Inside the World of Tractor Pulling with Craig and Daniel Whittingham

Inside the World of Tractor Pulling with Craig and Daniel Whittingham

Author: Mark Stone April 13, 2026 Duration: 35:25

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 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


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

Backseat Driver
Podcast Episodes
Defending the Corvair: A Misunderstood Classic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:52
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I take a closer look at the controversial legacy of the Chevrolet Corvair, one of the most debated cars in American automotive history.I’m joined o…
The Rise of Katarina Kyvalova: A Rallying Phenomenon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:39
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I speak with Katarina Kyvalova, a remarkable talent whose rise in motorsport has been as rapid as it has been impressive.Katarina talks about where…
The Resurgence of Classic Rallying with Paul Woodford [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:13
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I catch up with Paul Woodford to talk about his remarkable return to rallying since the pandemic. After stepping away from the sport for fourteen y…
Tony Shine: The Craftsman Behind the Ford Cortina Transformation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:20
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I dive into the ever-evolving world of automotive restoration and modification, with a particular focus on resto-modding, where classic cars retain…
Rediscovering Lella Lombardi with Jon Saltinstall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:20
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 sc…
The Story of Joe Pep, America's Car Illustrator [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:55
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 pa…
The Journey of a Classic Car with Sam Grange-Bailey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:32
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 gr…
Inside the Mind of a Young Female Racer with Ashley Gregory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:38
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…
Voices of Formula One: Alex Jacques [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with Alex Jacques, a highly respected voice in sports commentary, to explore his journey into the world of Formula One broadcasting.Alex…
Porsche Passion with Sarah Rhodes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:36
It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I explore a striking statistic in the Porsche world: there’s said to be a one-in-three chance of owning a Porsche, yet the ownership rate among wom…