Backseat Driver

Mark Stone
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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. 4D AGO

    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 ambitious adventure, including his decision to buy a far-from-perfect Panda and trust it to cope with some of the harshest driving conditions imaginable. We explore the modifications and careful preparation required to survive extreme cold, from mechanical reliability to planning every detail of the route. I dig into Steve’s experiences of driving in sub-zero temperatures, the techniques needed to stay safe on ice and snow, and the contrasts he observed in driving cultures along the way. Beyond the challenge itself, Steve also reflects on the trip's deeper purpose: to raise awareness and funds for Myeloma UK. This episode is a story of endurance, preparation, and determination, proving that big adventures do not always require big cars. ___ 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

  2. FEB 9

    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 casual interest in old cars to becoming a committed collector and custodian of veteran machines. We explore why preserving these early vehicles matters, not just mechanically, but culturally, as living pieces of automotive history. I dig into the finer details with Justin, from car classifications and early engineering solutions to the personal stories that have shaped his connection with these cars. We also discuss the realities of maintaining and driving vehicles from a very different era, along with the challenges, rewards, and occasional moments of mild panic. This episode highlights the strong sense of community within vintage car ownership and celebrates the enduring appeal of machines that continue to bring people together through shared passion and heritage. ___ 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

    44 min

  3. FEB 2

    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 both celebrated and criticised, particularly following Ralph Nader’s landmark book Unsafe at Any Speed. We discuss how these claims shaped public perception and had a lasting impact on the automotive industry. The conversation examines the cultural and industrial context surrounding the Corvair’s arrival, when American buyers favoured large, conventional cars. We examine how its rear-engine layout and increasingly European styling set it apart, and how those design choices contributed to its mixed reception in the United States. This episode reflects on the broader story of automotive innovation, risk-taking, and the challenges manufacturers face as consumer tastes shift. ___ 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

    47 min

  4. JAN 26

    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 appreciation for classic machinery, despite having no direct family background in motorsport. We focus on her love for the iconic Austin-Healey and the bold decision to race such a demanding car, a moment that defined her commitment and resilience as a driver. I explore with Katarina her move from classic competition into modern racing, where the contrasts in performance, driving style, and expectations have pushed her to adapt and grow at speed. She shares the challenges that come with that transition, along with the excitement of testing herself in new environments. This episode is a story of perseverance, passion, and ambition, capturing the mindset required to succeed in competitive motorsport and the determination to keep moving forward. ___ 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

  5. JAN 19

    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 things have escalated since. Paul walks me through the wide range of machinery he has driven recently, from classic Mini Coopers to purpose-built Dakar-style rally cars, highlighting just how varied and demanding his rallying journey has become. We also reflect on the current state of the sport, discussing where rallying has lost some of its character and what might be needed to reignite wider engagement. The conversation turns to the growing appeal of historic rallying, a scene that is attracting both long-standing competitors and a new generation of drivers. It offers a hopeful glimpse into a side of the sport that still values spectacle, personality, and accessibility. ___ 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

  6. JAN 12

    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 talks me through his journey from a young enthusiast modifying Volkswagens to tackling an ambitious Ford Cortina Mk II build that perfectly balances period looks with contemporary engineering. We get into the nuts and bolts of what makes a successful resto-mod, from chassis design and suspension upgrades to integrating modern, high-performance engines without losing the character that made these cars special in the first place. Tony also shares his thoughts on how trends in car culture evolve, the role of craftsmanship, and why attention to detail still matters in an age of off-the-shelf solutions. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of passion, skill, and creativity, and a reminder that restoring and modifying cars is as much an art form as a technical discipline. ___ 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

    51 min

  7. JAN 5

    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 life and career, from her groundbreaking achievements on the world stage to the barriers she faced competing in a sport dominated by men. We discuss why her story has so often been underplayed and what made her determination, talent, and resilience so remarkable. John shares the motivation behind writing Lombardi’s biography, aiming to restore her place in motorsport history and ensure her achievements are appropriately recognised. This episode reflects on Lombardi’s lasting impact and why preserving her legacy matters, not just for motorsport fans but for future generations inspired by her trailblazing path. ___ 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

    58 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    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
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Mark Stone
  • Show Website
    Backseat Driver