World of Land Speed Records with Louise Noeth

World of Land Speed Records with Louise Noeth

Author: Mark Stone August 17, 2026 Duration: 56:44

It’s me, Mark Stone, and in this episode of the Backseat Driver Podcast, I’m joined by Louise Noeth, better known as “Land Speed Louise”, whose passion and expertise have made her one of the leading authorities on land speed racing.

Louise shares her unlikely journey into motorsport, from growing up on the South Side of Chicago with little automotive influence to discovering a fascination with cars, speed and engineering. She reflects on the experiences and people who shaped her career, including legendary racer and designer Carroll Shelby, and how she eventually found herself immersed in the extraordinary world of the Bonneville Salt Flats.

We explore Louise’s work as a journalist, author and historian, documenting the remarkable people and machines that have pushed the boundaries of speed. She also discusses her commitment to ensuring the achievements of female racers and land speed record holders receive the recognition they deserve.

The conversation also turns to the future of land speed racing and the environmental challenges facing Bonneville. Louise explains why protecting the Salt Flats is so important, not only for motorsport but for preserving a unique piece of American automotive history.

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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: 50

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