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It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by motorsport journalist and author Gary Watkins to explore the remarkable rise of GT3 racing and how it became one of the most successful categories in international motorsport. Gary's latest book charts the first twenty years of GT3, and together we look back at how Stéphane Ratel helped create a formula that transformed sports car racing. By combining production-based machinery, Balance of Performance regulations, and driver grading, GT3 offered manufacturers, private teams, and amateur drivers a chance to compete on a more level playing field. We explore how GT3 emerged from the lessons of earlier GT1 and GT2 championships, and why allowing specialist tuners to develop and homologate cars opened the door to a remarkable variety of machinery. From the Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari to the growing involvement of major manufacturers, GT3 quickly established itself as an attractive alternative to increasingly expensive forms of racing. Gary explains how the category's flexibility helped it spread around the world, becoming equally successful in sprint racing and major endurance events. We discuss the role of the SRO, the importance of privateer teams and how GT3 has provided opportunities for countless drivers to establish careers in professional motorsport. But has GT3 become a victim of its own success? With increasingly sophisticated cars, rising costs and manufacturers developing machinery specifically for competition, we ask whether the category risks losing the accessibility and production-car connection that made it so successful. It's a fascinating look at the evolution of modern sports car racing, the people and decisions that shaped GT3, and the challenges it faces as it enters its third decade. Gary's book provides a comprehensive account of the category's first twenty years and is essential reading for anyone interested in how GT3 changed the landscape of international motorsport. ___ 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’m joined once again by Ruben Verdes, an authority on Rolls-Royce and Bentley, as we turn our attention to the fascinating world of classic car concours, judging and the preservation of automotive history. In the second part of our conversation, Ruben shares his extensive experience as a concours judge and vehicle valuer, explaining what really happens behind the scenes at some of America's most prestigious classic car events. We discuss the differences between British and American car culture, why the United States has such a thriving concours scene and what makes these gatherings so important to collectors and enthusiasts. Ruben takes me through the judging process, from the initial practical checks to the detailed examination of originality, authenticity, condition and presentation. We explore how judges reach their decisions, why accurate provenance matters and the lengths organisers go to in ensuring that cars are genuinely what their owners claim them to be. We also discuss the considerable influence that winning a major concours can have on a car's reputation and value, alongside some of the remarkable vehicles and personalities Ruben has encountered over the years. Beyond the prestigious competitions, Ruben reflects on the wider American classic car scene, from major national events to local cars-and-coffee gatherings, and explains why both have an important role in keeping enthusiasm for historic vehicles alive. Above all, this is a conversation about the responsibility that comes with owning and preserving significant cars. Ruben believes these machines should be seen, enjoyed and appreciated rather than hidden away in private collections, ensuring future generations have the opportunity to experience motoring history for themselves. It's another fascinating insight into the world of Rolls-Royce, Bentley and classic car collecting, and a reminder that preserving automotive heritage is about much more than simply keeping old cars in immaculate condition.

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Hamish Robertson from the Watch Collectors Club to explore the fascinating relationship between motorsport and watches, and how the two have become almost inseparable over more than a century. With the practical role of timekeeping in early motoring, when dashboard clocks and specialist watches could be found in cars from manufacturers including Bugatti, Peugeot and Mercedes. From there, we trace the rise of the chronograph and its transformation into the watch most closely associated with racing drivers and motorsport enthusiasts. Hamish takes me through some of the watches that helped define that relationship, including Heuer’s Autavia, Carrera and Monaco. We discuss Jack Heuer’s clever approach to motorsport sponsorship, his relationships with individual racing drivers and how Steve McQueen helped turn the distinctive square-cased Monaco into a cultural icon. We also explore the extraordinary story of the Rolex Daytona, a watch that was not always particularly desirable but eventually became one of the most recognisable and sought-after watches in the world. Hamish explains how changing movements, dealers, marketing and celebrity ownership all contributed to creating the Daytona mythology we know today. But motorsport watches are certainly not confined to expensive Swiss mechanical pieces. We discuss quartz and digital watches, including the remarkable durability of Casio’s G-Shock, and why accuracy and resilience can matter considerably more than mechanical tradition when a watch is actually being used in demanding conditions. From affordable microbrands and heritage reissues to some of the finest examples of haute horlogerie, we look at the enormous choice available to enthusiasts today and why motorsport continues to inspire watchmakers at every price point. We also discuss the growing community around watch collecting, the role of clubs, exhibitions and specialist shows, and how organisations such as the Watch Collectors Club are helping enthusiasts understand and enjoy the stories behind the watches on their wrists. ___ 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’m joined by Ruben Verdes, a leading authority on Rolls-Royce and Bentley, to explore the remarkable history, craftsmanship and stories behind some of the world’s most celebrated motor cars. Ruben’s involvement with these marques stretches far beyond simply owning or admiring the cars. As a consultant, museum manager, concours judge, editor and treasurer of the Rolls-Royce Foundation, he has spent decades researching the vehicles, the people who built them and the owners whose stories form part of their history. We trace Ruben’s fascination with cars back to childhood journeys with his father before exploring how that interest developed into a lifelong dedication to automotive history and preservation. Our conversation takes us through the evolution of Rolls-Royce, from the days when customers purchased a chassis and commissioned a coachbuilder to create the body, through to the move towards factory-built cars. We also discuss the enormous importance of aero engines to Rolls-Royce, the company’s relationship with America and the fascinating story of cars produced at its Springfield factory. Ruben takes us behind some of the mythology surrounding the marque too, including the legendary Silver Ghost reliability trials, badges, coachwork and the importance of establishing genuine provenance. He explains how careful archival research can sometimes reveal a very different story from the one that has been repeated about a particular car for decades. Ultimately, this is a conversation about much more than Rolls-Royce. It is about preserving motoring history properly, understanding the craftsmanship and engineering behind these extraordinary machines, and making sure the stories attached to them are every bit as authentic as the cars themselves ___ 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’m joined by author Steve Rendle to look beyond the drivers and cars and discover the extraordinary operation that keeps modern Formula One moving. Steve’s book explores the enormous infrastructure behind F1, where teams employing hundreds of people and spending vast sums of money ultimately have one objective: putting two competitive cars on the starting grid. We look at what really happens during a Grand Prix weekend, from the engineers and mechanics working trackside to the teams back at the factory operating what is effectively a mission control centre. While the cars circulate thousands of miles away, specialists analyse live data, run simulations, and feed information back to the circuit in the relentless search for performance. Steve explains the increasingly important role of simulators, including the incredibly detailed scans of circuits that allow teams to recreate tracks virtually. We also discuss how information gathered during practice sessions can be processed overnight, allowing teams to refine setups and strategies before the cars return to the track the following day. It reveals a side of Formula One that television rarely captures. Behind two drivers and two cars sits an extraordinary network of people, technology, logistics and information, all working together to find fractions of a second.

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Beatty Crawford, a hugely experienced figure in rallying, to ask some serious questions about the direction of the modern sport and whether World Rally Championship cars have simply become too fast. Drawing on a career that includes victory on the Circuit of Ireland and experience across some of rallying’s most demanding events, Beattie shares his concerns about the extraordinary performance of today’s WRC machinery and the potential consequences for both competitors and spectators. We discuss how modern cars compare with the infamous Group B era and whether increasing performance inevitably brings increasing risk. But this conversation is about much more than outright speed. Beatty argues that the magic of rallying has always come from watching drivers wrestle cars across demanding terrain, where skill, movement and spectacle matter just as much as the numbers on a speedometer. We ask whether some of that character is being lost as technology becomes increasingly sophisticated. We also discuss spectator safety, regulation, rising costs and the widening gap between the World Rally Championship and grassroots competition. Beatty shares his thoughts on the FIA’s approach to the sport and why he believes rallying needs to reconsider its priorities if it is to remain exciting, accessible and sustainable. ___ 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’m joined by Joe Mallinson, the new Clerk of the Course for the Ilkley Jubilee Historic Rally, to discover just what goes into organising one of Britain’s much-loved historic road rallies. Joe takes me behind the scenes of the event, explaining the enormous amount of planning required long before the first car crosses the start line. We talk about plotting the route, organising officials and marshals, keeping competitors and spectators safe, and the responsibilities that come with taking on the role of Clerk of the Course. We also look ahead to this year’s two-day rally, including the atmosphere of the start in Otley Market Square, the route through the surrounding countryside and the collection of historic cars expected to take part. Joe explains the vital role played by volunteer marshals and local car clubs in keeping events like this alive, as well as the camaraderie that brings competitors, officials and enthusiasts back year after year. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes of historic rallying and a reminder that while the cars and drivers might get most of the attention, an extraordinary amount of work goes into making an event like the Ilkley Jubilee happen. ___ 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’m joined by Ilias Strousidis, a racing driver and watch designer whose two great passions, motorsport and horology, have come together in a fascinating way. Ilias shares his journey through motorsport in his native Greece, from his love of BMWs to competing across different racing disciplines. We discuss the growing Greek motorsport scene, the challenges faced by drivers there, and his experiences at events including BMW Live and endurance racing. Away from the track, Ilias explains how his frustration at being unable to find a watch that truly reflected his passion for racing inspired him to create Steel Timepieces. We explore how his experience behind the wheel influences his designs, with functionality for drivers sitting alongside distinctive styling and traditional watchmaking craftsmanship. Ilias also takes me through the process of creating a watch, from the first sketches and prototypes to working with Swiss manufacturers on cases, movements and final production. Rather than chasing mass production, his focus remains on limited numbers, quality and creating something genuinely special for collectors and fellow motorsport enthusiasts. We also look ahead to the Manchester Watch Show, where Ilias will showcase his latest creations and continue bringing together two worlds with far more in common than you might initially imagine. ___ 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’m joined by Chris Allsop, affectionately known as the “Biker Granddad”, who at the age of 75 has set off on an extraordinary motorcycle adventure across Europe aboard his BMW F800GT. Chris shares what inspired him to get back on the road after a period when family health challenges had limited his opportunities to travel. With his freedom restored, he decided it was time for another adventure, setting his sights on the Carpathian Mountains, Moldova and some of the less travelled corners of Europe. We talk about why Chris chose the BMW F800GT for the journey, balancing long-distance comfort with the agility needed for twisting mountain roads. He also explains what makes travelling by motorcycle so different from driving, from feeling more connected to the landscape to the trust required in both yourself and your machine when tackling unfamiliar roads. Along the way, we explore the different attitudes towards motorcycles across Europe, the camaraderie between riders and why motorcycling is certainly not reserved for the young. At 75, Chris remains determined to explore new places, meet new people and collect experiences rather than possessions. ___ 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’m joined by Louise Noeth, better known as “Land Speed Louise”, whose passion and expertise have made her one of the leading authorities on land speed racing. Louise shares her unlikely journey into motorsport, from growing up on the South Side of Chicago with little automotive influence to discovering a fascination with cars, speed and engineering. She reflects on the experiences and people who shaped her career, including legendary racer and designer Carroll Shelby, and how she eventually found herself immersed in the extraordinary world of the Bonneville Salt Flats. We explore Louise’s work as a journalist, author and historian, documenting the remarkable people and machines that have pushed the boundaries of speed. She also discusses her commitment to ensuring the achievements of female racers and land speed record holders receive the recognition they deserve. The conversation also turns to the future of land speed racing and the environmental challenges facing Bonneville. Louise explains why protecting the Salt Flats is so important, not only for motorsport but for preserving a unique piece of American automotive history. ___ 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’m joined once again by Vic Piano, whose passion for American cars is matched only by his remarkable knowledge of American motorsport. Together, we explore the fascinating worlds of NASCAR and the Indianapolis 500, discussing what makes these iconic events such an important part of American culture. Vic shares stories from his broadcasting career, including his role in helping introduce NASCAR to television audiences during its rapid rise in popularity throughout the 1980s. We also look back at NASCAR's colourful origins, tracing its roots to the moonshine runners of the 1930s whose modified cars and fearless driving eventually gave birth to one of the world's biggest motorsports. Along the way, Vic explains the traditions, rivalries, and larger-than-life personalities that have helped build NASCAR's fiercely loyal following. ___ 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’m joined by Andrew Mawdsley from the North West Vintage Machinery Club to discuss his remarkable journey into the world of steam traction engines. Andrew shares the story behind acquiring and restoring his beloved engine, affectionately known as Evening Star, and explains how a significant change in his personal life led him to embrace a passion that would become far more than just a hobby. We explore the dedication, patience, and expertise required to restore and maintain a working steam engine, including the challenges of boiler inspections, firebox repairs, and the strict safety standards that come with operating these historic machines. Along the way, Andrew reflects on the strong sense of community that exists within the vintage machinery world. From rallies and exhibitions to charitable events, we discuss how enthusiasts come together to preserve an important part of Britain's engineering heritage while sharing knowledge, stories, and experiences. ___ 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’m joined by the American author Mike Manns. Mike is a respected car restorer from Missouri whose lifelong passion for classic vehicles has led him to some truly remarkable projects. Mike shares the story of his family's deep roots in the automotive trade, stretching back to his grandfather's involvement in the industry during the 1920s. We explore how that heritage shaped his fascination with classic cars and ultimately led him to one of the most extraordinary restoration projects imaginable, the legendary Chrysler Turbine Car. Throughout our conversation, Mike explains the technical challenges of restoring such a rare and historically significant vehicle, while also examining the engineering innovations that made the Chrysler Turbine Car one of the most ambitious automotive experiments ever undertaken. We discuss the wider impact of pioneering technologies, the resistance often faced by revolutionary ideas, and the lessons that can still be drawn from these bold engineering ventures. Mike also recounts some memorable encounters along the way, including his connection with Jay Leno, whose enthusiasm for automotive history has helped keep stories like these alive for modern audiences. ___ 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 welcome back Joe Pep for a thought-provoking discussion on the decline of some of Britain and America's most iconic car manufacturers. Together, we look back at legendary marques such as Jaguar, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Cadillac, and Pontiac, examining how corporate mergers, changing priorities, and shifting market demands altered the fortunes of once-proud automotive brands. We explore the rise and fall of British Leyland, discussing the challenges of management, industrial relations, and quality control that contributed to the decline of the British motor industry. Joe also reflects on the changing character of American cars and how many modern vehicles have become increasingly similar in design and purpose. The conversation considers whether today's cars have lost some of the individuality and personality that once made automotive ownership such a passionate pursuit. From chrome-laden classics to the increasingly uniform vehicles of the modern era, we examine what has been gained, what has been lost, and whether the industry can ever recapture the magic of its past. ___ 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 welcome back Joe Pep, better known to many as "Joey the Pencils", for a fascinating look at the iconic cars that helped define some of television's most memorable series. Together, we explore how certain vehicles became stars in their own right, often leaving a bigger impression than the actors behind the wheel. From the stunning Aston Martin DB6 and Ferrari Dino 246 GT to Pontiac Firebird Esprit, we discuss the cars that became inseparable from the shows they appeared in. I reflect on classic series including The Persuaders!, Columbo, The Mentalist, and The Rockford Files, examining how these vehicles enhanced storytelling and became cultural touchstones for generations of viewers. Joe also shares his thoughts on the evolution of automotive design, particularly the changing fortunes of American cars during the 1970s, and how the vehicles seen on screen often reflected the values, aspirations, and technology of their era. This episode is a celebration of the cars that helped shape television history, proving that sometimes the most memorable character in a show has four wheels and an engine. ___ Visit our sponsors GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy Hodder Tyres Tarox Brakes Listen Now