Backseat Driver

In this episode of  Backseat Driver , we go back to 2023 and celebrate the exciting return of the Skipton Car Show, led by Mark Dale. The event invites an impressive array of vehicles, from classic and vintage cars to creatively modified models. Mark shares the show's rich history, its hiatus, and the enthusiasm fueling its revival. As a professional chef and event manager, Mark provides a be...

In this episode of  Backseat Driver , I sit down with Chris Spencer at the Bradford Industrial Museum for an engaging conversation about the legacy of Jowett cars. Our chat begins with memories of our previous meeting at Le Mans. Chris earned a remarkable position at the Le Mans Classic event, a testament to his expertise and passion for these classic vehicles. Chris shares insights into the...

It's me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of Backseat Driver, I had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Hargreaves, a distinguished figure in motorsport media. Paul's journey began with a passion for driving tractors in his youth, which evolved into a notable career as a cameraman and producer in the motorsport industry. Paul shared captivating stories from his early days, including participating in...

In this episode of  Backseat Driver , I had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Hargreaves, whose life journey has been deeply intertwined with motorsport—not as a driver or team member, but from behind the camera lens. Paul's career began in the insurance industry from 1960 to 1978, after which he transitioned into television, film, and video production. His notable works include producin...

In this episode of  Backseat Driver , I welcome back John Saltinstall, the brilliant author of the definitive Niki Lauda biography and Jackie Ickx's authorised competition history. Together, we dive into Jackie Ickx's extraordinary career, from his innovative approach to self-promotion to his bold ventures into rally raids like the Paris-Dakar and even powerboat racing. John shares fascinatin...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast , I sit down with John Saltinstall, the acclaimed author renowned for his biographies of racing legends. From his transition out of the finance world to crafting compelling stories about icons like Niki Lauda and Jackie Ickx, John takes us on a journey into the world of motorsports history. We explore the meticulous research process behind his wo...

In this episode of  Backseat Driver , I welcome back author Darren Banks for another deep dive into the world of racing drivers. We reflect on the life and tragic death of Gerry Birrell, a talented Ford Capri racer who lost his life in a preventable Formula Two accident. Our conversation also honours Roger Williamson, marking 50 years since his fatal crash at Zandvoort. Darren shares fascinat...

In this episode of  Backseat Driver , I had the pleasure of hosting Darren Banks, a former bookseller turned author of four fascinating books on lesser-known racing drivers. Inspired by John Saltinstall, Darren shared how his love for research and history ignited his writing journey, focusing on drivers like Roger Williamson, Tom Pryce, and Stephen South. We explored the challenges of craftin...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of conducting an exclusive interview with Precision Driver Russ Swift from the comfort of his kitchen in picturesque Yorkshire. Russ graciously shared his remarkable journey from a motorsport enthusiast to achieving the prestigious title of British Champion in auto testing and ultimately ascending to global recognition as a renowne...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Miles Garner from Revival Cars Ltd, a passionate classic car enthusiast and esteemed member of the Historic and Classic Car Hirers Guild. Our conversation delved into the fascinating world of classic car rentals, shedding light on the Guild's origins and operations and the diverse array of vintage automobiles a...

It's me, Mark Stone. Welcome to the Backseat Driver Podcast, where today I bring you exclusive coverage from Epoch Auto 2024, hosted at the stunning Euro Exhibition Center near Lyon, France. This year’s event celebrates motoring history, showcasing everything from the elegance of vintage MGs to the roar of iconic Formula 3 racers. As I stroll through this vast exhibition, we uncover the passion be...

In this episode of The Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting with the esteemed rally driver Neil Calvert and his co-driver and life partner, Arlene Calvert. Neil takes us on a mesmerising journey, recounting his earliest encounters with the rallying bug in 1963. This ultimately led him to become a celebrated figure in historic rally circles, notably behind the wheel of his iconic...

Join me, Mark Stone, for an in-depth continuation of my interview with Mike Wilds at Race Retro. In this episode, Mike recounts his early struggles in Formula One, his brief stint with BRM, and the numerous mechanical failures that hindered his racing career. Despite these setbacks, Mike's career flourished in sports car racing, particularly in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Group C era. From the hi...

Join me, Mark Stone, as I sit down with the legendary Mike Wilds at Race Retro. Mike takes us through his incredible journey from a young boy peering through windows at The Chequered Flag to becoming one of the most versatile and well-known drivers. Discover how his passion for racing cars led him to the 750 Motor Club, his first race in a DRW Mark 1, and eventually driving Formula 1 cars. Mike sh...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Malcolm Mackay, editor and car enthusiast, to delve into the fascinating world of classic car ownership and its challenges. We discussed the emergence of the Historic Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA), a crucial player in safeguarding the industry against threats such as emission zones, Brexit-related transport compl...

In this special episode, join me, Mark Stone, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the iconic Bluebird K7 at Salmesbury Hall, where this engineering marvel was first built. I’m joined by a host of distinguished guests, including Gina Campbell, who reflects on the legacy of Bluebird and her family's historic achievements. We'll explore the restoration journey of the jet-powered hydrofoil and dis...

Join me, Mark Stone, for a thrilling episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast as we explore the automotive marvels at the Lombard Rally Reesby Hall. I chat with passionate car enthusiasts in this special edition, starting with David Wingfield and his Ford Escort RS2000, then Don Booth and his legendary Audi Quattro A2. We also hear from Gareth Davis with his Vauxhall Chevette, Gary Dixon and Vauxhal...

Join me, Mark Stone, on the Backseat Driver Podcast as we dive into the world of historic and modern rally cars at the exciting Lombard Rally Festival Revesby in Lincolnshire. We start with highlights from the Lombard Rally Festival, followed by an insightful interview with Andrew Towse, who shares his experiences driving the legendary Hillman Avenger. I also chatted with Andy 'Ace' Harrison, York...

It's me Mark Stone, at Bridge House Tea Rooms with an exciting celebration of the 50th Classic Car Night. In this episode, I chat with John Wright, who spearheads this unique event supporting North West Air Ambulance and North West Blood Bikes. We dive into the details of Richard Little's unique self-built off-road buggy, Greg's powerful Datsun 240Z, Jason's quirky Replicar Cursor, and Gary Gee's...

In this episode of The Backseat Driver Podcast, we welcome back our esteemed guest, truck driver Lee Tombling, alongside the intriguing newcomer, Alexander McCabe, who brings a unique perspective as a former legal expert turned accomplished author. Together, we delve into the current landscape of truck driving, exploring the strides made toward improved wages and addressing persistent challenges s...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Qal Shah, an expert in car tuning from BHP UK. Throughout our conversation, Cal provided fascinating insights into the evolution of car tuning, tracing its history from basic mechanical adjustments to today's sophisticated techniques, including the utilisation of microchipping and the Engine Control Unit (ECU)...

In this second part of The Backseat Driver Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome back my guest, the esteemed former professional racing driver Patrick Watts, to continue our in-depth discussion. Patrick delves into captivating anecdotes from his illustrious career, with a particular focus on his trials and triumphs with the Peugeot team during the SuperTouring era. He highlights the challenges, includi...

It's me, Mark Stone. In this episode of The Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Patrick Watts, a celebrated racing driver whose journey spans grassroots hill climbing to the pinnacles of the British Touring Car Championships. Patrick shares the genesis of his racing fervour, an origin surprisingly not rooted in familial tradition but ignited by his father's contagious passi...

In this episode of the Backstreet Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Richard Usher, the visionary behind the Great British Car Journey. Together, we embarked on a captivating journey through British automotive history, exploring his unique attraction dedicated to celebrating the heritage of British automobiles. During our discussion, Richard vividly described the immersive experience of...

Join me, Mark Stone, as I explore the thrilling Holme Moss Hill Climb 2024, the final recreation of this historic event. We start by delving into the History of Hill Climb Racing and how it has evolved. Then, enjoy exclusive interviews, starting with Guy Loveridge, the event organiser, who gives us an insider's view of orchestrating this monumental race. We also chat with key participants, includi...