Backseat Driver

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast! I sit down with Derek Drinkwater, a passionate racing enthusiast with a knack for vintage American car restoration. Derek takes us on a thrilling journey through his love affair with racing, from his early days tinkering in his dad's garage to his adventures at iconic events like Bonneville and the Le Mans Classic. He also shares insights into his unique stargazing business and recounts the excitement of competing in Le Mans 2021. Plus, Derek regales us with the story of rebuilding a 1949 Cadillac, complete with technical hurdles and the exhilarating crowd engagement of race day.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

It's me, Mark Stone and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I talk to Graeme Hardy about his passion for impersonating living and fictional characters. He discusses his incarnations as George Formby, Tazio Nuvolari, Stan Laurel, and Harold Steptoe, among others.

He reflects on the meticulous research and effort he puts into recreating these characters and the positive impact and recognition his impersonations have brought him, including being featured on gin bottle labels and working with vehicle manufacturers. He shares his plans of expanding his repertoire of characters and continually providing entertainment to audiences.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I interview Paul Woodford, a manager of Cadwell Park, a classic car filmmaker, and a Clan Crusader expert. He discusses his role at Cadwell Park, his journey into the world of motorsport, and the fascinating history and design details of the Clan Crusader.

The conversation delves into how the Clan Crusader shook up the rally world in its heyday and the sturdy characteristics that put the car on the map despite its small stature. Additionally, Paul shares his personal experience of owning and working on a Clan Crusader.

Recorded in early 2021, the interview covers the future of motorsport post-lockdown, focusing on the quick resurgence it's likely to experience post-pandemic.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

In this episode, I chat with Mark Gregg of The Motor Cycling Club (MCC), who takes us on a historical journey of the Club since its inception in 1901. With numerous fascinating stories, Mark discusses how the Club evolved from purely motorbikes to embracing motorcars and the development of MCC competitions. He also sheds light on passionately crafted Club vehicles, the roles of passengers, and how to get involved in this historical sporting Club. The MCC is believed to be the oldest Motoring Club.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

Angelica Fuentes Garcia, one of Mexico's foremost rally co-drivers and drivers, shares her journey into motorsport on the Backseat Driver Podcast.

Angelica talks about her early start in the sport, impressive success in rally championships, experiences in major historic rallies like La Carrera and Monte Carlo, and her passion for endurance events. She highlights motorsport's challenges and beauty and advises those interested in this sport. Her story is not just about racing; it's also a testament to her resilience, dedication, and love for what she does.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

It's me, Mark Stone and in this Backseat Driver Podcast episode, I interview Anna-Louise Felstead, a renowned automotive artist. A.L. discusses her journey as an artist, her unique process of creating live art at car events, and her preference for painting classic pre-war cars like Bugattis and E.R.As. In addition to automotive art, A.L. recounts instances where she painted unconventional and suggestive scenes, revealing her versatility and adaptability. She also chats about her memorable experiences participating in sporting events like the Tour Auto and the Monte Carlo Rally.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Radio Show, I chat with Lorraine Gathercole, the British Women's Racing Drivers Club chair and the Motorsport Committee for Motorsport UK, discussing her unconventional journey into motorsport, her experiences as a racing and rally driver, and her role in promoting and supporting women in the field.

She also talks about her business, Gathercole Race Engineering Limited, which specialises in building and rebuilding race engines. Lorraine shares her insights on historic motorsports, the impact of COVID-19 on the sport, and the future of women in motorsports.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Andy Larton, the founder of LED Motorsport, a company steeped in motorsport history since 1976. Andy shares the fascinating evolution of his company, starting from humble car servicing beginnings and eventually venturing into thrilling motorsport projects like the Talbot Samba and 205 GTIs.

We delved into the highs and lows of LED Motorsport's journey, including the challenges of building rally cars and the heart-pounding experience of a dramatic crash involving the tiny 106. Our discussion covered many topics, from the excitement and challenges of hill climbing to the intricacies of motorsport costs. We also explored the differences between rallied and circuit-based cars and our mutual fondness for classic automobiles.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

It's me, Mark Stone and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I chat with Noelle Dunkerley and Paul Flett, the proud owners of 'Kermit,' a stunning 1951 Frazer Nash Le Mans replica. We dive into their journey with this vibrant green car, from its inheritance to its restoration, and their thrilling racing and road trip adventures, including their dream to participate in the Classic Le Mans. Plus, Noelle's upcoming book about the car and their travel companion, Felix the Teddy Bear, adds an exciting twist to their story.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now

In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with a rallying legend, Ian Grindrod.

Famous for his professional rally co-driving career, Ian shares a fantastic trip down memory lane with me, recalling encounters with some of the most iconic figures in the sport. From Trevor Roberts to Henri Toivonen, the list of people he has worked with is impressive. His insights into the sprawling history and his personal experiences within the sport painted an engaging picture of what it's like inside the co-driver's seat.

___

Visit our sponsors

GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy

Hodder Tyres

Tarox Brakes

Listen Now