The Rise of Katarina Kyvalova: A Rallying Phenomenon

The Rise of Katarina Kyvalova: A Rallying Phenomenon

Author: Mark Stone January 26, 2026 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 her passion for cars began, shaped by early influences and a deep appreciation for classic machinery, despite having no direct family background in motorsport. We focus on her love for the iconic Austin-Healey and the bold decision to race such a demanding car, a moment that defined her commitment and resilience as a driver.

I explore with Katarina her move from classic competition into modern racing, where the contrasts in performance, driving style, and expectations have pushed her to adapt and grow at speed. She shares the challenges that come with that transition, along with the excitement of testing herself in new environments.

This episode is a story of perseverance, passion, and ambition, capturing the mindset required to succeed in competitive motorsport and the determination to keep moving forward.

___

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
Retromobile 2025 Special - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:39
In Part Two of the Retromobile 2025 special on Backseat Driver with me Mark Stone, take you further into this iconic automotive event, bringing you interviews with some of the most fascinating figures in the classic and…
Retromobile 2025 Special - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:16
In the first part of this special episode of Backseat Driver, I, Mark Stone, am joined by co-host Marie Catherine Ligny as we bring you exclusive coverage from Retromobile 2025, one of the most prestigious automotive gat…
Bridge House Tea Rooms with Jon Wright [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:52
In this episode of Backseat Driver, I sit down with John Wright at the delightful Bridge House Farm Tea Rooms, an unlikely yet thriving hub for motoring enthusiasts. John shares how he turned this charming location into…
Skipton Car Show 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
In this episode of Backseat Driver, we go back to 2023 and celebrate the exciting return of the Skipton Car Show, led by Mark Dale. The event invites an impressive array of vehicles, from classic and vintage cars to crea…
A Celebration of Jowett Cars and Racing Triumphs with Chris Spencer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:06
In this episode of Backseat Driver, I sit down with Chris Spencer at the Bradford Industrial Museum for an engaging conversation about the legacy of Jowett cars. Our chat begins with memories of our previous meeting at L…
Motorsport Memories with Paul Hargreaves Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:50
It's me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of Backseat Driver, I had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Hargreaves, a distinguished figure in motorsport media.Paul's journey began with a passion for driving tractors in his…
From Tractors to Trackside with Paul Hargreaves Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:31
In this episode of Backseat Driver, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul Hargreaves, whose life journey has been deeply intertwined with motorsport—not as a driver or team member, but from behind the camera lens.…
Jackie Ickx: The Paris-Dakar and Beyond with John Saltinstall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:49
In this episode of Backseat Driver, I welcome back John Saltinstall, the brilliant author of the definitive Niki Lauda biography and Jackie Ickx's authorised competition history. Together, we dive into Jackie Ickx's extr…
Motorsports History with John Saltinstall - Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:33
In this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I sit down with John Saltinstall, the acclaimed author renowned for his biographies of racing legends. From his transition out of the finance world to crafting compelling s…
The Legacy of Jerry Byrle and Roger Williamson: with Darren Banks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:09
In this episode of Backseat Driver, I welcome back author Darren Banks for another deep dive into the world of racing drivers. We reflect on the life and tragic death of Gerry Birrell, a talented Ford Capri racer who los…