All of us at Brain Damage offer our heartiest best wishes to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, who celebrates his 68th birthday today.

The cornerstone of the band, he had his first drum kit at the tender age of 13. A member of Pink Floyd since the earliest iterations, he is the only one to have appeared on every one of their albums. Thanks to his father Bill, he has been a "petrol head" from a young boy, and cars have been - and remain - one of his major passions in life. His latest book, Passion for Speed, was recently published, as was the first of a series of DVDs focusing on his cars (with Nick heavily involved).

Nick has contributed to a number of magazines on motoring issues over the years (including a fascinating monthly column in Octane Magazine), and indeed three years ago became president of the Guild of Motoring Writers. He is a trustee of the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, and a life member and Guardian of the BRDC (British Racing Drivers Club). He has been involved in motor racing since the early 1970s and has entered Le Mans five times.

Currently, Nick is in New Zealand as we recently reported, taking part in a motoring event there. As part of his time there, Radio New Zealand have interviewed him - follow the link to hear it.

Congratulations on your birthday Nick - and many happy returns!