Backseat Driver

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with James Newbold, author of  Formula 3000: Where Legends Earn Their Stripes , to explore his fascinating new book, an in-depth chronicle of one of motorsport’s most influential yet often overlooked championships. James shares how his passion for racing history inspired him to document the full story of&...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Miles Hardy, a leading name in the world of classic and high-performance cars and the driving force behind HPC Classics, a respected dealership dedicated to exceptional sports and collector vehicles. Miles shares the story behind the founding of HPC Classics, explaining how a shared passion for cars am...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Mike Smith, a respected authority in automotive consulting and cinematic history — particularly renowned for his expertise on the iconic vehicles of the James Bond franchise. Mike shares his deep-rooted passion for Aston Martin and his extensive experience as a senior consultant on accla...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I speak with Molly Livermore, a rising star in the world of rallying and one of a growing number of women making their mark in motorsport. Molly shares how her passion for rallying was shaped by her father’s legacy as a rally driver and her early immersion in motorsport events. From marshalling at a young age to taking t...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I head to the Autos de France event at the Foreign Point Circuit in Cheshire, a celebration of all things French on four wheels. Joined by Chris Lee as I immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere, meeting passionate owners and enthusiasts, particularly those with a love for the legendary Alpine A110. T...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I share the remarkable story of Derek Herneman, who set out on a 4,000-mile journey around the UK coastline in a vintage Land Rover and a 1946 caravan — all to raise awareness and funds for bowel cancer and Alzheimer’s charities. Inspired by a pair of books given to him by his son, Derek combined his passion for classic...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with John Brooks, author of  Le Mans: The Official History 2000 to 2009 , to explore one of the most influential decades in endurance racing. John and I discuss the dominance of Audi during this era and the extraordinary achievements of Tom Kristensen, who secured a record-breaking seven victories at...

In this episode of the  Backseat Driver  podcast, we explore the intricate world of rally timing equipment with Victoria Coward, Director of Operations at Brantz. Victoria takes us through the fascinating history of In this episode of the  Backseat Driver  podcast, we explore the intricate world of rally timing equipment with Victoria Coward, Director of Operations at Brantz. V...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Daniel Beavis, editor of  Copacetic  magazine, to explore how the publication is redefining the perception of modified cars in today’s automotive culture. Together, Daniel and I trace the evolution of car modification, from the vibrant yet often stigmatised scene of the 1990s through to its mode...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I journey deep into the heart of rallying as we shine a spotlight on local car clubs and their mission to ignite a new passion for motorsport. This time, we’re talking about the North West Rally Legends 2025, held at Haigh Barn in Wigan, an unforgettable, free day out filled with historic rally cars I expl...

It's me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a look at the remarkable journey undertaken by rally drivers Anthony Harrison and Marcus Pomfret as they navigate the Desert Trophy event in Morocco using their Fiat Panda. I talk to them about their experiences in the challenging terrains of the Moroccan landscape, characterised by both camaraderie and competition. We...

It's me, Mark Stone and this weeks Backseat Driver Podcast, I join David and Sandra Williams, and delve into the extraordinary world of charity car rallies, elucidating their passion for driving unconventional vehicles across Europe to raise funds for noble causes. The couple recounts their experiences with a variety of unique automobiles, including their eye-catching pink Audi A4 and the creative...

It’s me, Mark Stone here, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by rally veteran John Livermore to explore the rich and varied world of rally driving. John takes me through his remarkable journey in the sport, shaped by family connections and personal experiences, and shares his insights into how rally cars and events have evolved over the years. We discuss the importance...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive into the fascinating history and significance of the vehicles featured in the James Bond franchise. Joining me are renowned authors Matthew Field and A.J. Chowdhury, whose latest book,  Spy Octane Volume 1 , explores the evolution of these iconic cars and their deep connection to both cinematic storytelling and au...

In this episode of the  Backseat Driver Podcast , we sit down with Ron Beecroft, a distinguished figure in rallying whose journey began far from the racetrack, in the agricultural heart of Yorkshire. Ron shares how his passion for motorsport was sparked by a simple invitation to observe a rally event, eventually leading him to a successful career in the sport. From novice to seasoned competit...

It's me Mark Stone and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore the Knutsford and District Motor Club’s recent initiative to make motorsport more accessible, offering newcomers a chance to experience competitive driving in a safe environment. Through conversations with club members and participants, we highlight that motorsport doesn’t require a high-performance vehicle, everyday...

Its me, Mark Stone and in this special episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast is visiting the remarkable gathering commemorating the 70th anniversary of the British Motor Corporation’s (BMC) Competition Department, held at the National Motor Museum in Gaydon. This extraordinary event showcased an impressive assembly of over 70 ex-works cars, including iconic models such as Mini Coopers and Austin...

It's me, Mark Stone and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast I'm in conversation with Stuart Dent, a distinguished motorsport journalist and photographer, who has recently published a book titled "Both Sides of the Barrier," which chronicles his extensive experiences in the world of motor racing from 1957 to 1979. We delve into the genesis of this publication, which arose from a collecti...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I delve into the illustrious journey of Paul M. Ellender, a multifaceted individual whose passions encompass both motorsport and artistry. Ellender recounts the formative experiences that ignited his interest in motor racing, notably influenced by a dedicated chemistry teacher who recognised his artistic talent and encouraged him to create cartoons f...

In this episode of the  Backseat Driver Podcast , we explore the illustrious career of rally driver Nigel Worswick, who rose to prominence in 1996. Nigel shares the origins of his passion for motorsport, reflecting on his childhood influences and the family connections that shaped his journey. He takes us through the highs and lows of rally driving, offering firsthand insight into the challen...

In this episode of the  Backseat Driver Podcast , we dive into the fascinating world of microcars with Nigel Owen, a key member of the Micromaniacs Club. We explore the historical context of these compact vehicles, tracing their origins to the post-World War II era when they emerged as economical solutions, typically featuring engines under 800cc. From the iconic Isetta, with its distinctive...

In this episode of the  Backseat Driver Podcast , we explore the resurgence of hot rodding, a storied automotive tradition that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. I’m joined by Neil Fretwell from the Vintage Hot Rod Association, who provides a deep dive into the history of hot rods, tracing their origins to early 20th-century America, particularly in Southern California. We discuss...

TIn this episode of the  Backseat Driver Podcast , we explore the remarkable journey of Lisa Schwartz, a distinguished French-German racing driver who has recently returned to her hometown of Munich following an impressive performance at Le Mans. Lisa's deep-rooted connection to motorsport stems from her family's racing heritage and her early exposure to the sport through her father's career....

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive into the remarkable growth of the GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy and 120 Coupe Series, which are rapidly becoming key players in UK motorsport. Our discussions, sparked by the recent event at Oulton Park, showcase the incredible rise of these racing series, highlighted by full grids and a passionate field of competitors. I’m joined by Mark Bate, the fo...

In this episode of  The Backseat Driver Podcast , I sit down with  Ian Grindrod , one of the most respected co-drivers in rallying history. Ian takes us through his incredible journey, from his humble beginnings navigating 12-car rallies—despite struggling with travel sickness—to becoming the trusted co-driver of legends like  Jimmy McRae . He shares firsthand what it takes to succe...