On December 5th, 2023, the racing world lost a true legend: Rosemary "Rosie" Smith. Rosie's career was a whirlwind of triumphs from co-driver to rally champion. She's renowned for her iconic partnership with the Hillman Imp and for driving for brands like Ford, Porsche, and Renault.

In 1978, she set a land speed record, and at 79, she drove an 800 HP Renault F1 car. Rosie's autobiography, "Driven," inspired our podcast in 2019.

I had the honour of spending time with her at the Hillman Imp Owners Club, where she was a beloved guest. Her 2022 induction into the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens Hall of Fame speaks to her lasting impact.

Rosie's passion for speed and her dedication to women in motorsport were boundless. She had an incredible sense of humour and an endless supply of untold stories. Join me in celebrating the racing icon Rosemary "Rosie" Smith.

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It's me, Mark Stone and in this Backseat Driver Podcast, I present the second part of this Salon EpocAuto 2023 Special with interviews from Loic Depailler, Jean-Pierre Jarier, and Gerard Gamand.

We discuss their racing experiences, favourite cars and circuits, and thoughts on modern Formula 1.

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It's me, Mark Stone, and in this special Backseat Driver podcast, I interview Bernard Asset, a renowned F1 photographer; Emmanuel Pozet of ELF, an oil and fuel company associated with motorsport; Anthony Beltois, a racer and son of Jean Pierre Beltois; Michel Janvier, a cartoonist and artist, and Loic Duval from the Fédération Française de Véhicules d'Époque, discussing their experiences and involvement in motorsport.

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Join me, Mark Stone on the Backseat Driver Podcast as we welcome Keith Moise, trustee of the British Commercial Vehicle Museum and Rob Pratton, Activity Coordinator. They take us on a nostalgic journey into vintage commercial vehicles. Discover the rich history of British commercial vehicles and their manufacturers, including Leyland Trucks, Thornycroft, and Albion. Explore the origins of the museum and its transformation into a remarkable display of cherished memories.

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Join me, Mark Stone, on the Backseat Drive Podcast as we welcome Freddie Frot, a Frenchman living in England and a passionate vintage car enthusiast. Freddie shares his deep connection to the iconic Montlhery circuit south of Paris.

Discover the exhilarating banked track with its 53-degree slope and remarkable racing history. We also delve into the Vintage Revival Mony event, which celebrates the charm of vintage cars and motorcycles.

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On the Backseat Driver Podcast, I welcome Peter Stevens, a highly esteemed British car designer who has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry. With an impressive portfolio that includes the Jaguar XJR-15, McLaren F1, MG ZS, and many more, Peter's creative vision and meticulous craftsmanship have redefined the concept of automotive design. We have the privilege of hearing Peter's fascinating story and discovering the inspirations behind his groundbreaking designs. From his early years surrounded by art and racing influences to his tenure at Lotus, Jaguar, and McLaren, Peter's journey has been a testament to his unwavering passion for creating exceptional vehicles.

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On this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, we are joined by Justin Benson, who is not only a multi-sport enthusiast but also a passionate racing and rally enthusiast. He shares his colourful racing and rally career, filled with exciting moments and various cars. From his early days with a powerful Vauxhall Magnum 2300 to rallying in a modified Fiat Uno, Justin's experiences showcase his love for fast cars and thrilling drives. However, his most notable venture has been the creation of three Ferrari 250 SWB tribute vehicles, using the 67BMW Z3 as the base. He delves into the process of building these stunning cars, which pay homage to the iconic Ferrari model.

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Join Mark as he welcomes Peter Barker, an accomplished author and journalist in the racing and rallying world, to the Backseat Driver Radio Podcast. In this episode, Peter shares his journey into rallying, the art of rally navigation, his experiences with classic cars, including the Mini Cooper, and his participation in the gruelling London to John O'Groats trial. Get ready for an engaging conversation with Peter Barker about the thrills and challenges of the rallying world.

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John Mayhead, the editor of Haggerty's UK Price Guide, joins me, Mark Stone on the Backseat Driver Podcast.

John shares insights into the valuation of classic and collectable cars, highlighting the growing interest among younger generations. He explains how Haggerty gathers data from various sources, including expert opinions, auction results, and insurance information, to provide comprehensive and reliable values.

As the classic car market experiences significant growth, even with more affordable models and the importance of considering rarity and demographic shifts when determining car values. He also discusses the expanding definition of classic cars to include vehicles from the 1990s and early 2000s, acknowledging the influence of social media in showcasing younger enthusiasts and their love for vintage automobiles

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On today's Backseat Driver Podcast, I'm coming to you live from Oulton Park, where the GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy is revving up for its track day ahead of the season finale this Saturday. It allowed me to catch up with Mark Bate, the visionary behind the 116 Trophy, and engage with a couple of drivers.

But the day's highlight was undoubtedly my discussion with the only Ray Grimes, a dear friend and incredibly accomplished racing driver and instructor. Ray has dedicated years to working with and for Ferrari, a journey he continues to this day. His expertise and passion for racing are shared generously with many of the 116 Trophy participants, who are experiencing motorsport for the first time.

So, settle in and enjoy my conversations with Mark Bate, his brother Ian Bate, who is making his debut in the series, and some talented drivers. And, of course, don't miss my captivating chat with the legendary Raymondo Grimes!

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