Backseat Driver

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Derek Daly, whose remarkable career has taken him from the highest levels of motorsport to life as an author, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. Derek shares the unexpected story behind his autobiography, revealing how a chance conversation during a flight inspired him to put his extraordinary life into prin...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a closer look at the life, achievements, and final record attempt of Donald Campbell, one of Britain's most famous pioneers of speed. Joining me is Neil Shepherd, author of Donald Campbell and the Final Record Attempt , who shares his extensive research into Campbell's remarkable career and the events that unfolded on...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m once again joined by Bran DeMan for Part 2 of our adventure on the Lord of the Isles Rally, a journey that proves the best road trips rarely go according to plan. As we travel through the stunning landscapes of Cumbria, Bran and I reflect on the mechanical dramas that have already become part of the story. From a broken s...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast , I’m joined by Simon Nutter to explore the wonderfully eccentric world of rallying in a Fiat Panda . Simon shares his experiences taking part in a variety of unusual and often challenging rally events, where adventure, camaraderie, and problem-solving are just as important as speed. We discuss the preparation required to turn...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Bran DeMan, the man behind Shitbox Adventures, a company dedicated to taking unlikely cars on unforgettable journeys. Bran shares how the idea for Shitbox Adventures began with an ambitious road trip from Belgium to Mongolia in an ageing Lada, proving that adventure does not require an expensive vehicle, just de...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore the fascinating world of Southern African motorsport with Rob Young, author of Special Brew: The Story of the Southern African Formula One and Libra Specials . Rob shares the inspiration behind his book and explains how his passion for racing history led him to uncover the often-overlooked stories of drivers, engine...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Vic Piano, a lifelong enthusiast whose passion for classic American cars began with a single unforgettable encounter. Vic shares how seeing a 1940 Lincoln Continental as a child sparked a fascination that would shape the rest of his life. From that moment on, he developed a deep appreciation for vintage automobi...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Neil Simpson, a distinguished name in rallying and the driving force behind Simpsons Skoda. Neil shares his journey through the sport, from his early days influenced by a strong family connection to motorsport, to building a successful career both behind the wheel and in business. We explore the fascinating stor...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I reflect on the extraordinary life of Alan Stacey, a racing driver who overcame immense adversity to compete at the highest level of motorsport. I’m joined by Alan McGregor Stacey, who shares personal insights into his uncle’s life, character, and the lasting impact he had on the Stacey family. We explore Alan Stacey’s deep...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Paul Tattersall, a familiar face at the Tour of Mull Rally, known as much for his commentary as for his unmistakable outfit, complete with Stetson hat, bright yellow Ferrari jacket, and cowboy boots. Paul shares how his passion for motorsport developed, along with his love for historic Formula 1 and Formula 2 ma...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Nick Pagani, who shares his extensive experience working with classic American cars in the film industry. Nick talks about his journey from a family repair business in the 1980s to becoming a trusted coordinator for picture cars on major productions. We explore the crucial role vehicles play on screen, and how t...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Tina Thörner, one of the most respected co-drivers in motorsport, to explore her journey both within and beyond rallying. Tina shares how her career began, growing up in a family deeply connected to motorsport, and how that led her to work alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, including Colin McRae and...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I head to Scorton to explore a major milestone for British motorsport, the staging of a Euro Cup tractor pulling event for the first time in England. I’m joined by Craig Whittingham and his brother Daniel Whittingham, who share how they brought this ambitious event to life under the banner of the European Tractor Pulling Comm...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Sophie Hayter, whose career spans both the automotive and aerospace industries, with a lifelong passion for historic machinery. Sophie shares how her fascination with steam traction engines began through her family, particularly the influence of her grandfather and the heritage of engines associated with Eastnor...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore the magnificent alpine passes of Europe with my guest Louis Hendrickx, whose passion for driving and road trips has taken him across some of the continent’s most breathtaking routes. Louis explains how his fascination with alpine roads began with a chance discovery of a book dedicated to these legendary mountain pas...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I head to Ainsdale Beach to witness a remarkable recreation of Sir Henry Seagrave’s legendary land speed record attempt. Held between 14th and 16th March, the event brought history back to life with the iconic Sunbeam Tiger Primrose, once driven by Seagrave himself, reaching speeds of over 150 mph on the sands. I explore the...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive into the golden age of cinematic car chases from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s with Joe Pep. We begin with the legendary pursuit in Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen, a sequence widely regarded as the benchmark for every car chase that followed. We explore why that scene became so influential and how it changed the way action...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a hard look at the enduring allure of supercars and the often sobering realities that come with owning them. I’m joined by Nick Foster, an experienced specialist who works daily with some of the most desirable performance machines on the planet. We discuss how the supercar world has evolved, including the dramatic shif...

In this episode of the  Backseat Driver  podcast, we sit down with esteemed rally driver Simon Daly, who shares his deep passion for rallying—particularly his admiration for Skoda vehicles. Simon reflects on how his early experiences in motorsport, shaped by family influence, played a crucial role in his journey. He fondly recalls his uncles introducing him to the thrill of rallying, inc...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Chris Rhodes to explore a life shaped by deep-rooted automotive heritage. Chris shares stories of growing up surrounded by cars, influenced by his father’s Lotus service dealership and a household where motorsport and dealership life were part of everyday conversation. We talk about his early experiences with...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Steve Holden, whose love of cars led him on an extraordinary journey of more than 5,000 kilometres to the Arctic Circle and back in a humble Fiat Panda. Steve talks me through the motivations behind this ambitious adventure, including his decision to buy a far-from-perfect Panda and trust it to cope with some...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Justin Fellows, a devoted enthusiast of veteran and vintage automobiles, best known for taking part in historic events such as the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Justin talks me through his journey from a casual interest in old cars to becoming a committed collector and custodian of veteran machines. We exp...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a closer look at the controversial legacy of the Chevrolet Corvair, one of the most debated cars in American automotive history. I’m joined once again by Joe Pep, who shares his insights into how the Corvair became both celebrated and criticised, particularly following Ralph Nader’s landmark book Unsafe at Any Speed ....

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I speak with Katarina Kyvalova, a remarkable talent whose rise in motorsport has been as rapid as it has been impressive. Katarina talks about where her passion for cars began, shaped by early influences and a deep appreciation for classic machinery, despite having no direct family background in motorsport. We focus on her lo...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I catch up with Paul Woodford to talk about his remarkable return to rallying since the pandemic. After stepping away from the sport for fourteen years, Paul explains what drew him back behind the wheel and how quickly things have escalated since. Paul walks me through the wide range of machinery he has driven recently, from...