Backseat Driver

Join me, Mark Stone, on the Backseat Driver Podcast as we dive into the world of historic and modern rally cars at the exciting Lombard Rally Festival Revesby in Lincolnshire.

We start with highlights from the Lombard Rally Festival, followed by an insightful interview with Andrew Towse, who shares his experiences driving the legendary Hillman Avenger. I also chatted with Andy 'Ace' Harrison, Yorkshire’s smallest celebrity with a big personality, and caught up with Aron Brown to discuss his unique Lotus Elise. Rally fans will love hearing about Ashley Powell’s Metro 6R4 replica and my visit with Bill Dobie at Revesby Hall, where we explore the fun of balancing a professional job with the love of rally cars.

The episode continues with discussions on historic rally vehicles, engine upgrades, and winning championships, including memorable interviews with drivers like Chris Common, Chris Welch, and Colin Jebson with his Volvo Amazon.

We wrap up with a great conversation with David Slater, who takes us into the world of his Volvo 360.

This episode has something for everyone, from rally legends to car culture debates, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

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It's me Mark Stone, at Bridge House Tea Rooms with an exciting celebration of the 50th Classic Car Night. In this episode, I chat with John Wright, who spearheads this unique event supporting North West Air Ambulance and North West Blood Bikes. We dive into the details of Richard Little's unique self-built off-road buggy, Greg's powerful Datsun 240Z, Jason's quirky Replicar Cursor, and Gary Gee's rare Lotus Sunbeam.

Tune in for engaging conversations with Alicia, the talented chef behind the event's delicious offerings, and other enthusiastic car owners. This fun-filled episode showcases many classic and exciting cars and the passionate community keeping these automotive gems alive. Enjoy the stories behind these fantastic machines and the wonderful people who bring them to life!

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In this episode of The Backseat Driver Podcast, we welcome back our esteemed guest, truck driver Lee Tombling, alongside the intriguing newcomer, Alexander McCabe, who brings a unique perspective as a former legal expert turned accomplished author. Together, we delve into the current landscape of truck driving, exploring the strides made toward improved wages and addressing persistent challenges such as driver shortages and inadequate facilities.

McCabe takes us on a journey from his previous life as a legal expert to his flourishing career as an author, offering insights into the trials and triumphs that shaped his writing endeavours. Our discussion spans a wide range of topics, from debunking common misconceptions surrounding truck driving to examining the impact of fuel taxes and reflecting on the evolving standards within the industry.

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In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Qal Shah, an expert in car tuning from BHP UK. Throughout our conversation, Cal provided fascinating insights into the evolution of car tuning, tracing its history from basic mechanical adjustments to today's sophisticated techniques, including the utilisation of microchipping and the Engine Control Unit (ECU) via the car's OBD socket for programming.

Qal elucidated how manufacturers leverage ECU programming to differentiate the performance of seemingly identical engines across various models, citing compelling examples from Ford Fiestas and Volkswagen's strategic approach. We delved into the realm of custom mapping, where Cal explained its potential to boost performance and its ability to optimize fuel efficiency by ensuring engines operate more effectively.

Moreover, Qal illuminated the intricate processes involved in developing tuning strategies for new vehicles, which encompass everything from reverse-engineering manufacturer programming to rigorous testing on proprietary development vehicles. Beyond cars, our conversation extended to the trend of tuning motorcycles, focusing on enhancing power delivery and rideability.

We also touched upon BHP UK's expansion initiatives, innovative approaches to tuning hybrid and electric vehicles, and the future trajectory of vehicle power systems. Throughout our discussion, Qal emphasised the harmonious blend of passion and cutting-edge technology that underpins BHP UK's success in catering to performance enthusiasts and those seeking enhanced fuel economy.

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In this second part of The Backseat Driver Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome back my guest, the esteemed former professional racing driver Patrick Watts, to continue our in-depth discussion. Patrick delves into captivating anecdotes from his illustrious career, with a particular focus on his trials and triumphs with the Peugeot team during the SuperTouring era. He highlights the challenges, including budget constraints and limited testing opportunities, while showcasing the team's innovative solutions like the groundbreaking 'combi diff'.

We explore Patrick's reflections on iconic competitions such as the Bathurst 1000 and his transition from contemporary racing to historic car competitions and classic car management. He shares his ambitious plans for upcoming endeavours like the Peking to Paris rally, demonstrating his enduring passion for motorsport.

Throughout our conversation, we delve into the intricate financial aspects of racing, the technological nuances of high-performance cars, and the evolving landscape of motorsport sponsorships. Patrick also touches upon his daughter Amy's aspirations in racing, underscoring the significance of confidence, skill development, and the pragmatic realities of securing sponsorship in today's competitive racing environment.

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It's me, Mark Stone. In this episode of The Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Patrick Watts, a celebrated racing driver whose journey spans grassroots hill climbing to the pinnacles of the British Touring Car Championships.

Patrick shares the genesis of his racing fervour, an origin surprisingly not rooted in familial tradition but ignited by his father's contagious passion for cars and occasional rallying escapades. He recounted his early immersion into motorsport, reminiscing about his tinkering endeavours with lawnmowers and mopeds and the autodidactic grasp he developed on vehicle dynamics.

Patrick took me through the highs and lows of his professional racing career, starting from his humble beginnings in hill climbing and culminating in remarkable achievements across various championships, notably the British Touring Car Championships, where he left an indelible mark. He graciously imparted his profound insights into racing strategies, the intricacies of car dynamics, and the paramount importance of anticipation on the track. What struck me most was his dedication to passing on this wealth of knowledge to his daughter Amy, who is carving her path in the racing world.

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In this episode of the Backstreet Driver Podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Richard Usher, the visionary behind the Great British Car Journey. Together, we embarked on a captivating journey through British automotive history, exploring his unique attraction dedicated to celebrating the heritage of British automobiles.

During our discussion, Richard vividly described the immersive experience offered at the Great British Car Journey. Visitors can see and learn about classic British cars, step behind the wheel, and experience the thrill of driving these iconic vehicles themselves. From the timeless elegance of the Austin 7 to the groundbreaking design of the Mini, each car represents a chapter in British culture and innovation.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasized preserving the stories behind these classic cars. These vehicles are more than just machines; they are symbols of British ingenuity and craftsmanship, each with its unique tale to tell. Preserving them ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from their rich heritage.

We also delved into the broader context of the British automotive industry, discussing key moments and innovations that have shaped its evolution over the years. From the challenges faced by British Leyland to the enduring appeal of British sports cars, we explored the industry's resilience and adaptability in the face of change.

One fascinating aspect of our conversation was the introduction of the 'Drive Dad's Car' experience at the Great British Car Journey. This immersive opportunity allows visitors to step into the driver's seat and experience the thrill of driving some of these classic cars for themselves, further enhancing their connection to British automotive history.

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Join me, Mark Stone, as I explore the thrilling Holme Moss Hill Climb 2024, the final recreation of this historic event. We start by delving into the History of Hill Climb Racing and how it has evolved. Then, enjoy exclusive interviews, starting with Guy Loveridge, the event organiser, who gives us an insider's view of orchestrating this monumental race.

We also chat with key participants, including Christianne Ireland, David Barzilay with his unique Aston Martin, Andy Harrison, who shares his passion for hill climbing, and Ian Kellett, who introduces us to his powerful vehicle, "The Beast." We also hear from Steve Tarrant, the iconic motor racing marshal, who reflects on the importance of safety in motorsport.

Throughout the episode, we celebrate Aston Martin's legacy, tackle the challenges of one of Yorkshire's toughest roads, and look towards the future of hill climb events post-2024. Don't miss the inside scoop on the family's car collection, upcoming events, and the future of the Holme Moss Hill Climb while supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance with music from The Bluebirds.

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In this Backseat Driver Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting with Bryn Pearce, representing Lightning House Motorsport Promotions and Events. Bryn takes us on an exhilarating journey through Lightning House's inception and dynamic activities, showcasing their remarkable achievement in reviving Rally GB to Chester Council's acclaim. We delve into their extensive involvement in diverse motorsport events and exhilarating experience days, offering enthusiasts unforgettable moments on the track.

Bryn also provides intriguing insights into Lightning House's subsidiary, specialising in bespoke racing equipment and racewear. We explore the evolution of fireproof racing suits, from their humble beginnings to today's cutting-edge materials and standards, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring driver safety.

Furthermore, our conversation delves into the exciting world of the Rally Revival Series, a captivating event dedicated to commemorating historic rallying. Bryn shares the intricacies of event planning, challenges, and unforgettable highlights from past editions. We touch upon the burgeoning interest in landmark rallying and the paramount importance of safety equipment in such endeavours.

As our discussion unfolds, we gain glimpses into the plans for the Rally Revival brand and Lightning House's ambitious ventures, painting a vivid picture of the thrilling developments awaiting motorsport enthusiasts.

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It's me, Mark Stone, bringing you an exhilarating episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, recorded live from the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed! This event is a paradise for motorsport enthusiasts, and we've captured the essence of the festival with exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes insights.

Join me as I sit down with motorsport legends, including Keith Doddsworth from the International Rally Drivers Club, who shares his wealth of knowledge and experiences from the world of rallying. We also chatted with Ray Grimes, a renowned motorsport figure, discussing his career highlights and the future of the sport. Additionally, we have the privilege of speaking with the Iron Dames team members, who are breaking barriers and making a significant impact in the motorsport community.

In this episode, you'll hear about Paul Kinniston's incredible journey with his Opel Ascona 400, a car with a special place in rallying history. Steve Chamberlain joins us to discuss his cherished Mitsubishi Evo, providing insights into what makes this car a favourite among rally fans.

I also have a conversation with Nick Padmore, the circuit record holder at Goodwood. Nick shares his fascinating history with the iconic 1976 Lotus Cosworth 77, delving into the car's legacy and experiences behind the wheel.

But that's not all – we also provide the inside scoop on upcoming events and special Q&A sessions at the beloved Bridge House Tea Rooms, the North West's premier classic car meeting spot. This venue continues to be a hub for automotive enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of automotive history and culinary delights.

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