Backseat Driver

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a hard look at the enduring allure of supercars and the often sobering realities that come with owning them.
I’m joined by Nick Foster, an experienced specialist who works daily with some of the most desirable performance machines on the planet. We discuss how the supercar world has evolved, including the dramatic shift from boutique production numbers to large-scale manufacturing, as seen with Ferrari increasing output from hundreds to thousands of cars per year.
Nick explains what truly separates high-performance cars from everyday vehicles when it comes to servicing, reliability, and long-term care. We also explore the realities owners face as these cars pass through multiple hands, often accumulating hidden issues and deferred maintenance along the way.
This episode offers a candid and practical insight into the modern supercar landscape, cutting through the glamour to examine what ownership really involves and the expertise required to keep these machines at their best.
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https://pod.link/1656058575

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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

In this episode of the Backseat Driver podcast, we sit down with esteemed rally driver Simon Daly, who shares his deep passion for rallying—particularly his admiration for Skoda vehicles. Simon reflects on how his early experiences in motorsport, shaped by family influence, played a crucial role in his journey. He fondly recalls his uncles introducing him to the thrill of rallying, including unforgettable moments at legendary events like the RAC Rally. These formative years ignited a lifelong enthusiasm that has driven his career in the sport.
Our discussion delves into Simon’s remarkable collection of ex-works Skoda rally cars, which not only showcase his dedication but also connect him to the brand’s storied motorsport heritage. As we explore the evolution of rallying, nostalgia and personal history take center stage, highlighting the craftsmanship and legacy of Skoda in the sport. Whether you’re a rally enthusiast or new to the world of motorsport, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the passion, history, and technical artistry behind rallying.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

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

Listen Now

Mentioned in this episode:
Tarox Brakes
Sponsored 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.

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Chris Rhodes to explore a life shaped by deep-rooted automotive heritage.
Chris shares stories of growing up surrounded by cars, influenced by his father’s Lotus service dealership and a household where motorsport and dealership life were part of everyday conversation. We talk about his early experiences with rallying, his love of Porsches, and even the unexpected charm of cars like the Fiat Panda.
I also explore Chris’s concept of the “pirate run”, a relaxed driving initiative designed to bring enthusiasts together for the simple joy of getting out on the road. It is about camaraderie, shared passion, and actually using the cars we claim to love. Chris makes the case that vehicles are meant to be driven, not preserved as static ornaments.
___
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 Dr Steve Holden, whose love of cars led him on an extraordinary journey of more than 5,000 kilometres to the Arctic Circle and back in a humble Fiat Panda.
Steve talks me through the motivations behind this ambitious adventure, including his decision to buy a far-from-perfect Panda and trust it to cope with some of the harshest driving conditions imaginable. We explore the modifications and careful preparation required to survive extreme cold, from mechanical reliability to planning every detail of the route.
I dig into Steve’s experiences of driving in sub-zero temperatures, the techniques needed to stay safe on ice and snow, and the contrasts he observed in driving cultures along the way. Beyond the challenge itself, Steve also reflects on the trip's deeper purpose: to raise awareness and funds for Myeloma UK.
This episode is a story of endurance, preparation, and determination, proving that big adventures do not always require big cars.
___
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 Justin Fellows, a devoted enthusiast of veteran and vintage automobiles, best known for taking part in historic events such as the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Justin talks me through his journey from a casual interest in old cars to becoming a committed collector and custodian of veteran machines. We explore why preserving these early vehicles matters, not just mechanically, but culturally, as living pieces of automotive history.
I dig into the finer details with Justin, from car classifications and early engineering solutions to the personal stories that have shaped his connection with these cars. We also discuss the realities of maintaining and driving vehicles from a very different era, along with the challenges, rewards, and occasional moments of mild panic.
This episode highlights the strong sense of community within vintage car ownership and celebrates the enduring appeal of machines that continue to bring people together through shared passion and heritage.
___
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