Simon Heptinstall is a former taxi driver and garage manager who eventually switched to motor journalism. Since his career change he has helped to launch BBC Top Gear magazine and worked as a researcher for the BBC's Extreme Machines and Big Boys' Toys series with Jeremy Clarkson. He has also conducted research for Autocar, AutoExpress, What Diesel and Redline magazines. He edited the Goldfish Guides to cars and commercial vehicles and worked as an editor on The Complete Book of the Car. Heptinstall has been an editorial consultant for Toyota, Peugeot, Lexus and BMW. He once set a world record for motoring madness by driving to twelve countries . . . all in one day.
Nick Mason, a founding member of the band Pink Floyd, has had a lifelong passion for motor racing. Since 1973 he has competed regularly in all forms of motor sport, including five times in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. He has authored two books: Inside Out: A Personal History Of Pink Floyd (2004) and Passion for Speed (2010), co-written with Mark Hales. He is a trustee and chairman of the advisory committee to the National Motor Museum, President of the Guild of Motoring Writers, and a Life Member and Guardian of the British Racing Drivers' Club at Silverstone.