Backseat Driver

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Nick Pagani, who shares his extensive experience working with classic American cars in the film industry.
Nick talks about his journey from a family repair business in the 1980s to becoming a trusted coordinator for picture cars on major productions. We explore the crucial role vehicles play on screen, and how they help shape the identity and authenticity of a film.
I dig into the realities of working on set, where tight schedules and creative decisions can put pressure on both people and machines. Nick explains the challenges of dealing with directors who may not fully appreciate the significance of certain vehicles, and how that can sometimes put rare or valuable cars at risk.
This episode also looks at how car culture in cinema has evolved, and what the future might hold as modern technology continues to influence filmmaking. It is a fascinating insight into a niche world where automotive passion meets the demands of the entertainment industry.
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https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

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Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Tina Thörner, one of the most respected co-drivers in motorsport, to explore her journey both within and beyond rallying.
Tina shares how her career began, growing up in a family deeply connected to motorsport, and how that led her to work alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, including Colin McRae and Louise Aitken-Walker. She reflects on the defining moments of her career, from competing in the demanding Dakar Rally to becoming one of the first female world champions in the World Rally Championship.
I explore with Tina how rallying has evolved over the years, the challenges modern drivers face, and what has changed in terms of competition, preparation, and mindset. She also shares her perspective on life after professional rallying and the new directions her career has taken.
This episode is a celebration of an extraordinary career, offering insight into the resilience, determination, and passion required to succeed at the very highest level of motorsport.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I head to Scorton to explore a major milestone for British motorsport, the staging of a Euro Cup tractor pulling event for the first time in England.
I’m joined by Craig Whittingham and his brother Daniel Whittingham, who share how they brought this ambitious event to life under the banner of the European Tractor Pulling Committee. With competitors travelling from across Europe, the event marks a significant step forward for the sport’s profile in the UK.
We dig into the world of tractor pulling, often described as the most powerful form of motorsport, examining the engineering behind these machines and the sheer forces at play. The brothers also talk through the challenges of organising an event of this scale, from logistics and regulations to building support within the local community.
This episode highlights the passion, dedication, and teamwork required to grow a niche motorsport and the momentum building behind tractor pulling in the UK.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Sophie Hayter, whose career spans both the automotive and aerospace industries, with a lifelong passion for historic machinery.
Sophie shares how her fascination with steam traction engines began through her family, particularly the influence of her grandfather and the heritage of engines associated with Eastnor Castle. We explore how that early exposure developed into a deep appreciation for the engineering and stories behind these remarkable machines.
Beyond steam engines, Sophie talks about her own Land Rover and her professional role overseeing landing gear and undercarriage maintenance in the airline industry. She explains the extraordinary engineering behind aircraft landing gear and the strict standards required to keep aircraft operating safely.
This episode connects the worlds of historic vehicles and modern aviation, celebrating the craftsmanship, engineering, and personal stories that keep mechanical heritage alive.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore the magnificent alpine passes of Europe with my guest Louis Hendrickx, whose passion for driving and road trips has taken him across some of the continent’s most breathtaking routes.
Louis explains how his fascination with alpine roads began with a chance discovery of a book dedicated to these legendary mountain passes. That moment sparked a journey which has since seen him travel across Europe in his BMW Z4, seeking out the perfect driving road and the unforgettable scenery that comes with it.
We talk about the unique freedom of long-distance driving adventures and the growing car culture that surrounds these trips. From enthusiast gatherings to scenic driving destinations, the conversation celebrates both classic and modern cars enjoying the landscapes they were made for.
This episode reflects on the art of driving in Europe, where the combination of skill, scenery, and great roads creates an experience that continues to draw enthusiasts back year after year.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Breaks
SAS Autos

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast Sponsors
GAZ Shocks -
Home of the 116 Trophy and the 120 Coupe Cup.
Find them at www.gazshocks.com |

Hodder Tyres -
Trusted brands, every season, every condition.
Visit www.hoddertyres.co.uk |

Tarox Brakes -
The Art of Slowing Down, precision-built in Italy.
Check out www.tarox.com |

SAS Autos -
Experts in high-quality servicing and classic car restoration.
Discover more at sas-autos.co.uk