Thanks to Maxxis Tires | FOX | Jenson USA for supporting The Inside Line

This Inside Line podcast episode, recorded at the Pro Downhill Series in Solitude, Utah, features Shawn Spomer from Vital MTB interviewing Michael McQueen—better known as “The Mangler”—about his pivotal but often behind-the-scenes role in U.S. downhill racing coverage. McQueen shares the origins of his nickname from his BMX days, his North Carolina roots, and his background in professional broadcasting, including work with NASCAR.

He explains how his DIY BMX filming ethos, combined with big-network experience, led him to refine the race replay format that has become a cornerstone of U.S. downhill media. The discussion highlights the enormous logistics behind capturing and editing race footage—from assembling crews and cameras to coordinating with regional series—and contrasts his storytelling style with World Cup broadcasts. McQueen’s story underscores how passion, persistence, and community collaboration have fueled the growth of U.S. downhill coverage.