Backseat Driver

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.

Backseat Driver is a leisure podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Backseat Driver, a leisure show with 0 episodes published.

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  Backseat Driver

  The Remarkable History of Rolls-Royce with Ruben Verdes

  Sep 27, 20261 hour

  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 marques stretches far beyond simply owning or admiring the cars. As a consultant, museum manager, concours judge, editor and treasurer of the Rolls-Royce Foundation, he has spent decades researching the vehicles, the people who built them and the owners whose stories form part of their history. We trace Ruben’s fascination with cars back to childhood journeys with his father before exploring how that interest developed into a lifelong dedication to automotive history and preservation. Our conversation takes us through the evolution of Rolls-Royce, from the days when customers purchased a chassis and commissioned a coachbuilder to create the body, through to the move towards factory-built cars. We also discuss the enormous importance of aero engines to Rolls-Royce, the company’s relationship with America and the fascinating story of cars produced at its Springfield factory. Ruben takes us behind some of the mythology surrounding the marque too, including the legendary Silver Ghost reliability trials, badges, coachwork and the importance of establishing genuine provenance. He explains how careful archival research can sometimes reveal a very different story from the one that has been repeated about a particular car for decades. Ultimately, this is a conversation about much more than Rolls-Royce. It is about preserving motoring history properly, understanding the craftsmanship and engineering behind these extraordinary machines, and making sure the stories attached to them are every bit as authentic as the cars themselves ___ Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Brakes Listen Now

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  Backseat Driver

  Behind the Scenes of F1 Logistics with Steve Rendle

  Sep 20, 202648 min

  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 employing hundreds of people and spending vast sums of money ultimately have one objective: putting two competitive cars on the starting grid. We look at what really happens during a Grand Prix weekend, from the engineers and mechanics working trackside to the teams back at the factory operating what is effectively a mission control centre. While the cars circulate thousands of miles away, specialists analyse live data, run simulations, and feed information back to the circuit in the relentless search for performance. Steve explains the increasingly important role of simulators, including the incredibly detailed scans of circuits that allow teams to recreate tracks virtually. We also discuss how information gathered during practice sessions can be processed overnight, allowing teams to refine setups and strategies before the cars return to the track the following day. It reveals a side of Formula One that television rarely captures. Behind two drivers and two cars sits an extraordinary network of people, technology, logistics and information, all working together to find fractions of a second.

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  Backseat Driver

  Are Modern Rally Cars Too Fast? With Dr. Beatty Crawford

  Sep 13, 202639 min

  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 on a career that includes victory on the Circuit of Ireland and experience across some of rallying’s most demanding events, Beattie shares his concerns about the extraordinary performance of today’s WRC machinery and the potential consequences for both competitors and spectators. We discuss how modern cars compare with the infamous Group B era and whether increasing performance inevitably brings increasing risk. But this conversation is about much more than outright speed. Beatty argues that the magic of rallying has always come from watching drivers wrestle cars across demanding terrain, where skill, movement and spectacle matter just as much as the numbers on a speedometer. We ask whether some of that character is being lost as technology becomes increasingly sophisticated. We also discuss spectator safety, regulation, rising costs and the widening gap between the World Rally Championship and grassroots competition. Beatty shares his thoughts on the FIA’s approach to the sport and why he believes rallying needs to reconsider its priorities if it is to remain exciting, accessible and sustainable. ___ Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Brakes Listen Now

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  Backseat Driver

  Ilkley Jubilee Rally with Joe Mallinson

  Sep 6, 202645 min

  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 the event, explaining the enormous amount of planning required long before the first car crosses the start line. We talk about plotting the route, organising officials and marshals, keeping competitors and spectators safe, and the responsibilities that come with taking on the role of Clerk of the Course. We also look ahead to this year’s two-day rally, including the atmosphere of the start in Otley Market Square, the route through the surrounding countryside and the collection of historic cars expected to take part. Joe explains the vital role played by volunteer marshals and local car clubs in keeping events like this alive, as well as the camaraderie that brings competitors, officials and enthusiasts back year after year. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of historic rallying and a reminder that while the cars and drivers might get most of the attention, an extraordinary amount of work goes into making an event like the Ilkley Jubilee happen. ___ Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Brakes Listen Now

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  Backseat Driver

  The Motorsport Influence on Watch Design with Ilias Strousidis

  Aug 30, 202631 min

  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, from his love of BMWs to competing across different racing disciplines. We discuss the growing Greek motorsport scene, the challenges faced by drivers there, and his experiences at events including BMW Live and endurance racing. Away from the track, Ilias explains how his frustration at being unable to find a watch that truly reflected his passion for racing inspired him to create Steel Timepieces. We explore how his experience behind the wheel influences his designs, with functionality for drivers sitting alongside distinctive styling and traditional watchmaking craftsmanship. Ilias also takes me through the process of creating a watch, from the first sketches and prototypes to working with Swiss manufacturers on cases, movements and final production. Rather than chasing mass production, his focus remains on limited numbers, quality and creating something genuinely special for collectors and fellow motorsport enthusiasts. We also look ahead to the Manchester Watch Show, where Ilias will showcase his latest creations and continue bringing together two worlds with far more in common than you might initially imagine. ___ Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Brakes Listen Now

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