Backseat Driver

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I speak with Katarina Kyvalova, a remarkable talent whose rise in motorsport has been as rapid as it has been impressive.

Katarina talks about where her passion for cars began, shaped by early influences and a deep appreciation for classic machinery, despite having no direct family background in motorsport. We focus on her love for the iconic Austin-Healey and the bold decision to race such a demanding car, a moment that defined her commitment and resilience as a driver.

I explore with Katarina her move from classic competition into modern racing, where the contrasts in performance, driving style, and expectations have pushed her to adapt and grow at speed. She shares the challenges that come with that transition, along with the excitement of testing herself in new environments.

This episode is a story of perseverance, passion, and ambition, capturing the mindset required to succeed in competitive motorsport and the determination to keep moving forward.

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It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I catch up with Paul Woodford to talk about his remarkable return to rallying since the pandemic. After stepping away from the sport for fourteen years, Paul explains what drew him back behind the wheel and how quickly things have escalated since.

Paul walks me through the wide range of machinery he has driven recently, from classic Mini Coopers to purpose-built Dakar-style rally cars, highlighting just how varied and demanding his rallying journey has become. We also reflect on the current state of the sport, discussing where rallying has lost some of its character and what might be needed to reignite wider engagement.

The conversation turns to the growing appeal of historic rallying, a scene that is attracting both long-standing competitors and a new generation of drivers. It offers a hopeful glimpse into a side of the sport that still values spectacle, personality, and accessibility.

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It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive into the ever-evolving world of automotive restoration and modification, with a particular focus on resto-modding, where classic cars retain their soul while gaining modern performance.

I’m joined by Tony Shine, who talks me through his journey from a young enthusiast modifying Volkswagens to tackling an ambitious Ford Cortina Mk II build that perfectly balances period looks with contemporary engineering.

We get into the nuts and bolts of what makes a successful resto-mod, from chassis design and suspension upgrades to integrating modern, high-performance engines without losing the character that made these cars special in the first place. Tony also shares his thoughts on how trends in car culture evolve, the role of craftsmanship, and why attention to detail still matters in an age of off-the-shelf solutions.

This episode is a thoughtful exploration of passion, skill, and creativity, and a reminder that restoring and modifying cars is as much an art form as a technical discipline.

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It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I turn the spotlight on the extraordinary yet often overlooked career of Lella Lombardi, one of motorsport’s true pioneers and the only woman to score points in Formula One.

Joined by Jon Saltinstall, I explore Lombardi’s life and career, from her groundbreaking achievements on the world stage to the barriers she faced competing in a sport dominated by men. We discuss why her story has so often been underplayed and what made her determination, talent, and resilience so remarkable.

John shares the motivation behind writing Lombardi’s biography, aiming to restore her place in motorsport history and ensure her achievements are appropriately recognised. This episode reflects on Lombardi’s lasting impact and why preserving her legacy matters, not just for motorsport fans but for future generations inspired by her trailblazing path.

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It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I delve into the remarkable career of Joe Pep, one of America’s most celebrated car illustrators, whose artwork is inseparable from his lifelong passion for vintage automobiles.

Joe Pepitone shares the early influences that sparked his love of classic cars, growing up in New Jersey and drawing inspiration from television shows like The Untouchables. We talk about how those formative moments shaped not just his automotive interests, but his artistic voice.

I explore with Joe the powerful connection between automotive history and illustration, as he explains how each piece of his work tells a story. His instantly recognisable style, rich in colour and retro flair, captures both the elegance of the cars and the eras they represent.

This episode is a deep dive into creativity, nostalgia, and the enduring appeal of classic cars through the eyes of an artist who has helped preserve their legacy on paper.

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It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Sam Grange-Bailey, a highly respected classic car dealer who shares her distinctive path into the automotive world.

Sam talks about growing up in a family deeply rooted in car trading and how she helped evolve her father’s traditional business by embracing new technology and the early use of the internet. We explore how that shift changed the way classic cars are bought and sold, and how adaptation has become essential in a modern marketplace.

I dig into the realities of the classic car trade with Sam, from understanding market values and spotting genuine desirability to balancing emotion with commercial sense. We also reflect on why classic cars continue to hold such powerful sentimental appeal for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

This episode offers a thoughtful look at how the classic car industry has evolved, blending heritage with innovation while staying driven by passion.

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Ashley Gregory, a formidable young talent competing in Mini Stocks and making serious strides as a female racing driver.

Ashley talks me through her journey into motorsport, which began at just ten years old and has been driven by persistence, hard work, and a genuine passion for racing. We discuss the realities of competing in a sport that remains male-dominated, the challenges that come with it, and the resilience required to keep pushing forward.

Looking ahead, Ashley shares her ambitions to progress through the ranks and her long-term goal of reaching the British Touring Car Championship by 2030. This episode not only highlights Ashley’s own story but also reflects the wider shift toward greater female representation in motorsport.

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In this episode of the Backseat Driver podcast, we tackle the rising concern of escalating insurance premiums with the help of returning guest Tim Kelly, a renowned motor claims expert. Tim breaks down the key factors driving these soaring costs, revealing that they stem not just from increased claims but also from broader economic instability and regulatory shifts. He explains how insurance companies have traditionally relied on investment returns to offset premium costs, but with diminishing returns, policyholders are now bearing the brunt of the shortfall.

Our discussion also examines the impact of legislative changes, such as The Jackson Reforms, which have unintentionally made it harder for legitimate claims to be processed, further driving up premiums. Through this deep dive into the complexities of the insurance landscape, we aim to provide listeners with a clearer understanding of the forces shaping the industry and what these changes mean for everyday drivers.

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It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Alex Jacques, a highly respected voice in sports commentary, to explore his journey into the world of Formula One broadcasting.

Alex shares how his early passion for motorsport, combined with a few unexpected twists of fate, steered him toward some of the most high-profile commentary roles in the sport. We examine the craft of sports journalism, the pressure of stepping into the shoes of iconic commentators, and the importance of bringing genuine emotion, insight, and authenticity to every broadcast.

We also discuss Alex’s new book, Grid to Glory, which charts 75 pivotal moments in Formula One history. Through his storytelling, he connects the sport’s defining eras, giving fresh context to the moments that shaped F1 into what it is today.

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It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore a striking statistic in the Porsche world: there’s said to be a one-in-three chance of owning a Porsche, yet the ownership rate among women is far lower.

To dig into that, I’m joined by Sarah Rhodes, a passionate Porsche owner who defies the odds. Sarah shares her journey from early fascination to the moment she found her perfect match in a stunning Ruby Star 992.1.

We talk about the experiences and challenges faced by women in what is still a male-dominated sports car scene, and Sarah introduces Ruby and the Blonde, her growing community designed to support and celebrate female Porsche enthusiasts.

This episode is both a tribute to the cars we love and a celebration of the rising representation of women shaping the future of Porsche ownership.

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