Backseat Driver

Join us on the Backseat Driver Podcast as we welcome Freddie Hunt, the son of legendary Formula One driver James Hunt. Freddie shares his racing journey in this captivating interview, from initially not being involved in motorsport to pursuing his passion for endurance racing. He discusses his recent LMP3 race at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans and his aspirations to compete in the prestigious 24-hour race. Freddie also reflects on the pressure of living up to his father's legacy and how he navigates the challenges of the racing world.

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Join me, Mark Stone on the Backseat Driver Podcast for a sweet and fascinating episode as we welcome Matthew Poat, Chief Chocolate Engineer at Racing Chocs. Matthew shares his unique journey from being a motor racing electrical engineer in Formula One to becoming a chocolatier. Discover his exquisite chocolate racing helmets inspired by iconic drivers and teams. Learn about the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each creation.

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Join us on the Backseat Driver Podcast as we delve into the world of hill climbing with Nick Upton, Chairman of the Bugatti Club, and John Staley, Vice President and Chairman of the Bugatti Affairs Committee. Discover the origins of Prescott Hill Climb, one of the oldest hill climb events in the UK. Learn about the Spaghetti Owners Club and their mission to provide sporting events for Bugatti owners. Hear fascinating stories about Bugatti's founder, Ettore Bugatti, and his eccentricities. Explore the history of hill climbing and the famous drivers who have competed at Prescott.

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It's me, Mark Stone, and in this third part of the Classic Le Mans series, I have a diverse lineup of guests sharing their experiences and insights connected to the iconic Le Mans race.

First up, we have Roger Townsend, a driver from New Zealand who has travelled a long way to participate. Roger shares his excitement for the event and discusses his connection to Le Mans. He's driving a 1972 Ford Capri RS with a previous history at Le Mans, and he tells us about the car's historical significance.

Next, we have Prince Leopold of Bavaria, with a BMW M1. Prince Leopold talks about his car's significance and joy in returning to Le Mans. He shares his admiration for the track and the event's overall atmosphere.

Jean Philippe, a Frenchman dividing his time between Germany and Brazil, provides insights into motorsports in Brazil and his efforts to introduce Le Mans to the Brazilian audience through his TV show.

Mark Paulson, an expert in Talbot cars, shares his experiences racing at Le Mans and highlights the unique charm of racing vintage Talbots on the historic circuit.

Then I catch up with Simon King and Phillip St. Clair Tisdale, who bring their expertise driving Morgans at Le Mans. They discuss the handling capabilities of Morgans and the joy of participating in races alongside iconic cars. They also shed light on the motorsport community in New Zealand and the country's love for racing.

Lastly, we have Chris Spencer and Scott Renner, renowned Jowett restorers, who talk about the racing history of the 1951 Jowett Jupiter at Le Mans and the unique handling characteristics of the car. They also share their experiences as leading restorers of Jowetts in England and America.

Throughout the episode, our guests express their love for Le Mans, describing it as a magical and prestigious event. They touch on the challenges of racing, the significance of historical cars, and the allure of night racing at Le Mans.

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It's me, Mark Stone, from the Backseat Driver Podcast. Join me as I take you to the breathtaking Matra Museum, also known as Musee Espace Automobiles Matra, in Romorantin, France.

Discover the fascinating history of Matra, the French industrial conglomerate involved in automobiles, bicycles, and even weaponry. Matra's legacy is captivating, from racing cars to iconic people carriers. Listen to my interview with Bruno Lorgeoux, the museum director, as we delve into the remarkable V12 engines and legendary drivers associated with Matra.

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Join me, Mark Stone, at the Le Mans Classic 2023 on the Back Seat Driver Podcast. In this captivating episode, we enjoy hearing from a diverse group of guests who share their unforgettable experiences at the event.

First, we have John Lomas of Blue Diamond Riley Services. John reflects on the challenges vintage cars present and the excitement of waiting for updates without modern telemetry data.

Next, we hear from Vincent, representing Suixtil, a brand revived from its glory days in the 1950s and 1960s. Vincent shares the brand's journey of recreating iconic Suixtil merchandise based on original clothing worn by renowned past drivers. He captures the essence of the brand's association with racing legends and their mission to revive the glamour of a bygone era.

Mark Andrews, from European Driving Tours Limited, takes us behind the scenes of organising exhilarating European driving tours. He also discusses their ambitious project of creating a memorial for British racing driver Peter Collins. Mark sheds light on Collins' selfless act during the 1956 Formula One World Championship, where he sacrificed his chance to win for the benefit of his teammate. Mark accentuates their ongoing efforts to honour Collins' legacy and preserve his contribution to the sport.

We are also joined by Pierre Lambert, who shares his excitement as a participant in his first Le Mans race. Pierre expresses his admiration for the event's rich history and his aspiration to be part of the 100th-anniversary celebration. He reflects on the exhilaration and challenges of racing on the circuit, particularly the renowned Mulsanne Straight.

Lastly, we meet Arno Four, proudly displaying his magnificent 1923 Chenard-Walcker T8, the oldest car in the entire event. Arno recounts the pride he feels being at Le Mans and the magical experience of driving the car with its authentic period-correct headlights.

Together, these remarkable guests offer us a fascinating glimpse into the unique atmosphere, triumphs, and tribulations of attending the Le Mans Classic 2023.

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Join me, Mark Stone, on a special edition of the Back Seat Driver Podcast as we delve into the historic celebration of a hundred years of Le Mans 2023.

This event is an absolute spectacle, featuring over 600 authentic cars from the era, many of which participated in the legendary Le Mans races. These are not replicas; they are the genuine article. So sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in captivating conversations with drivers, mechanics, and other key figures involved in the Classic Lamar festivities. Additionally, I had the privilege of speaking with Patrick Peter, the visionary behind this extraordinary event, from Peter Auto. Don't miss out on this phenomenal journey through a century of Le Mans history as well as pit photographer Marie-Catherine Ligny.

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Join me on the Backseat Driver Radio Show as I welcome back Noel Stokoe, Press Officer and librarian of the Jowett Car Club, for an enthralling episode delving into Jowett's captivating automotive journey. From their exhilarating racing triumphs, including the Lamo 24-hour race and victories in the one-and-a-half litre class, to their commercial ventures epitomized by the reliable Bradford van and the planned but unrealized CD range, we unravel the remarkable chapters of Jowett's history. With Noel's expertise and engaging anecdotes, we explore their challenges, the resilience that drove them forward, and the enduring legacy they left behind.

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Join me on the Backseat Driver podcast as I delve into the captivating history of Jowett, the renowned Yorkshire car manufacturer, with special guest Noel Stokoe, the Jowett Car Club press officer. Discover their origins as a blacksmith shop, their innovative flat twin engines, and their clever marketing strategies. Explore the rich heritage of the Jowett Car Club, the world's oldest one-make car club, and get a sneak peek into their upcoming centenary celebrations. Uncover the adventurous side of Jowett as we delve into banquets in underground tunnels and a groundbreaking cross-Africa expedition. Don't miss this episode filled with Yorkshire spirit, remarkable stories, and the enduring legacy of Jowett's automotive craftsmanship.

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It's me, Mark Stone, and on this episode of the Back Seat Driver Podcast, I chat with Michael McColgan, the managing director of Ex-Pressed Steel Panels. Using a unique process, we explore how their company creates replacement body panels for classic cars. Mike shares his passion for cars and discusses the demand for their panels in local and global markets.

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