Backseat Driver

In this special episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, we pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Peter Collins, a British racing driver whose remarkable career was tragically cut short in 1958.

Born in 1931, Collins's meteoric rise through the ranks of motor racing left an indelible impression on the sport, earning him admiration from luminaries such as Enzo Ferrari. Yet, despite his impressive accolades, Collins's memory has gradually faded from public consciousness over the years.

Our episode centres around the poignant unveiling of a memorial at Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire, dedicated to honouring Collins's enduring impact on the world of motorsport. Through exclusive interviews with key figures such as Mark Andrews, the driving force behind the memorial, sculptor Stephen Charnock, artist Joe Klausman, and historian Chris Price, listeners gain unique insights into Collins's character, achievements, and lasting influence.

Additionally, we are privileged to feature commentary from Nick Harrison and legendary racer Howden Ganley, who eloquently articulate Collins's profound influence and emphasise the importance of preserving his memory for future generations of motorsport enthusiasts.

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In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive headfirst into the captivating world of historic marathon rallies. Join me as we explore iconic events like the London to Mexico and London to Munich rallies, uncovering the exhilarating tales of participants and enthusiasts alike.

The heart of this episode lies in the detailed accounts of the challenging 1974 London to Sahara to Munich rally. Through interviews with rally participants, including winner Jim Ready in his Citroën DS, we gain personal insights into the gripping experiences of the rally circuit. From the unique Capri rally car owned by Michael Ryman to Azmi Avcioglu's adventures behind the wheel of a Fiat 124, each story adds depth to our understanding of historic rallying.

As we journey through the annals of marathon rally history, we'll also explore efforts to preserve this rich heritage through books, events, and the passionate community that keeps the spirit of historic rallying alive.

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In this episode of the Backseat Driver podcast, I take you behind the scenes of Mission Motorsport's track day event for veterans at Three Sisters Circuit. This event sheds light on the charity's remarkable initiative to harness the power of motorsport as a rehabilitative tool for armed forces personnel.

Through interviews with key figures such as Mark White, Jill Baines, veterans, and car owners, we uncover the profound impact of these events. Participants share how these events have positively influenced their lives, from providing social gatherings to experiencing the exhilaration of racing. Additionally, we explore the challenges and rewards involved in organising such inclusive events, highlighting the dedication and passion of those involved.

This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the intersection of automotive passion and support for veterans. It underscores motorsport's therapeutic potential in aiding the rehabilitation and well-being of armed forces personnel and showcases the profound impact of Mission Motorsport's initiatives.

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It's me, Mark Stone, and I've got something special for you in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast. I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the thrilling atmosphere of the 2024 Flying Scotsman Rally. From the excitement of its start at Carden Park, Chester, to the triumphant finish at Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland, I experienced firsthand the vibrant world of automotive heritage.

As I mingled with participants, organisers, and supporters at checkpoints like Bridge House Tearooms, I dove into their stories, uncovering the challenges and triumphs of navigating vintage cars through the scenic yet demanding British landscape. Their firsthand experiences vividly showed the dedication and skill required to conquer the rally's rigorous course.

Amidst the roar of vintage engines and the chatter of enthusiasts, I couldn't help but be amazed by the remarkable performance and endurance displayed by both cars and drivers. From the iconic Bentley to the distinguished Lea Francis, each vehicle showcased its unique charm and proved that age is no barrier to automotive excellence.

Throughout the rally, a palpable sense of camaraderie filled the air as participants supported one another through every twist and turn of the challenging course. It became clear that, beyond the quest for victory, the true spirit of vintage car rallying lies in the bonds forged between passionate enthusiasts and their shared love for automotive history.

As the rally came to a close, I joined in celebrating the drivers' achievements and the enduring allure of vintage car rallying. The rally results were a testament to the participants' dedication and meticulous planning, reaffirming the rally's esteemed status as a beloved tradition in the automotive world.

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In this fourth and final part of an interview with international co-driver Mike Wood, he reminisces about his extensive rally career, highlighting his last international rally in 1973 at the Monte Carlo with the Datsun 240Z, where he and his team secured a ninth-place finish.

Mike discusses the pivot in his career post-rallying, marking his involvement with Sandiford Motorcycles and, later, Montesa Imports, where he significantly contributed to the company.

Amidst sharing fond rally memories and transitioning to a successful business career, Mike also touches upon the evolution of rallying, expressing a sense of nostalgia for the adventure and camaraderie of past rallies compared to the modern iteration of the sport.

Mike acknowledges the influence of various drivers and cars on his career, and he sheds light on the 'Ecurie Cod Fillet,' an exclusive rallying association.

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In this third instalment of Mike Wood's rally career series, the renowned co-driver discusses his experiences in international rallying, starting with his first Tulip Rally in 1955.

Mike shares anecdotes about his challenges and peculiarities, including navigating Europe's terrains and dealing with language barriers. He also highlights his participation in the Tour de France Automobile and the London to Sydney Marathon, providing insights into the logistics, service setups, and the camaraderie and competitiveness of rally racing during his time.

Through tales of navigating for different teams, adapting to various cars, and transitioning away from professional rallying, Mike offers a personal glimpse into the history and evolution of rally sport.

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This is Part two of an extensive interview with legendary rally co-driver Mike Wood sharing stories from his extensive career in rallying, beginning with the unconventional repair methods for rally cars, including tipping Minis on their sides to change drive shafts.

Mike takes us through various high points of his career. He details his experiences in iconic rallies like the Geneva Rally, the Monte Carlo Rally, the RAC Rally, and the Tour de Corse, sharing anecdotes and insights into the ingenuity and challenges drivers and co-drivers face and also discusses the evolution of rallying, the importance of the co-driver's role beyond navigating, including driving in liaison sections, and how rally cars have shifted from production-based vehicles to today's highly specialised machines.

Our chat is rich with tales of intense competition, camaraderie among teams, strategic planning for races, and unpredictable elements that could change the outcome of races. It provides a thorough look into the world of rallying through one of its most respected figures.

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In this first part of the interview, legendary co-driver Mike Wood shares stories of his career in motorsport.

Born in 1934, Wood discusses how his passion for motorsport was ignited in 1947 after watching motorcycle racing. His early days included navigating rallies in his father's Mark I Ford Prefect, eventually leading to his recognition as a highly skilled navigator. Wood recounts his extensive experience in various international rallies alongside famous drivers in multiple vehicles. A notable turn in his career came when he became a co-driver for BMC, fostering his reputation further.

We dive into Mike's transition to professional co-driving, his successful partnership with several drivers, and how he navigated the shifts in the motorsport landscape, including his tenure with Ford and other manufacturers. Through anecdotes and reflections, Wood's narrative brings to light the evolution of rallying, co-driving techniques, and the dynamics of team competition during the height of his career.

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I had the pleasure of meeting David Kelsall, a remarkable individual who transitioned from rally driver to celebrated automotive artist.

Engaging in a conversation outside Kelsall's home in the Yorkshire countryside, I delve into his journey, beginning with his days in rallying, his self-taught path into the world of art, and his exploration of digital mediums in creating his masterpieces. Kelsall regales me with stories of rallying in vintage cars, the unexpected genesis of his art career during the initial lockdown, and how his artwork, especially his depictions of rally cars, garnered international acclaim.

We discuss the hurdles and rewards of capturing the spirit of motorsports and classic automobiles through digital art, underscoring the transformative role of technology in traditional painting. The discussion concludes with Kelsall sharing his aspirations and his venture into showcasing his art in physical spaces alongside the ongoing success of his digital platform.

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It's me, Mark Stone, and I'm thrilled to bring you an exclusive look into Praga Cars with Mark Harrison, the Managing Director of Praga Cars UK. We're diving into Praga's rich history, from its inception in 1907 in Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic, to its rise as a prominent race car manufacturer.

Mark Harrison enlightens us on Praga's evolution, from manufacturing road and racing cars to branching into military and industrial vehicles and even introducing a food blender, showcasing Praga's versatility and innovative spirit.

A highlight of our conversation is Praga's comeback into the racing scene, particularly with the Praga R1 model. This model epitomises the brand's racing heritage and engineering prowess. Mark also shares exciting news about Praga's plans for a debut sports car racing series next year, marking a new chapter in Praga's commitment to racing excellence.

https://pragaglobal.com/cars/

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