Backseat Driver

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive into the ever-evolving world of automotive restoration and modification, with a particular focus on resto-modding, where classic cars retain their soul while gaining modern performance. I’m joined by Tony Shine, who talks me through his journey from a young enthusiast modifying Volkswagens to tackling an ambitious Ford...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I turn the spotlight on the extraordinary yet often overlooked career of Lella Lombardi, one of motorsport’s true pioneers and the only woman to score points in Formula One. Joined by Jon Saltinstall, I explore Lombardi’s life and career, from her groundbreaking achievements on the world stage to the barriers she faced compet...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I delve into the remarkable career of Joe Pep, one of America’s most celebrated car illustrators, whose artwork is inseparable from his lifelong passion for vintage automobiles. Joe Pepitone shares the early influences that sparked his love of classic cars, growing up in New Jersey and drawing inspiration from television show...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Sam Grange-Bailey, a highly respected classic car dealer who shares her distinctive path into the automotive world. Sam talks about growing up in a family deeply rooted in car trading and how she helped evolve her father’s traditional business by embracing new technology and the early use of the internet. We exp...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Ashley Gregory, a formidable young talent competing in Mini Stocks and making serious strides as a female racing driver. Ashley talks me through her journey into motorsport, which began at just ten years old and has been driven by persistence, hard work, and a genuine passion for racing. We discus...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Alex Jacques, a highly respected voice in sports commentary, to explore his journey into the world of Formula One broadcasting. Alex shares how his early passion for motorsport, combined with a few unexpected twists of fate, steered him toward some of the most high-profile commentary roles in the sport. W...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore a striking statistic in the Porsche world: there’s said to be a one-in-three chance of owning a Porsche, yet the ownership rate among women is far lower. To dig into that, I’m joined by Sarah Rhodes, a passionate Porsche owner who defies the odds. Sarah shares her journey from early fascination to the moment sh...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I speak with Helen 'Helly' Blake, a remarkable racing driver whose journey into the world of Autograss racing is anything but ordinary. Helen shares how her path to motorsport began far from the track, rooted in an equestrian background and fuelled by childhood memories of toy cars and time spent in her father’...

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I travel to EpocAuto 2025, held just outside Lyon, France, one of Europe’s most celebrated showcases of classic and vintage motoring. I explore the event’s standout exhibits, including a stunning display of BBM racing cars and a lesser-known but remarkable French marque curated by Gérard Gamont, who shares the fasci...

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...