Backseat Driver

In this Backseat Driver Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting with Bryn Pearce, representing Lightning House Motorsport Promotions and Events. Bryn takes us on an exhilarating journey through Lightning House's inception and dynamic activities, showcasing their remarkable achievement in reviving Rally GB to Chester Council's acclaim. We delve into their extensive involvement in diverse motorsport...

It's me, Mark Stone, bringing you an exhilarating episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, recorded live from the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed! This event is a paradise for motorsport enthusiasts, and we've captured the essence of the festival with exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes insights. Join me as I sit down with motorsport legends, including Keith Doddsworth from the International...

Welcome to the Backseat Driver Podcast with me, Mark Stone for Part 2 at the Lombard Rally at Grimesthorpe Castle. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of classic cars and rally legends, bringing you closer than ever to the heart of the rally scene. I chat with an impressive lineup of rally enthusiasts and racers. Meet Dom Booth, a true legend in the rally world, showcasing his HB Internat...

It's me, Mark Stone and in this first part of this two-part episode on the Backseat Driver Podcast, I am in the world of rallying at Grimesthorpe Castle's Lombard Rally Series. This episode is packed with adrenaline and excitement, featuring a stunning array of classic cars and motorbikes, each with its unique history and charm. I chat with legendary drivers like Andy Dawson, Bangers and Cash's Da...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Andy Ogley, the Technical Research and Development Manager at Millers Oils. Throughout our conversation, we delved into Millers Oils' rich history, which spans over 130 years of lubricating machinery and vehicles in Yorkshire and beyond. Andy shed light on the company's global presence and renowned fuel additives e...

In this episode of The Backstreet Driver Podcast, I enjoyed a detailed conversation with Steve Doney, a fellow enthusiast whose passion for Land Rovers knows no bounds. Together, we delved into the rich tapestry of history surrounding the British icon of off-roading, exploring its significance in Britain's post-war export boom and its enduring reputation for rugged dependability worldwide. Steve g...

It's me, Mark Stone, and in this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Fiona Elliott, the visionary founder behind Me and My Car, a company specialising in crafting unique and high-quality motoring and motorsport-related gifts. Fiona delves into the genesis of Me My Car, a venture born out of her frustration with the absence of premium motoring gifts nearly two decades ago. Drawing upon her...

Join us at Oulton Park for the Gas Shocks 116 Trophy with series manager Mark Bate and me, Mark Stone. I'm thrilled to bring you this episode packed with in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes access. We'll be chatting with drivers, team members, and special guests, giving you an insider's look at one of the UK's friendliest yet most competitive racing series. We'll delve into the series' growi...

In this episode of The Backseat Driver Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome back rally drivers Malcolm Graham and Charlie Woodward for a captivating discussion about their extraordinary journey in rallying. Together, they take us on a nostalgic ride through their memorable experiences, starting with the serendipitous acquisition of a Datsun Works car and the remarkable modifications that set it apart...

On this episode of Backseat Driver Podcast, I sat down with former rally driver Malcolm Graham and his co-driver, Charlie Woodward, for a profoundly insightful interview. Malcolm took us on a journey through the annals of rallying history, starting from his humble beginnings in 1961 with an unlikely rally car, a Triumph Herald Cooper. Throughout his career, Malcolm piloted an impressive array of v...

It's me, Mark Stone. This week, I had the pleasure of attending the Vintage Montlhéry 100 event, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the renowned French circuit. Amidst the festivities, I marvelled at an impressive array of classic cars, motorcycles, and historic race series, including the Gas Shox 116 Trophy and 120 Coupe Cup. Engaging with participants, organisers, and enthusiasts like Andy L...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Ian Bannister, a dedicated stock car racing enthusiast and co-author of the captivating book 'It's Not All About The Racing'. Together, we delved into the rich tapestry of stock car racing, exploring its vibrant culture and community beyond the thrill of the competitions. Ian captures the essence of the sport through pho...

In this special episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, we pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Peter Collins, a British racing driver whose remarkable career was tragically cut short in 1958. Born in 1931, Collins's meteoric rise through the ranks of motor racing left an indelible impression on the sport, earning him admiration from luminaries such as Enzo Ferrari. Yet, despite his impressive ac...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive headfirst into the captivating world of historic marathon rallies. Join me as we explore iconic events like the London to Mexico and London to Munich rallies, uncovering the exhilarating tales of participants and enthusiasts alike. The heart of this episode lies in the detailed accounts of the challenging 1974 London to Sahara to Munich rally....

In this episode of the Backseat Driver podcast, I take you behind the scenes of Mission Motorsport's track day event for veterans at Three Sisters Circuit. This event sheds light on the charity's remarkable initiative to harness the power of motorsport as a rehabilitative tool for armed forces personnel. Through interviews with key figures such as Mark White, Jill Baines, veterans, and car owners,...

It's me, Mark Stone, and I've got something special for you in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast. I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the thrilling atmosphere of the 2024 Flying Scotsman Rally. From the excitement of its start at Carden Park, Chester, to the triumphant finish at Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland, I experienced firsthand the vibrant world of automotive heritage...

In this fourth and final part of an interview with international co-driver Mike Wood, he reminisces about his extensive rally career, highlighting his last international rally in 1973 at the Monte Carlo with the Datsun 240Z, where he and his team secured a ninth-place finish. Mike discusses the pivot in his career post-rallying, marking his involvement with Sandiford Motorcycles and, later, Montes...

In this third instalment of Mike Wood's rally career series, the renowned co-driver discusses his experiences in international rallying, starting with his first Tulip Rally in 1955. Mike shares anecdotes about his challenges and peculiarities, including navigating Europe's terrains and dealing with language barriers. He also highlights his participation in the Tour de France Automobile and the Lon...

This is Part two of an extensive interview with legendary rally co-driver Mike Wood sharing stories from his extensive career in rallying, beginning with the unconventional repair methods for rally cars, including tipping Minis on their sides to change drive shafts. Mike takes us through various high points of his career. He details his experiences in iconic rallies like the Geneva Rally, the Mont...

In this first part of the interview, legendary co-driver Mike Wood shares stories of his career in motorsport. Born in 1934, Wood discusses how his passion for motorsport was ignited in 1947 after watching motorcycle racing. His early days included navigating rallies in his father's Mark I Ford Prefect, eventually leading to his recognition as a highly skilled navigator. Wood recounts his extensiv...

I had the pleasure of meeting David Kelsall, a remarkable individual who transitioned from rally driver to celebrated automotive artist. Engaging in a conversation outside Kelsall's home in the Yorkshire countryside, I delve into his journey, beginning with his days in rallying, his self-taught path into the world of art, and his exploration of digital mediums in creating his masterpieces. Kelsall...

It's me, Mark Stone, and I'm thrilled to bring you an exclusive look into Praga Cars with Mark Harrison, the Managing Director of Praga Cars UK. We're diving into Praga's rich history, from its inception in 1907 in Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic, to its rise as a prominent race car manufacturer. Mark Harrison enlightens us on Praga's evolution, from manufacturing road and racing cars to br...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast! I sit down with Derek Drinkwater, a passionate racing enthusiast with a knack for vintage American car restoration. Derek takes us on a thrilling journey through his love affair with racing, from his early days tinkering in his dad's garage to his adventures at iconic events like Bonneville and the Le Mans Classic. He also shares insights into his un...

It's me, Mark Stone and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I talk to Graeme Hardy about his passion for impersonating living and fictional characters. He discusses his incarnations as George Formby, Tazio Nuvolari, Stan Laurel, and Harold Steptoe, among others. He reflects on the meticulous research and effort he puts into recreating these characters and the positive impact and recogn...

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I interview Paul Woodford, a manager of Cadwell Park, a classic car filmmaker, and a Clan Crusader expert. He discusses his role at Cadwell Park, his journey into the world of motorsport, and the fascinating history and design details of the Clan Crusader. The conversation delves into how the Clan Crusader shook up the rally world in its heyday and t...