Helen 'Helly' Blake's Path to Championship Glory

Helen 'Helly' Blake's Path to Championship Glory

Author: Mark Stone November 24, 2025 Duration: 45:14

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I speak with Helen 'Helly' Blake, a remarkable racing driver whose journey into the world of Autograss racing is anything but ordinary.

Helen shares how her path to motorsport began far from the track, rooted in an equestrian background and fuelled by childhood memories of toy cars and time spent in her father’s garage. From those early sparks of fascination to competing at a national level, Helen takes me through the challenges, breakthroughs, and defining moments that have shaped her racing career.

We discuss the technical demands of the sport, the camaraderie among female racers, and the unique community that keeps grassroots motorsport alive. Helen also reflects on the proud moment she was crowned Ladies Stock Hatch Champion, a milestone that stands as a testament to her determination and skill.

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There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when the engine is off and the real talk begins. Backseat Driver captures that feeling, hosted by Mark Stone from his home in England's north-west. Mark's own journey from competitive driving in the eighties to decades of motoring journalism and television gives him a unique vantage point. He's not just a reporter; he's lived the life, and that genuine enthusiasm for anything with an engine comes through in every discussion. This podcast is built around Mark's conversations with the prominent figures who shape the automotive world, from legendary engineers and designers to champion racers and behind-the-scenes innovators. You'll hear stories that rarely make it into magazine articles, personal reflections on iconic cars, and unfiltered opinions on where the industry is headed. It's for anyone who finds the culture of motoring as compelling as the machinery itself. Tune in for a deep, relaxed dive into the passion that drives us all, hosted by someone who has truly been there and done it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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