This week's episode of the Paddock Pass Podcast is the first in a new series, in which the team take a look back at classic moments in racing history, be it races, seasons, or other events. We kick this season off with a season that holds a special place in many people's hearts: the 2006 MotoGP season.

There was a lot to get excited about in 2006: Valentino Rossi's surprise fall from utter domination, five different manufacturers getting on the podium, and some of the closest racing we have ever seen, topped off, of course, with Nicky Hayden realizing his dream of winning a Grand Prix world championship.

Steve English, Neil Morrison, and David Emmett gather round their laptops to go back over the season, talk about what happened, and why. We talk through the lead up to the 2006 season, preseason testing, whether Valentino Rossi lost focus with thoughts of a move to F1. Then we go through the highlights of the season: Ducati's rise, Hayden's consistency, the arrival of Dani Pedrosa, the bar-banging races at Mugello, Sachsenring, Estoril, and the multifaceted drama of the Portugese Grand Prix.

This was a really fun show to do, and a great season to look back at.

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