PODCAST · leisure
Backseat Driver
by Mark Stone
Based in the north-west of England, former competitive driver Mark Stone moved into radio and motoring journalism after his competitive driving career came to an end in the late 1980s. Over the years, Mark has written for many of the well-known motoring magazines and made numerous TV appearances across Europe and is still an enthusiastic driver. In the Backseat Driver Podcast, Mark interviews prominent people from all over the world of motoring.
Episodes
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20 Years of GT3 Racing with Gary Watkins
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by motorsport journalist and author Gary Watkins to explore the remarkable rise of GT3 racing and how it became one of the most successful categories in international motorsport. Gary's latest book charts the…
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Ruben Verdes Part 2: Judging Automotive Excellence
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined once again by Ruben Verdes, an authority on Rolls-Royce and Bentley, as we turn our attention to the fascinating world of classic car concours, judging and the preservation of automotive history. In the second…
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Are Affordable Motorsports Watches Worth Buying? With Hamish Robertson
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Hamish Robertson from the Watch Collectors Club to explore the fascinating relationship between motorsport and watches, and how the two have become almost inseparable over more than a century. With the…
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Ruben Verdes Part 1: The Remarkable History of Rolls-Royce
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Ruben Verdes, a leading authority on Rolls-Royce and Bentley, to explore the remarkable history, craftsmanship and stories behind some of the world’s most celebrated motor cars. Ruben’s involvement with these...
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Behind the Scenes of F1 Logistics with Steve Rendle
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by author Steve Rendle to look beyond the drivers and cars and discover the extraordinary operation that keeps modern Formula One moving. Steve’s book explores the enormous infrastructure behind F1, where teams...
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Are Modern Rally Cars Too Fast? With Dr. Beatty Crawford
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Beatty Crawford, a hugely experienced figure in rallying, to ask some serious questions about the direction of the modern sport and whether World Rally Championship cars have simply become too fast. Drawing…
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Ilkley Jubilee Rally with Joe Mallinson
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Joe Mallinson, the new Clerk of the Course for the Ilkley Jubilee Historic Rally, to discover just what goes into organising one of Britain’s much-loved historic road rallies. Joe takes me behind the scenes of...
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The Motorsport Influence on Watch Design with Ilias Strousidis
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Ilias Strousidis, a racing driver and watch designer whose two great passions, motorsport and horology, have come together in a fascinating way. Ilias shares his journey through motorsport in his native Greece,...
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Biker Granddad's European Adventure with Chris Allsop
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Chris Allsop, affectionately known as the “Biker Granddad”, who at the age of 75 has set off on an extraordinary motorcycle adventure across Europe aboard his BMW F800GT. Chris shares what inspired him to get...
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World of Land Speed Records with Louise Noeth
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Louise Noeth, better known as “Land Speed Louise”, whose passion and expertise have made her one of the leading authorities on land speed racing. Louise shares her unlikely journey into motorsport, from growing...
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NASCAR and IndyCar with Vic Piano
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined once again by Vic Piano, whose passion for American cars is matched only by his remarkable knowledge of American motorsport. Together, we explore the fascinating worlds of NASCAR and the Indianapolis 500…
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Adventures in Steam Traction Engineering with Andrew Mawdsley
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Andrew Mawdsley from the North West Vintage Machinery Club to discuss his remarkable journey into the world of steam traction engines. Andrew shares the story behind acquiring and restoring his beloved engine,...
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Mike Manns and the Chrysler Turbine Car
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by the American author Mike Manns. Mike is a respected car restorer from Missouri whose lifelong passion for classic vehicles has led him to some truly remarkable projects. Mike shares the story of his family's…
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The Decline of Iconic Automakers with Joe Pep
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I welcome back Joe Pep for a thought-provoking discussion on the decline of some of Britain and America's most iconic car manufacturers. Together, we look back at legendary marques such as Jaguar, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,...
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The Rochdale Olympic and Its Legacy with Robert Ballago
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a closer look at one of Britain's most intriguing and underrated sports cars, the Rochdale Olympic, with classic car enthusiast Robert Ballago. I first encountered Robert and his remarkable Rochdale Olympic at a...
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The Iconic Cars of TV with Joe Pep
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I welcome back Joe Pep, better known to many as "Joey the Pencils", for a fascinating look at the iconic cars that helped define some of television's most memorable series. Together, we explore how certain vehicles became...
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Inside the Mind of a Champion with Derek Daly
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,...
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Revisiting the Tragedy of Bluebird K7 with Neil Sheppard
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…
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The Allure of Shitboxes: A Rally Through England and Scotland
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,...
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The Panda Rally: A Journey Through Morocco with Simon Nutter
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,...
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Bran DeMan: The Visionary Behind Shitbox Adventures
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…
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Special Brew: Racing Innovation in Africa with Rob Young
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...
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Classic Car Enthusiasm with Vic Piano
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...
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Rally Driving and Skoda with Neil Simpson
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,...
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The Unlikely Triumph of Alan Stacey: A Racing Legacy
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...
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Paul Tattersall's Passion for Historic F1
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…
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Vintage Automobiles and Cinema with Nick Pagani
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…
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Tina Thörner's Extraordinary Career in Motorsports
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…
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Inside the World of Tractor Pulling with Craig and Daniel Whittingham
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...
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Sophie Hayter on Vintage Transport and Aerospace
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...
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Driving the Alpine Passes with Louis Hendrickx
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...
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Honouring Henry Seagrave on Ainsdale Sands
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...
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The Greatest Car Chases from Film History with Joe Pep
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...
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The Truth About Supercar Ownership with Nick Foster
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...
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Simon Daly: The Legacy of Skoda Rally Cars
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…
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From Family Garages to Iconic Cars with Chris Rhodes
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...
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Dr. Steve Holden's Arctic Adventure in a Fiat Panda
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...
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Navigating the Vintage Car World with Justin Fellows
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...
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Defending the Corvair: A Misunderstood Classic
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…
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The Rise of Katarina Kyvalova: A Rallying Phenomenon
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...
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The Resurgence of Classic Rallying with Paul Woodford
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…
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Tony Shine: The Craftsman Behind the Ford Cortina Transformation
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...
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Rediscovering Lella Lombardi with Jon Saltinstall
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…
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The Story of Joe Pep, America's Car Illustrator
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...
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The Journey of a Classic Car with Sam Grange-Bailey
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...
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Inside the Mind of a Young Female Racer with Ashley Gregory
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…
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Voices of Formula One: Alex Jacques
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...
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Porsche Passion with Sarah Rhodes
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...
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Helen 'Helly' Blake's Path to Championship Glory
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…
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Insights from EpocAuto 2025
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Based in the north-west of England, former competitive driver Mark Stone moved into radio and motoring journalism after his competitive driving career came to an end in the late 1980s. Over the years, Mark has written for many of the well-known motoring magazines and made numerous TV appearances across Europe and is still an enthusiastic driver. In the Backseat Driver Podcast, Mark interviews prominent people from all over the world of motoring.
HOSTED BY
Mark Stone
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Backseat Driver have?
Backseat Driver currently has 223 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Backseat Driver about?
Based in the north-west of England, former competitive driver Mark Stone moved into radio and motoring journalism after his competitive driving career came to an end in the late 1980s. Over the years, Mark has written for many of the well-known motoring magazines and made numerous TV appearances...
How often does Backseat Driver release new episodes?
Backseat Driver publishes regularly with 223 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Backseat Driver?
You can listen to Backseat Driver on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Backseat Driver?
Backseat Driver is created and hosted by Mark Stone.
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