the second part of our electronics special! This week we take a look at the different ways unseen systems determine a rider’s options. From electronic fuel injection to traction control and full drive-by-wire bikes, this is the story of machines performing clever mathematics at high speed. But it’s also the story of ambitious engineers offering riders some clever digital assistance – and all the ways in which those overly helpful boxes can accidentally become overbearing hindrances...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Working With The Animals - Interviewing Livio Suppo

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:00:00 +0100

It's 2024, and already we can say for certain that this season of MotoGP is weird. Spectacular rider transfers, a new set of regulations, essential developments in bike designs and even the upcoming farewell of Dorna itself: it's all turning out to be one hell of a ride. And that's not even going into the fact that we are seeing manufacturing legends like Honda struggling harder than they have in a long time. What's going on?

Enter this week's guest, the legendary Livio Suppo. He's held the reigns at Ducati, Honda and Suzuki. He guided legends like Casey Stoner and Marc Márquez through those tough early years, and he's weathered some of the most turbulent times in MotoGP history. So what does he make of it all?

This week, join us as we have a lovely chat with an absolute legend about the future of MotoGP, and some great stories about our favourite living legends. Enjoy!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Everything's Connected!

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0100

Thinking about motorbike engineering, the first thing that springs to most peoples' minds are the nuts and bolts: the incredibly complicated moving engine parts, hydraulics and all the other things that you'd entrust a mechanic to fix with his toolbox. But that's just one part of the bigger picture. Amidst the steel and carbon there's a verifiable web of wires, connecting and crisscrossing microcomputers and sensors all over the bike. They're the nerves that drive the metal muscles of the machine - and they've been here for much longer than you may think.

In this episode, Mat and Peter are diving straight into the electronics. So get ready for high tension and sparks as we go from the earliest traction control systems to prehistoric data loggers and the modern use of fly-by-wire design. Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Sachsenring 2024 - The Germans Call It Schadenfreude

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 23:00:00 +0100

Do you want to know the guilty pleasure of any rider? It’s that split second during a heated battle, that magic moment where you see your opponent’s movements slipping, slipping and then, finally, the crash. Nothing serious, mind you. He’ll be back next race.

But that’s next race. Today, you own the track.

It’s a story as old as time, and this weekend it was performed by Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia at Sachsenring.

But besides the great battles, there are some other incredibly interesting observations to be made. For example, this is the first time in the history of MotoGP that one manufacturer has dominated the podium six time in a row. So what is the secret of Ducati’s succes here? And, going all the way to the opposite end of the spectrum, why is KTM still struggling? Mat and Peter have some ideas.

Oh, and we might make a little diversion to a different type of racing that takes place in desolate deserts…Enjoy!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Sachsenring

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0100

On paper, the Sachsenring in Germany mainly stands out for being the shortest track in the entire MotoGP tournament. Meanwhile, on the asphalt itself, it mainly demands attention for being an anti-clockwise, lefthanded motorpark-meets-rollercoaster adrenaline rush.

This week, Peter's going to tell us all about where to go fast, where to go cautious, and why a certain Marc Márquez might have a natural advantage here...

As always, don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Assen 2024 - The Pacemaker

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 22:00:00 +0100

Ask any heart surgeon, and they’ll tell you a pacemaker is a little device that’s meant to keep your heartbeat from going out of control. But at Assen we got to see a different kind of pacemaker in the form of Pecco Bagnaia, who absolutely dominated this race and drove up the pulse of all other riders as they struggle to keep up. Quote Jorge Martin: ,,He’s on another planet.”

And while a lonely Pecco is shooting through space with blistering speed and Martin’s in hot pursuit, there's an all-out brawl happening right behind them between Enea Bastianini, Marc Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonia. What determines the outcome, and what role does the uniquely serpentine nature of the Dutch track play in this?

Mat and Peter are looking for answers as they take the show out of the studio and straight into the paddock. Oh, and be on the lookout for a surprise appearance of a familiar face from our Patreon. Grazie mille, Nicola!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Assen

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:00:00 +0100

Ah, Assen! Some people describe it as 'the Cathedral of Speed'. It's a great title, but take a closer look at its many, many twists and turns and another description comes to mind: the Church of Kink. Good luck putting that on a shirt, though...

This week, we're in Peter's hometurf. So who better to talk us through the oldest track in MotoGP? Enjoy!

As always, don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Listener Questions - Lesser Gods and Front Forks

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0100

How can you tell a good rider from a legendary one? How does body language factor into it? Does a crew chief earn more or less than the rider? And what are the perfect circumstances for a ripper of a party in the paddock?

Those are just some of the questions you asked us, and now it's time for Mat and Peter to give you the answers. So go pour yourself something summery, relax, and enjoy this Q&A special!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - A Matter of Balance

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Here's an interesting question: what was the last time KTM won a race? And what was the last time they won while the track was dry?

The answer is three whole years. Yes, with no race in Kazakhstan this week, Mat instead decided to dive into some interesting statistics. The numbers don't lie, and they point at something curious at KTM.

So this week we're going to dive into why an incredibly competitive bike like the RC16 isn't bringing home the gold more often. It's a question that not only involves lots of engineering and data, but also a serious look at the different kinds of pilots riding these machines. And the answer might have some serious implications for the freshly-signed Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Reading the Rider

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0100

We called it: Marquez is coming to Ducati! But he’s definitely not the only one changing teams, as MotoGP faces one of its biggest shuffles in years. All of which begs the question: what makes the right rider ‘fit’ with the right team? Sure, anyone allowed even close to the grid has to be a pilot of exceptional talent, but it takes even more than that to be a champion. What is this elusive x-factor, and how do you spot it?

This week, it’s all about the unbearable weight of massive talent and how to spot it. It’s riding, yes, but also the personality on- and off the bike. And Peter explains how ‘a few squiggly lines’ of data can reveal not just what’s going on with the machine, but with the squishy human on top of it as well...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Mugello 2024 - The Dog's Days Are Over

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 21:00:00 +0100

Normally, something either does or does not grab our attention. But is it possible for something to be incredibly interesting because it is dull as dishwater? That's what Mat and Peter are wondering this week about the race at Mugello. To watch it was a bloody bore, but the reasons for that are way more exciting than you might think...

This week, we've got the best ways to overtake and steal the perfect line, look at the nature of road rage geezers, Peter argues why he wants to buy Bastianini an alarm clock and we talk about why we don't talk about Acosta very often.

Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Mugello

Fri, 31 May 2024 16:00:00 +0100

"There are always 25 points as for the other races, but Mugello is a matter of honour." That's how Valentino Rossi described one of Europe's most beloved circuits in 2014. This week, Peter explains why that is as true today as it was ten years ago. So come join us as we take you, turn by turn, through the track where Ducati was developed and legends are made.

As always, don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Catalunya 2024 - Barcelona Calling

Sun, 26 May 2024 21:00:00 +0100

An uneventful race with no great surprises. That's what Mat thought when he saw the race this weekend. But Peter disagrees: the fact that nothing 'eventful' happened at Barcelona is almost special in itself. Oh yes, we've got plenty to talk about this week, as Peter calls Mat in his hotel. So pick up the phone and join in!

And, of course, there's the matter of Aleix Espargaro and his retirement. We're gonna miss you at the grid, Aleix, so here's to you!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Catalunya

Fri, 24 May 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Hot tires, low grip and some big fat hot break disks - that's what you've got to deal with in Catalunya if you want that sweet speed. Peter's been there, seen that and now he's ready to take us through one of our favourite tracks in the championship. So get ready, because this time were not just fast - we're la rapidez itself!

As always, don't forget to pull up our map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Welcome to the Regulation Station Celebration

Sun, 19 May 2024 14:00:00 +0100

This week, we say goodbye to some of our most hated enemies. So let's all gather round and pay our respects to the Ride Height Device, a proper smart piece of engineering that had to be killed before it killed any of the riders. Joining it on its journey to the Great Racetrack In The Sky are its close friends, Over-Engineered Aero and Dirty Air. They will not be missed.

You might have guessed it already, but this week we're all about the new regulations for MotoGP. There's some big changes coming - but not all of them are obvious, and some of them may have long-term effects that are definitely interesting. Curious? Then grab a drink and turn up the volume!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Le Mans 2024 – Marquez, Plural

Sun, 12 May 2024 22:00:00 +0100

What is the plural of Marquez? Is it Marquezes? Marquezi? Well, whatever it is, Mat and Peter believe there’s three of them now. Imagine that, three Marc Marquezi! What does that mean? Well, you’ll just have to listen to the episode to find out…

Also this week, some very interesting theories about who’s gonna get a Ducati factory bike next year and lots of thoughts on a spectacular race. So grab a beer (or a fine glass of French wine) and come join us. Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Le Mans

Fri, 10 May 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Much like the French themselves, Le Mans appears elegant and graceful. But underestimate it for even a moment, and you'll discover just how brutal and viscious this track can be. Join Peter as he takes us through the track, from lethal do-or-die corners to long straights that turn MotoGP into a drag race...

As always, don't forget to pull up a map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - A Slice of Humble Pie

Sun, 05 May 2024 09:00:00 +0100

It's been a week since we saw Bagnaia and Marquez battle it out at Jerez, but what did we learn? Well, that Marquez is back, of course - that much is obvious. Less obvious is what it revealed about the nature of the bikes on the grid, and the engineers working on them.

See, something strange seems to be happening at Yamaha. On the outside, it seems little has changed. But Mat and Peter think that first looks can be very deceiving, in this case....

Also, Peter tells us about the smell of KTM burning rubber and Mat has a little chat with Gigi dall'igna about the fine line between 'vibration' and 'chatter'. Enjoy!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Jerez 2024 - Return of the King

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:00:00 +0100

Want to become a better rider, going faster than you ever imagined? Try being chased by Marc Marquez! It obviously worked wonders on Bagnaia, who fought to gain perhaps the most hard-fought victory in his career in Jerez.

But Pecco isn't the only winner here. Marquez shows that he's back, and that's good news for everyone. So blame it on the sun or on the crowd's infectious enthusiasm, but Mat and Peter are over the moon and ready to rave about it. Coming to you, straight from the pit lanes in Jerez to your ears, it's the Oxley Bom Podcast!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Jerez

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Jerez, where you will taste the curb or be left in the dust! Join Peter as he takes us through a track that requires superb reflexes, strong arms and some really brave braking. There's a reason why all the teams come to test here, and you'll need more than a strong engine to see this race through to the end...

As always, don't forget to pull up a map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Scoops from Spies

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 15:00:00 +0100

Question: what do the CIA, MI5, the KGB and the Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast have in common? Answer: they all have their own highly paid spies. This week, we're tuning into the secret radio stations and decoding the scrambled messages in order to bring you some inside scoops!

There's a large manufacturer getting ready to enter MotoGP, but their racing record is less than stellar. There's a big player aiming to recruit Marc Marquez, but he might have a hidden motive. And Pramac Racing might be getting an offer they can't refuse, courtesy of a big name in Japan...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Austin 2024 - Go With The Flow

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:00:00 +0100

There’s literally no track in MotoGP with more twists and turns than the Circuit of The Americas in Austin. It’s got twenty of them, so you’re in the wrong place if you’re betting on just raw engine power. And with Ducati still chattering like it's nobody's business, all bets are off…

Enter Maverick Viñales on the Aprilia, absolutely nailing his bike’s potential in the many, many corners of this Texan gauntlet. But not all riders were so lucky – and that might tell us some very interesting things about the season ahead. This week, we invite you to go left and right, left and right, again and again while we take you through all the literal and figurative twists and turns of the second race in this year’s tournament. Enjoy!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Austin

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0100

If it ain't big, it ain't American - and there's nothing bigger than Texas, baby! So of course this is the track that has the most turns of them all. We asked Peter to describe each and every one of them, to give us a feel of what a lone rider might experience over there. This week, we're keeping Austin weird...

As always, don't forget to pull up a map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Head Like A Hole - The Oxley Bom Concussion Special

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +0100

The average brain weighs between 1.3 and 1.4 kg. Those 3 pounds of fleshy mass contain every memory, thought or feeling you'll ever experience. It would be a real shame if something were to happen to that, right?
Well, things do happen to it - nasty, painful things that can cause weird and unseen damage. One moment you're making good speed, the next you're in an ambulance wondering why you can't remember your birthday. Mat and Peter have both been there, as have many, many others.
Concussions are a very real part of motorsports, but we don't like to talk about them. So this week we're doing exactly that as we dig deep into the world of brain damage. Helping us are the expertise of retired neurosurgeon dr. Peter Richards, and the technical know-how of Richard Harfoot, who works for body armour producer D30.

So enjoy, and don't lose your head!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Who's Gonna Buy MotoGP? (With special guest Dario de Wet)

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

For Sale: MotoGP World Championship. Comes complete with licensing and broadcasting rights. Interested buyers should contact Dorna. Only one left in stock, so call quickly!

After more than three decades, it seems Dorna is interested in selling the rights to MotoGP. But who's going to buy? Recent rumors are pointing at Liberty Media, owners of Formula 1.

But how serious is Liberty Media about this, and what would the effects be for MotoGP? Is this the end of the grid as we know it, or a change long overdue? The answers involve money, lots of money. And because Peter and Mat are still pretty crap at that, we asked friend of the show and financial expert Dario de Wet to explain it to us.

One thing is for certain: whatever happens, it ain't going to be cheap...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Portemao 2024 - Keith Richards' Shark

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000

Stay out of the water - and stay out ofPedro Acosta’s way while your at it, because the Shark is taking zero prisoners at Portemao! This week, Mat and Peter are in Portugal and they’re broadcasting to you straight from the paddock. And they really, really liked what they saw today.

So come for the race, and stay to find out why some riders have no choice but to draw a line in the sand. With sincere apologies to Steven Spielberg and Keith Richards, it’s the Oxley Bom MotoGP Podcast!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Portugal

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Fancy a ride on the Rollercoaster? Then you've come to the right place! Take a ride on the Algarve International Circuit, as Peter talks you through all cuts and corners of Portimao and sees the front take flight in frightening ways...

As always, don't forget to pull up a map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - No Need For Introductions

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0000

No new race this week, but we've got plenty to talk about as we gear up for Portugal. Mat says his goodbyes to the late Gary Taylor, former Suzuki team manager, and Peter explains why not all lessons learned at Qatar are applicable to the rest of the season.
That said, one thing that probably will carry over to the next race are the ambitions of Pedro Acosta. Last week, he aimed to make an impression. Well Pedro, the good news is you succeeded; the bad news is that Mat and Peter now have high expectations. Good luck!
Oh, and stay tuned for a chat about chattering, and a whole bunch of other topics. Cheers!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Qatar 2024 - The Japanese Championship

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 23:00:00 +0000

It's on! The first race of the MotoGP Championship 2024 has finished in Qatar, and Bagnaia bagged his first win. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Yamaha and Honda struggle to keep up with Aprilla, KTM and Ducati. Can they keep up with this Italian competition? Or has the gap already become so big that this season will bring us two champions - one world champion, and one winner of the "Japanese Tournament"?
And on another subject, should you always believe a rider when he's just gotten of his bike?
Mat and Peter have lots to discuss, so join us in the first episode of this new season. Enjoy!

P.S. We recorded this while Mat was still at the track, so apologies for any problems with the audio...

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

BONUS EPISODE: Peter Does Losail

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Qatar, where the straights are long, the turns are tricky and the curbs are welcoming! This week, we're giving you a little extra treat as Peter talks you through all the little tricks and turns of the Losail International Circuit.

Oh, and don't forget to pull up a map of the circuit!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Listener Questions and Damn Good Coffee

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The end is nigh!
Yes, dear people, this is the end - the end of the long winter, and the return of a brand new season of MotoGP! But before we take you to the deserts of Qatar, Mat and Peter set out into the wastelands of social media to answer your most burning questions. Who's the most underrated rider? Will Disney buy MotoGP? And who serves the best coffee in the paddock? There's only one way to find out, so come join us!

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Hanging with Jorge

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000

He grew up near turn 1. When it comes to raw top speed, he holds the record. Last year, he finished second in the championship. And yeah, he can hang like it's nobody's business.
This week, Mat gets out his taperecorder as he goes to have a little chat with Jorge Martín about tattoos, girlfriends, Conor McGregor and motorbikes. What are his expectations for the upcoming season? And what do Peter and Mat think about his chances?

Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Racing Is Good For You - Interviewing Cal Crutchlow

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 20:00:00 +0000

Oh boy, it's a big one this week with a very special guest! He's won the World Championship Supersport, rode in front of the pack in MotoGP, is fast as lightning when test riding for Yamaha and has drunk beer with our hosts since way back in the day. That's right, we're having a chat with the one and only Cal Crutchlow!

But that's not all, because we've got a surprise announcement for you this week. Here's a little hint: it rhymes with 'fab mite' and can be found at oxleybom.com. Or help us out at our brand new Patreon...

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Sepang's Tall Tales of Testing

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

It's time for the greatest test of the year, and the last one before the next MotoGP series starts! If you want to know what this season will look like, you need to be at Sepang. The bikes are new, the riders are ready and our hosts are right in the middle of it...

Oh yes, we've send Mat and Peter to Malaysia, and they've been very busy gathering every little bit of information they could get there hands on. Curious? Then grab a drink and turn up the volume, because it's time for some tall tales of testing!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Tech Talk - The Banana Effect

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The future is almost here, and it's going to be weird. We've got machines designing machines, biofuels and even something called the "banana effect". Want to know more? Then join Mat and Peter as they take a look at what to expect from the tests in Sepang.

Also this episode, we pay homage to the late but always great Garry Taylor. Mat pays his respects by sharing some of Taylor's famous wit. Here's to a great one!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Zen and the Art of Crashing

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Imagine one moment of perfect calm. You feel the air move around you, free from gravity. In the blink of an eye, everything becomes clear as water. It would be beautiful – if only you weren’t in the midst of a violent highside.

Racing means crashing, something Mat and Peter are all too familiar with. But what happens when a rider loses control? What goes through your mind in that moment between error and violent consequence, and what does an engineer see when a bike goes flying in ways it was never meant to? What does it mean to learn the limits of your bike the hard way, and how can someone like Marc Márquez both have the most wins and the most crashes? This week, we throw all caution to the wind as we look at why riders crash.

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Tech Talk - The Terrible Throttle Tell-All

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 20:00:00 +0000

If you want to go fast, you hit the gas. But what actually happens when a rider goes full throttle? The answer, as you might expect of a cutting edge million dollar speed machine, is a little complex. Luckily, we’ve got our very own engineering expert! Join us as Mat asks Peter everything you’ve ever wanted to know about what happens when you turn that handle.
Oh, and make sure to stick around for the end of the episode for some very cool updates about the future of the podcast…

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Hail to the King, Baby - Interviewing Kenny Roberts

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000

This week we give a royal welcome to our guest, the legendary Kenny Robers. ‘King Kenny’ not only won the world title three times, but he also changed the face of MotoGP forever through his legendary battle with the FIM over riders’ rights, than started his own world titles winning raceteam and even became a racebike manufacturer. And that’s not even getting in to some of his other (in)famous exploits…

So join Mat and Peter as Kenny takes them on a wild ride through history, from heated battles on the track to the case of a missing testicle, and discover that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Let’s go!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

A Concise Concession Conversation

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000

‘A’ is for ‘aero’
Of which some get two
‘B’ is for ‘braking’
Later than you
‘C’ is for ‘concessions’,
Which next season needs
‘D’ is for ‘dunces’
Who have little speed

This week, we’re putting the MotoGP rule book on the chopping block as we discuss the new concession system. Can you keep MotoGP exciting and fair at the same time? And what does 'fair' even mean in racing? Mat and Peter are about to find out as they look at how we got here and examine what these new rules mean. Cheers!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

New Year's Special - The Big Machine Roundup

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000

Earth has finished another lap around the sun, again not breaking it’s record of 365 days. But while the Big Blue Marble isn’t going to change speed any time soon, the same can’t be said for the bikes in MotoGP.

So today, at very edge between 2023 and 2024, Mat and Peter dust off their crystal balls to take a peak at what the future holds for all our favorite competitors. We’re going through the bikes of 2024, machine by machine, and see what we can expect of them. So cheers to the new year, and enjoy!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

A Very Kiwi Christmas - Chatting with Crew Chief Paul Trevathan

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 19:00:00 +0000

The holidays are here, so we've invited a special guest to join us around the fire. Say hello to Paul Trevathan, an industry veteran and MotoGP crew chief for KTM. You might know Paul from his work with riders like Mika Kallio, Miguel Oliveira and Pol Espargaro.

Well, this week he's sitting down for a long chat with Mat and Peter...and they've got a lot of questions! So don't be worried if this episode ends up a little longer than usual - consider it a holiday present!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Winter 2023 – Grinning Assassin, Poet of the Line

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0000

He’s a legend. He’s changed the face of MotoGP. One of our hosts wrote a book about him. This week, Peter and Mat share some of their favourite memories of self-proclaimed ‘Poet of the Line’ Valentino Rossi!
From the time Mat saw a twelve year old Valentino riding mini bikes to the day Peter discovered why ‘Il Dottore’ always carried a rubber band, there is a lot to talk about when it comes to Rossi. So join us by the fire and warm yourself with some of our favourite stories about number 46…

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Interview - Show me the money!

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000

We all love racing bikes - so why aren't more people watching? The answer involves money, something our hosts are terrible with. That's why we asked someone else to explain it for us...
Yes, this episode we welcome our first guest in our very first interview! Dario de Wit is a financial expert and investor who specializes in motorsports. He's here to explain where the the profit comes from and how money works in MotoGP. So join us and strep in, as we dive in deep and follow the money!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Dario’s Monza Group invests and fuels growth into global motorsports opportunities, working with top-tier players across the motorcycle grand prix racing paddock to enable investment, co-investment and sponsorship into the sport

monzagroup.co

Winter 2023 - No Rest For The Wicked

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 19:00:00 +0000

MotoGP might be taking a break, but we're not going anywhere! Testing has begun at Valencia, and Marquez is bloody fast again. Meanwhile, Mat takes a close look at the new concession system and Peter has a sneaking suspicion he's seen Honda's new bike somewhere before...

For all this and more, tune in to our new episode!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Valencia 2023 - Don't Deny The Hugs

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 23:00:00 +0000

It's over. The final race has been held, a new champion has been crowned and the teams, bikes and drivers retreat back to their homes to train for next year. But we're not done with MotoGP yet, as we take a look at this last hurrah and reflect on what has been a wild, wild season. So pour yourself a cold one, get comfortable, and let Mat and Peter treat you to an extra long season finale!

Wait, season finale? Well, stick around to the end, because we've got some great plans to keep you up to speed during the holidays. Because MotoGP might take a brake on us, but we're not doing the same...

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Qatar 2023 - Not With a Bang But A Whimper

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Mat and Peter are angry - no, furious! - as any chance for a spectacular finale evaporates like rubber from a bad rear tyre. What caused Martin's rotten luck, and could it have been prevented? And what's it like to be within the paddock in these last few races, as the pressure is building and there is no place to rest? Grab a beer and let Mat and Peter find out the answer for you, in this new episode!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Sepang 2023 - The Thumb Brake of the Beast

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:00:00 +0000

Bastianini unleashes the beast upon Sepang, but what's his secret? Peter thinks the answer might hide in Enea's thumb, and explains why that's incredible. Meanwhile, Mat explores the tactical applications of tyre pressure warnings, and tells why that tactic might lead to some very interesting final races this tournament.

So join us as we skirt around this the curbs of this week's episode, neatly dodging the rules and fighting a long front fork. Cheers!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - The Man In The Mirror

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000

This week we're trying out something new, as Mat and Peter transport you to Sepang International Circuit! Where are the curves and straights that can make or break a race? Which corners are a rider's delight, and which are their worst nightmare?

So join us as we take Sepang apart, corner by corner, and take a look at what makes or breaks both bike and rider in the Malaysian tropics. Then, stick around to discover why Mat knows so much about the layout of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, why both Peter and Stefan Bradl won't ever forget a certain bit of tarmac and what goes through the heads of this year's potential champions as they take a look at the man in the mirror.

We’ve got a packed episode for you this week, so strap in and enjoy the ride...

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Thailand 2023 - A Crazy Spooky Black Cloud

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0000

What happens when a man with nothing to lose faces down two riders fighting for the championship title? You get absolute bloody fireworks, as Binder, Martin and Bagnaia fight tooth and nail over every inch of asphalt. But was Bagnaia's briliant manouvre a calculated attack, a happy accident, or both? And how are the tyres involved?

Mat and Peter discover the answers as they dive deep into the race at Chang International Circuit. So join us as Mat is reminded of an old prediction and Peter explains why he's not angry at Álex Márquez - just a little dissapointed.

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Phillip Island 2023 - He Could Take A Year Off?

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0100

Jorge Martin has gone soft in the tyres - but has he gone mad as well? Peter and Mat are divided over a choice of tyres, discover that there is a very fine line between bravery and stupidity and consider which riders might want to take a holiday.

Welcome to Philip Island, where crazy things are happening and our Wi-Fi can't be trusted. Now come join us, through the corners and up the crest, as we move at blistering speeds along a track where the even the fastest heroes dare not crash....

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Mandalika 2023 - Hard Times With a Soft Tire

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 22:00:00 +0100

This week we’re pushing it to the absolute limit in Indonesia as we look at the aftermath of the race at Mandalika. What limits, you ask? All of them! We’ve got such sights to show you!

They said it couldn’t be done...but they did it anyway!
See a rider who’s bike handles like a chopper!
Witness a man with only one good leg, fighting for the podium!
Shudder as training rivalries are taken to the boiling tarmac, and watch in horror as a promising young man makes a death-defying choice of tires...and pays the price!

All this and more on a new episode of the Oxley Bom Podcast. Come listen...if you dare.

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - Red versus Purple

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:00:00 +0100

Take a long, deep breath and enjoy the silence while it lasts, because chaos is around the corner. It's a mad dash from here to November, taking riders all across the world and through hell and back in a grand final fight for the title.
But there is another contest going on behind the screens: the battle between the red shirts and the purple shirts, Bagnaia versus Martin. And while the championship is gearing up for the most grueling month in MotoGP history, Marquez is preparing for his return to a certain Italian brand.
So join us as we talk about bike versus bike, red versus purple and riders versus exhaustion in this week's episode!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Motegi 2023 - The Great Rain Robbery

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100

The best of the best are getting wet and wild at Japan as MotoGP goes to Motegi. This week, Peter is deeply impressed (and scared!) when Jorge Martín takes it to the absolute limit and Mat wants to cry for Johann Zarco. Also: all the reasons why Ducati's go fast when the track gets drenched and why you really don't want a steamy helmet...

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

India 2023 - If You Can't Stand the Heat...

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0100

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."
Whoever first said that clearly never visited Buddh International Circuit, where the bikes are overheating and the riders are cooking in their leathers. The heat leads Mat and Peter to strange questions, such as: why would Fabio Quartararo do a good job as the world's fastest alarm clock, and what happened with Jorge Martin's suit?

So join us as we discuss modern MotoGP history: the first race on a brand new track, where proven riders have no old tricks to fall back on and new legends are made!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - From Rivalry to Burglary

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +0100

We all know and love a good rivalry, from Achilles and Hector to Rossi and Biagi. Or from The Beatles and the Stones, to Rossi versus Marquez. Rivalries come in all different shapes and sizes, and some don't even involve Il Dottore!

This week, we'll take a look at legendary rivalries and the races they made. Does every great rider need an equally great rival, or are they slowly becoming a thing of the past? And what dastardly acts did Mat get up to when left in a fancy establishment with Peter's former driver Cal Crutchlow? Listen to this weeks episode to find out!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Misano 2023 - Farewell to the Last Link

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 20:00:00 +0100

Sad news this week as we say goodbye to Mike Trimby, a legend who helped make MotoGP into the sport we all know and love.
Meanwhile, on the track, Mat and Peter see riders pull of some amazing stunts while fighting their own injuries and we even get a sneak peak at some of the interesting figures Mat has diner with...

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Catalunya 2023 - Don't mention the Cube

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0100

It's time for Aprilia's revenge at Catalunya, as Espargaro and Vinales take home the gold and silver. That's not just fantastic driving, but also some incredible engineering at work.

Luckily, Mat and Peter sitting tight around their mikes underneath the Spanish sun and they're ready to tell you all about it. So get ready to learn about a bike that gets more grip the faster it goes, dangerous new trends at the starting grid and the terrible memory of the Bike Which Must Not Be Named!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Tech Talk - The Entertainment Branch of Physics

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0100

When is a motorbike like an airplane? When Mat and Peter are discussing aero, of course! This week we dive into the field of applied physics that is changing the face of racing as we know it. It's a story of bizarre unintended effects, beginning with some simple tweaks and ending with riders whu use their own limbs as airbrakes and 'dirty air' as a defense.

Or, as Peter puts it omniously: "The engineers went looking in corners where they weren't supposed to be looking - and they found something there."

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Red Bull Ring 2023 - Always Wrong in Another Way

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 20:00:00 +0100

Coming to you straight from the Red Bull Ring in Austria, we've got a packed episode for you this week!

Why did Bezzecchi struggle to overtake Jorge Martín? Can everything really be traced back to Viñales ? And what on earth was Mat trying to photograph before the officials send him away? Listen to find out the answers to this and much more, while Peter does his best not to start a bomb scare and Mat has us wondering what's cooking in the kitchen. Cheers everyone!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

MotoGP - The Chicane Chicanery

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Imagine you are a rider, fighting for first. Your machine is the fastest thing on two wheels, asphalt flashes by at speeds over 300 km/h and there's no sound but the roaring winds and the scream of an engine tweaked to the peak of its abilities.

It's the perfect moment.

And then you hit the brakes, bleeding away all that hard-won speed and momentum, because there's another bloody chicane coming up.

Chicanes, we all know and hate them. Ugly little corner-snakes designed to steal away speed, annoy riders and save lives. They are often necessary, and frequently annoying. But what is the difference between a 'good' and a 'bad' chicane? Why are they notorious for making or breaking track times? And is your favourite track in danger of sprouting a chicane? Mat and Peter are on the case, and the answers might surprise you!

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Silverstone 2023 - A Sneaky Box of Matches

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0100

The wait is over! Yes, MotoGP is back – but more importantly, so are Mat and Peter! It's time to talk Silverstone and Peter's almost recovered from his adventures in Japan. Luckily for us, he’s ready to explain what really happened when Bagnaia seemingly took a little flight over the green. Meanwhile, Mat muses on what it means for modern bikes with to be in each other’s slipstream, why no driver wants to be caught in someone’s ‘dirty air’, and if there’s such a thing as ethical arson.

You’re just going to have to listen to the episode to figure out that last one...

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Double Feature - Head in a Box

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:00:00 +0100

Are you feeling the pressure? Mat and Peter are, as they dive head first into the show's first double feature. Double what, exactly? Double the subjects!

We're kicking off the week with the end of our Tire Trilogy, which is totally a real thing which we planned in advance. In this grand finale, Mat takes a look at the Dorna's decision to implement a minimum pressure rule, and why this seemingly small thing has a massive influence on the bike.

But that's not all, because the pressure in the tires is nothing compared to the pressure a rider feels when he's standing at the grid, hand on the throttle and eyes on the lights. Or is it? You're about to find out, as an ex-rider and a former crew chief reveal what goes on behind the visor.

With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!

Tech Talk - The Tires They Are A-Changin'

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0100

A big change is on the horizon. Pirelli has taken over Dunlop's exclusive contract in Moto3 and Moto2, and in a few years they might make a bid on MotoGP. Big deal, right?

Well, clothes might make the man but Mat and Peter explain why it's tires that make the bike. From grip and top speed to balance and a million other little things, they all come down to those big black round things attached to your motorbike. And a small change in manufacturer can cause all the difference in the world once you're on the grid.

So join us as Mat muses on the meaning of a monopoly while Peter ponders the
performance of Pirelli over Dunlop. Think you're tired of tires? Well, strap in and let's see how deep the rabit hole goes...

Listener Questions - Veteran of the Tire Wars

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 18:00:00 +0100

We're handing the reins over to you this episode, as Mat and Peter answer your most burning questions. Does Ducati deserve its domination? What really makes Rossi tick? Why doesn't Marquez just put wings on his 2020 bike and call it aero? And should we bring back the Tire Wars?

Strap in and get ready - you demanded answers from us, and we're going to give them to you!

With big thanks to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our themesong! Check out The Nextmen at https://thenextmen.bandcamp.com/

Tech Talk - Blame the Car People!

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 20:00:00 +0100

The sight of a Japanese bike at the front of the grid is starting to look more and more like a thing of the past. Honda and Yamaha are struggling, while Suzuki left the MotoGP entirely. What's going on, and what's going to happen?

Join us this week as Peter shares a unique insight into the politics of racing, and Mat discovers that it is, of course, the fault of car people.

With big thanks to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who wrote our themesong! Check out The Nextmen at https://thenextmen.bandcamp.com/

Tech Talk - Pump it up, pump it down

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:00:00 +0100

Need to get out of a corner, fast? Well, there's a little gizmo for that - and it is changing the way riders are engaging with the track in fundamental ways.

This week, the boys give you the lowdown on that most mysterious piece of tech: the Ride Height Device. Banned by the Formula 1 but embraced by Ducati, this little miracle of engineering allows bikes to pull off corners that would have been impossible just a few years ago. But where did it come from and how does it work?

Peter has seen the Device for himself and is here to tell us all about it, while Mat dives deep into its history. From German traffic laws to hydraulic computing, this is the story of what happens when human skill is put against briliant engineering.

With big thanks to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club, who helped us out with an awesome new themesong! Check out The Nextmen at https://thenextmen.bandcamp.com/

Assen 2023 - Fancy a quick one?

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:00:00 +0100

MotoGP comes to Peters backyard, so this time it's personal! Live from Assen, Mat and Peter discuss a race where the 'Ducati-difference' is becoming painfully obvious and close calls raise red flags - but try to have some sympathy for the stewards.

Sachsenring 2023 - There's always a price for everything

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

It's time for some teutonic thrills as MotoGP does Sachsenring! The riders give it their all, but is a killer attitude enough when confronted with Ducati's mean machines? Join Mat and Peter as they discuss Italian technology, close calls and a certain rider who DNF'd with his head in his helmet and his helmet in his hands.

Mugello 2023 - Everybody Hurts

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 21:00:00 +0100

Mugello becomes the track of close calls this year, as both Marquez brothers take a tumble, Bagnaia takes home first place and Zarco shows some fantastic racing.

But how many close calls are too many, and why does this season seem to ask so much of the riders? That's the question bothering Mat and Peter - and with Mat at the track, there's no better moment to go searching for an answer.

MotoGP - Getting ready for Mugello with Claudia Schiffer

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0100

Welcome to Mugello, where the longest strait in MotoGP pushes bikes and riders to their absolute limit. Here, they compete for more than points: they fight for the honour of bringing home first place on perhaps the greatest track in the tournament.

It is the shining jewel in MotoGP’s crown, the place where legends are made. But what makes this track so special and what can we expect next week? Mat and Peter find out as they tackle late break points, rabid fans and the legendary exploits of Valentino Rossi and a blow up doll.

The Isle of Man TT - Where MotoGP Started

Sat, 27 May 2023 15:00:00 +0100

The superbikes are revving up for the Isle of Man TT and Peter has questions. Luckily, Mat has more than enough personal experience to answer them. What are the technical challenges of maintaining a bike in this race? How dangerous is it really? And why do some riders say it's the best experience in the world?

Join us as we dive deep into the the race where MotoGp started!

Too much tech?

Sun, 21 May 2023 18:00:00 +0100

The aftermath of Le Mans has people talking about Bagnaia's comment that he wouldn't mind "a bigger gap between the factory and satellite bikes". But what does he mean, and what does it tell us about the current state of technology in MotoGP? Mat and Peter try to unpack the situation - but they only have thirty minutes before Peter's Ducati-alarm goes off.

Le Mans 2023: Bringing a Spoon to a Knife Fight

Sun, 14 May 2023 18:00:00 +0100

It's a wild weekend at the MotoGP in Le Mans, France, as Mat and Peter talk crashes, close calls and some good old fashioned chaos. Cheers!

Jerez

Tue, 09 May 2023 15:00:00 +0100

Peter and Mat test out their audio equipment and discuss the race at Jerez.