Backseat Driver – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

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Patrick Watts' Journey from Grassroots to Championship Circuits - Pt 1

Season 2 · Episode 33

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 • Duration 36:41

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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Fiona Elliott Shares the Inspiration Behind Me and My Car

Season 2 · Episode 24

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 • Duration 35:49

It's me, Mark Stone, and in this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Fiona Elliott, the visionary founder behind Me and My Car, a company specialising in crafting unique and high-quality motoring and motorsport-related gifts. Fiona delves into the genesis of Me My Car, a venture born out of her frustration with the absence of premium motoring gifts nearly two decades ago. Drawing upon her background in retail buying and her husband's expertise gleaned from Castrol, they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in 2006, driven by a steadfast commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

At the heart of Me and My Car's offerings lies a diverse array of products, ranging from whimsical chocolate cars to elegantly crafted clothing inspired by the rich tapestry of motorsport's history, epitomised by the renowned Suixtil brand. Fiona eloquently articulates the company's unwavering dedication to meeting and exceeding their customers' expectations, ensuring that each product resonates with a personal touch and evokes a sense of joy and admiration.

Our conversation delves into the meticulous attention paid to catering to customers' needs and the paramount importance of personalisation within Me and My Car's product range. Fiona's passion for motorsport and hill climbing infuses every aspect of the company's ethos, underscoring their genuine commitment to serving fellow enthusiasts with unparalleled dedication and enthusiasm.

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The Beauty of Restoration: Mark Isaac's Dedication to Classic Cars

Episode 12

Thursday, October 27, 2022 • Duration 33:45

It's me, Mark Stone, and today's episode is about car restoration. I have the pleasure of interviewing Mark Issac, the owner of Automotive Wall Art in Padiham, Lancashire. Mark is passionate about rebuilding classic cars, and I couldn't wait to hear more about his work. He will share his process of restoring classic cars, his challenges, and why he loves it. He will also discuss the time and effort of restoring a classic car and how long it typically takes. Join us as we talk to Mark Issac about his passion for car restoration on this Back Seat Driver Podcast episode.

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The Art of Customisation: Inside Retro Defender

Episode 11

Thursday, October 20, 2022 • Duration 36:18

I had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Longfield, Ben Longfield, and Ben Davies, the founders of Retro Defenders. These three custom Land Rover Defender builders have combined their over 70 years of experience in the motor industry to create truly unique and head-turning vehicles. From the UK to Europe and the Americas, these builders have been selling their custom Land Rovers to customers worldwide. They will be sharing with us their process of building these one-of-a-kind vehicles, the challenges they faced, and their inspiration behind it.

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Brian Culcheth: A Rallying Legend Remembered

Episode 10

Thursday, October 13, 2022 • Duration 36:13

This is an interview from 2020 with the late Brian Culcheth, which I did with the Online Rallying Programme Food For Thought. Brian had an incredible career that spanned over twenty years, seeing him compete in more than 125 National and International rally events during the sport’s golden era.

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Inside the World of Vintage Motorsport: Tanya Brown and the VSCC

Episode 9

Thursday, October 6, 2022 • Duration 43:21

Tanya Brown is the club secretary at the Vintage Sports Car Club. Vintage and historic cars evoke enthusiasm and spark passion. Since 1934 the Vintage Sports-Car Club has provided an arena for people to enjoy pre-war cars competitively and socially. Active in every aspect of motoring and motorsport for pre-war cars, the VSCC is one of the world's largest and best-regarded motoring clubs.

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Remembering Niki Lauda: Author Ray Saltinstall Reflects on His Iconic Career

Episode 8

Monday, September 26, 2022 • Duration 36:03

It's me, Mark Stone and welcome back to Backseat Driver Podcast. Today, I have a special treat for you all. I was honoured to sit with Ray Saltinstall, the author of Niki Lauda: His Competition History. We delve into the life and career of one of the most excellent Formula One drivers of all time, Niki Lauda and how Ray's book covers his competition history. It was an enlightening conversation, and I am excited to share it with you. So join me on this journey into the life of a motorsports legend on the Backseat Driver Podcast.

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From Whitworth to the World: Ben Hardman's Vintage Motorbike Collection

Episode 7

Monday, September 26, 2022 • Duration 43:38

It's me, Mark Stone and welcome back to Backseat Driver Podcast. Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane and returning to the 1920s. I had the pleasure of visiting Rayson Motorbike Exhausts in Whitworth, where I met with vintage motorbike expert Ben Hardman. We discussed the history and mechanics of these classic machines and heard about his passion for restoring and collecting them. Join me on this journey into the past and get an in-depth look at the world of vintage motorbikes on the Backseat Driver Podcast.

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35 Cars and Counting: Inside Joel Mutton's Diverse Collection

Episode 6

Monday, September 26, 2022 • Duration 42:08

It's me, Mark Stone and in this episode, I talk to Joel Mutton, a car collector with a unique perspective. Despite owning 35 cars, Joel insists he "doesn't collect cars."

I'll speak with Joel about his diverse collection of cars and what sets him apart from traditional car collectors. He'll share his philosophy on car collecting and how it differs from the typical approach.

Joel will also be discussing his favourite cars from his collection and the stories behind them. He'll delve into acquiring and maintaining his cars and the joys and challenges of owning such a diverse group of vehicles.

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