Backseat Driver

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Simon Nutter to explore the wonderfully eccentric world of rallying in a Fiat Panda.
Simon shares his experiences taking part in a variety of unusual and often challenging rally events, where adventure, camaraderie, and problem-solving are just as important as speed. We discuss the preparation required to turn a humble Panda into a capable rally companion, along with the navigation challenges and unexpected moments that make these events so memorable.
The conversation also charts the evolution of the Fiat Panda itself, from practical town car to cult favourite among enthusiasts. Simon reflects on why the Panda has earned such affection from drivers and how its simplicity, character, and reliability have made it the perfect vehicle for offbeat motoring adventures.
This episode celebrates the spirit of grassroots rallying, where the journey matters as much as the destination and where friendships, stories, and shared experiences often outshine the results sheet.
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https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Brakes
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’m joined by Bran DeMan, the man behind Shitbox Adventures, a company dedicated to taking unlikely cars on unforgettable journeys.
Bran shares how the idea for Shitbox Adventures began with an ambitious road trip from Belgium to Mongolia in an ageing Lada, proving that adventure does not require an expensive vehicle, just determination and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
We explore the philosophy behind these events, where camaraderie, resilience, and shared experiences matter far more than horsepower or prestige. Bran explains what qualifies a car as a true "shitbox", how routes are planned across challenging terrain, and why participants keep returning for more despite the inevitable breakdowns and mishaps.
This episode celebrates adventure motoring at its purest, where unreliable cars, questionable decisions, and unforgettable memories combine to create experiences that last a lifetime.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Brakes
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 fascinating world of Southern African motorsport with Rob Young, author of Special Brew: The Story of the Southern African Formula One and Libra Specials.
Rob shares the inspiration behind his book and explains how his passion for racing history led him to uncover the often-overlooked stories of drivers, engineers, and builders across Southern Africa. Despite modest resources, these individuals created competitive racing cars through ingenuity, determination, and sheer mechanical talent.
We discuss how many of these home-built machines not only reflected the craftsmanship of established European manufacturers but, in some cases, outperformed them on track. The conversation highlights a remarkable period of innovation and resourcefulness, where creativity often mattered more than budget.
This episode shines a light on an underappreciated chapter of motorsport history and celebrates the resilience, ambition, and engineering brilliance of those who refused to let limitations stand in their way.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Brakes
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 Vic Piano, a lifelong enthusiast whose passion for classic American cars began with a single unforgettable encounter.
Vic shares how seeing a 1940 Lincoln Continental as a child sparked a fascination that would shape the rest of his life. From that moment on, he developed a deep appreciation for vintage automobiles, particularly the craftsmanship and engineering excellence associated with the Lincoln marque.
We explore Vic’s experiences collecting and restoring classic vehicles, including his father’s original Jaguar E-Type and several notable Lincolns. Along the way, Vic reflects on the artistry, innovation, and character that made these cars stand apart, while also sharing the personal stories and family connections tied to them.
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 Neil Simpson, a distinguished name in rallying and the driving force behind Simpsons Skoda.
Neil shares his journey through the sport, from his early days influenced by a strong family connection to motorsport, to building a successful career both behind the wheel and in business. We explore the fascinating story of the Wartburg, a car that holds deep personal significance and ties directly to his family’s automotive past.
I dig into how rallying has shaped Neil’s life, the challenges he faced along the way, and how the sport has evolved over the years. We also discuss developments in vehicle technology and the changing landscape of the World Rally Championship, offering insight into where rallying is heading next.
This episode is a reflection on dedication, heritage, and the constant evolution of motorsport, seen through the experiences of someone who has lived it from multiple angles.
___
https://pod.link/1656058575

Visit our sponsors
GAZ Shocks 116 Trophy
Hodder Tyres
Tarox Brakes
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