hummingbird Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 (edited) Ben flippin Collins By JENNIFER QUINN, Associated Press Writer Jennifer Quinn, Associated Press Writer – Wed Sep 1, 12:01 pm ET LONDON – The opaque visor of one of Britain's most famous helmets has been lifted. The identity of The Stig, the always-anonymous test driver on the popular television show "Top Gear," has long been a closely guarded secret. On Wednesday, lawyers said the BBC had been refused an injunction blocking publication of a book revealing the identity of the character. Shortly after, publishers HarperCollins said in a statement that a 33-year-old racing driver named Ben Collins "has a great story to tell about his seven years as The Stig, which will appeal to a wide audience beyond just motoring enthusiasts." Calling it a "victory for freedom of speech," HarperCollins said the book will be published in Britain on Sept. 16. The white-suited Stig is the second in the role; the first Stig, who wore a black suit and helmet, was Perry McCarthy. He left the show in 2003 after his identity was revealed. The show has a long-standing policy of not commenting on The Stig's identity. A "Top Gear" spokeswoman said no decision has been made on whether the character will be back when the show returns. "Top Gear" is one of the BBC's most successful programs, and is seen in more than 100 countries around the world. Alongside the show's three garrulous hosts, The Stig is an always-silent presence, fearlessly navigating the show's test track in glamorous cars. Speculation over his identity is a favorite pastime for fans of the show, and the "Top Gear" website sells T-shirts proclaiming "I am The Stig," "I am not The Stig," and "I am The Stig's fat cousin," among others. "The whole point of The Stig is the mystique — the bizarre characteristics he has, the wonderment created about what he might think, feel, do or look like," producer Andy Wilman said in a post on the show's website. "Kids adore the conceit, and I believe adults, although they know it's a man in a suit (or is it?) gladly buy into the whole conceit because they find it entertaining." The Stig's Facebook page — which more than 2.5 million people "like" — says he was recently attacked by a goose, that his ears "are not where you would expect them to be," and that he thinks the movie "Star Wars" is a documentary. The BBC said it sought the injunction — the hearing was held in private — because viewers like the mystery surrounding the driver's identity and it's "vital to protect the character of The Stig." The broadcaster said that the judgment does not prevent them from taking the issue further in the courts. 'The BBC will not be deterred from protecting such information from attack no matter when or by whom it should arise," the broadcaster said in a statement. Collins' website says he has raced on the Formula Three and NASCAR circuits, and drove James Bond's Aston Martin in the 2008 film "Quantum of Solace." Edited September 2, 2010 by Casper fixed quote Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anden Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 You let a guy that has maybe 45 seconds of air time ruin a show for you? The other three make the show. And their hate for american cars. Though Clarkson can be an ass. Maybe they replace The Stig with this guy? He already has a white suit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReconRat Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 oh great, now I got a BeeGees song stuck in my head... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad324 Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 You let a guy that has maybe 45 seconds of air time ruin a show for you? The other three make the show. And their hate for american cars.pretty much this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natedogg624 Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 i haven't seen the show yet, but last time the stig was revealed he was replaced with a new one. maybe the same happens with this guy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 Meh. It was actually figured out that the Stig was Collins before based on financial records of his racing organization and the BBC. Now it's just "official" since it's reported mainstream.I don't see it as a big deal since he'll just be replaced. I mean, maybe Collins was sick of being the Stig and all the confidentiality crap he had to follow?Some say that the BBC used to bleach his suit with him still in it. All we know is that he used to be called the Stig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbot Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 old news is oldmichael schumacher also did at least 1 stint as the stig. so has your mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casper Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 old news is oldmichael schumacher also did at least 1 stint as the stig. so has your mom.Truth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkow97 Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 old news is oldmichael schumacher also did at least 1 stint as the stig. so has your mom.that was only because Ferrari wouldn't let anyone but Shumacher touch the Enzo FXX (which turned the fastest lap around their track by some 10 seconds, if memory serves) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbot Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 so what brah? you wanna fight about it?...heh heh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkow97 Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 I was only pointing out that Shumacher was never on the BBC payroll, nor did he ever have any confidentiality agreement in place (as the other two Stigs have) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbot Posted September 2, 2010 Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 i'm just screwin' around brah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hummingbird Posted September 2, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2010 i wonder where i can get an application Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NinjaNick Posted September 3, 2010 Report Share Posted September 3, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psyco1 Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 Top Gear's still awesome.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMHVD-gWPDk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goal12 Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 ^^^^^^ +1,000,002. That episode prompted me to search for a riding class, and was on a bike in 2 weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YSR_Racer_99 Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 Don't hate TG. Hate the book publisher. "No More Books! No More Books!....". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.