Backseat Driver

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.___https://pod.link/1656058575Visit our sponsorsGAZ Shocks 116 TrophyHodder TyresTarox BreaksSAS AutosListen NowMentioned in this episode:Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast SponsorsGAZ 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 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.___https://pod.link/1656058575Visit our sponsorsGAZ Shocks 116 TrophyHodder TyresTarox BreaksSAS AutosListen NowMentioned in this episode:Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast SponsorsGAZ 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 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.Mentioned in this episode:Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast SponsorsGAZ 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 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.___https://pod.link/1656058575Visit our sponsorsGAZ Shocks 116 TrophyHodder TyresTarox BreaksSAS AutosListen Now Mentioned in this episode:Visit the Backseat Driver Podcast SponsorsGAZ 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

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.___https://pod.link/1656058575Visit our sponsorsGAZ Shocks 116 TrophyHodder TyresTarox BreaksSAS AutosListen Now Mentioned in this episode:Tarox BrakesSponsored by TAROX Brakes Engineered in Italy. Tested on track. Trusted on the street. TAROX performance brake kits deliver progressive feel, zero fade, and serious stopping power — all with show-stopping looks. 🔧 tarox.co.uk – Precision Braking Since 1976.