Backseat Driver

Mark Stone
  • 5.0 (3)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    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 sparked his love of classic cars, growing up in New Jersey and drawing inspiration from television shows like The Untouchables. We talk about how those formative moments shaped not just his automotive interests, but his artistic voice. I explore with Joe the powerful connection between automotive history and illustration, as he explains how each piece of his work tells a story. His instantly recognisable style, rich in colour and retro flair, captures both the elegance of the cars and the eras they represent. This episode is a deep dive into creativity, nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of classic cars through the eyes of an artist who has helped preserve their legacy on paper. ___ https://pod.link/1656058575 Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Breaks SAS Autos Listen Now Mentioned in this episode: Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors GAZ Shocks - Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup. Find them at www.gazshocks.com | Hodder Tyres - Trusted brands, every season, every condition. Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk | Tarox Brakes - The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy. Check out www.tarox.com | SAS Autos - Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration. Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

    52 min

  2. 24/12/2025

    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 her father’s traditional business by embracing new technology and the early use of the internet. We explore how that shift changed the way classic cars are bought and sold, and how adaptation has become essential in a modern marketplace. I dig into the realities of the classic car trade with Sam, from understanding market values and spotting genuine desirability to balancing emotion with commercial sense. We also reflect on why classic cars continue to hold such powerful sentimental appeal for enthusiasts and collectors alike. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how the classic car industry has evolved, blending heritage with innovation while staying driven by passion. Mentioned in this episode: Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors GAZ Shocks - Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup. Find them at www.gazshocks.com | Hodder Tyres - Trusted brands, every season, every condition. Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk | Tarox Brakes - The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy. Check out www.tarox.com | SAS Autos - Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration. Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

    43 min

  3. 16/12/2025

    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 and has been driven by persistence, hard work, and a genuine passion for racing. We discuss the realities of competing in a sport that remains male-dominated, the challenges that come with it, and the resilience required to keep pushing forward. Looking ahead, Ashley shares her ambitions to progress through the ranks and her long-term goal of reaching the British Touring Car Championship by 2030. This episode not only highlights Ashley’s own story but also reflects the wider shift toward greater female representation in motorsport. ___ https://pod.link/1656058575 Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Breaks SAS Autos Listen Now Mentioned in this episode: Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors GAZ Shocks - Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup. Find them at www.gazshocks.com | Hodder Tyres - Trusted brands, every season, every condition. Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk | Tarox Brakes - The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy. Check out www.tarox.com | SAS Autos - Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration. Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

    38 min

  4. 08/12/2025

    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 twists of fate, steered him toward some of the most high-profile commentary roles in the sport. We examine the craft of sports journalism, the pressure of stepping into the shoes of iconic commentators, and the importance of bringing genuine emotion, insight, and authenticity to every broadcast. We also discuss Alex’s new book, Grid to Glory, which charts 75 pivotal moments in Formula One history. Through his storytelling, he connects the sport’s defining eras, giving fresh context to the moments that shaped F1 into what it is today. ___ https://pod.link/1656058575 Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Breaks SAS Autos Listen Now Mentioned in this episode: Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors GAZ Shocks - Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup. Find them at www.gazshocks.com | Hodder Tyres - Trusted brands, every season, every condition. Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk | Tarox Brakes - The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy. Check out www.tarox.com | SAS Autos - Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration. Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

    42 min

  5. 03/12/2025

    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 Porsche owner who defies the odds. Sarah shares her journey from early fascination to the moment she found her perfect match in a stunning Ruby Star 992.1. We talk about the experiences and challenges faced by women in what is still a male-dominated sports car scene, and Sarah introduces Ruby and the Blonde, her growing community designed to support and celebrate female Porsche enthusiasts. This episode is both a tribute to the cars we love and a celebration of the rising representation of women shaping the future of Porsche ownership. ___ https://pod.link/1656058575 Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Breaks SAS Autos Listen Now Mentioned in this episode: Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors GAZ Shocks - Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup. Find them at www.gazshocks.com | Hodder Tyres - Trusted brands, every season, every condition. Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk | Tarox Brakes - The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy. Check out www.tarox.com | SAS Autos - Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration. Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

    40 min

  6. 24/11/2025

    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 equestrian background and fuelled by childhood memories of toy cars and time spent in her father’s garage. From those early sparks of fascination to competing at a national level, Helen takes me through the challenges, breakthroughs, and defining moments that have shaped her racing career. We discuss the technical demands of the sport, the camaraderie among female racers, and the unique community that keeps grassroots motorsport alive. Helen also reflects on the proud moment she was crowned Ladies Stock Hatch Champion, a milestone that stands as a testament to her determination and skill. ___ https://pod.link/1656058575 Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Breaks SAS Autos Listen Now Mentioned in this episode: Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors GAZ Shocks - Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup. Find them at www.gazshocks.com | Hodder Tyres - Trusted brands, every season, every condition. Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk | Tarox Brakes - The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy. Check out www.tarox.com | SAS Autos - Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration. Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

    45 min

  7. 17/11/2025

    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 and a lesser-known but remarkable French marque curated by Gérard Gamont, who shares the fascinating story behind BBM’s legacy and engineering brilliance. The episode also features an insightful conversation with Jacques Nicolet, CEO of Ligier, as he reflects on the company’s fifty-year journey, its continued innovation, and the enduring spirit that keeps Ligier at the forefront of motorsport. Along the way, I speak with a variety of exhibitors, who introduce unique automotive projects and delve into the history of vintage fire service vehicles on display. Through these conversations, I aim to highlight the craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural significance that make French motoring so captivating, celebrating both its heritage and its ever-evolving story. ___ https://pod.link/1656058575 Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Breaks SAS Autos Listen Now Mentioned in this episode: Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors GAZ Shocks - Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup. Find them at www.gazshocks.com | Hodder Tyres - Trusted brands, every season, every condition. Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk | Tarox Brakes - The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy. Check out www.tarox.com | SAS Autos - Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration. Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

    39 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    James Newbold Revives Formula 3000's Forgotten Tales

    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 Formula 3000, a series that ran from 1985 to 2004 and served as a vital proving ground for many drivers who would go on to reach Formula One. Together, we discuss the pivotal moments, personalities, and rivalries that defined the era, as well as the challenges of bringing such an ambitious project to life. I highlight how James’s meticulous research and storytelling breathe new life into a chapter of motorsport that deserves far greater recognition. This episode is both a celebration of his dedication and an invitation to rediscover the legacy of Formula 3000, a series where true legends earned their stripes. ___ https://pod.link/1656058575 Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Breaks SAS Autos Listen Now Mentioned in this episode: Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors GAZ Shocks - Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup. Find them at www.gazshocks.com | Hodder Tyres - Trusted brands, every season, every condition. Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk | Tarox Brakes - The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy. Check out www.tarox.com | SAS Autos - Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration. Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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 across Europe and is still an enthusiastic driver. In the Backseat Driver Podcast, Mark interviews prominent people from all over the world of motoring.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Stone
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    181
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Mark Stone
  • Show Website
    Backseat Driver