For over a decade, the identity of The Stig from Top Gear remained one of television’s most intriguing mysteries. This silent, enigmatic figure, clad in a racing suit and helmet, became synonymous with high-speed car reviews and daredevil driving feats. While the persona of The Stig has been inhabited by several skilled drivers throughout Top Gear’s history, the question “Who Is The Stig On Top Gear?” has consistently captivated audiences worldwide. Recently, Jeremy Clarkson, one of Top Gear’s iconic presenters, shed light on the latest individual to don the white suit, revealing it to be Phil Keen.
At a recent Q&A session in his pub, Clarkson disclosed that Phil Keen, a highly accomplished British professional racing driver, is the current Stig. Keen’s impressive resume includes competing in the European Le Mans Series and holding the title of the most successful driver in British GT history. This revelation adds another layer to the Stig’s mystique, confirming that the role is consistently filled by individuals with exceptional driving prowess.
However, Phil Keen is not the first, nor the second, to embody The Stig. The original black-suited Stig was Perry McCarthy, a British Le Mans and Formula 1 driver. McCarthy brought a raw, almost rebellious energy to the role, but his tenure was brief, lasting only two seasons. Following McCarthy, Ben Collins, another British racing driver and stunt expert, took over as the white-suited Stig. Collins became arguably the most recognizable Stig, performing incredible driving stunts and setting blistering lap times. His time in the white suit came to an end when he revealed his identity in his autobiography, The Man in the White Suit, leading to his dismissal from the show in 2010.
The Enduring Appeal of The Stig and Top Gear
The mystery surrounding The Stig’s identity is undoubtedly a significant part of Top Gear’s global appeal. This anonymous driver represents the ultimate embodiment of automotive skill and expertise, a figure capable of pushing any car to its absolute limit, without uttering a single word. The silence of The Stig allows viewers to project their own fantasies of driving mastery onto the character, making him both aspirational and universally relatable in a uniquely British, tongue-in-cheek manner.
Furthermore, the success of Top Gear extends beyond just the enigmatic Stig. A significant factor in the show’s popularity is the dynamic between its presenters, particularly Jeremy Clarkson. Clarkson’s unapologetically opinionated and often controversial style has made him a beloved figure among car enthusiasts and general audiences alike. His ability to deliver scathing critiques with wit and humor, such as describing a “Lexus ES Something or Other” as “a Prius in a businessman’s suit,” is a hallmark of his appeal. This blend of expert car reviews, outrageous challenges, and presenter chemistry cemented Top Gear’s place as a global phenomenon.
Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Top Gear
Beyond the Stig and Clarkson’s antics, Top Gear has a rich history filled with interesting trivia. Here are a few fun facts that highlight the show’s unique journey:
- A Female Original Host: Angela Rippon, a well-known British broadcaster, co-hosted the first two seasons of Top Gear alongside Tom Coyne, demonstrating the show’s early commitment to diverse presenters, even if less remembered today.
- No Free Test Cars for Hosts: Unlike many automotive journalists, the Top Gear hosts did not receive complimentary test vehicles due to BBC regulations. This maintained the show’s journalistic integrity and ensured unbiased reviews.
- Real and Dangerous Crashes: The crashes on Top Gear were not staged. Richard Hammond’s near-fatal crash in a jet-powered dragster in 2006, reaching 288 MPH, serves as a stark reminder of the real risks involved in their high-octane endeavors. His extensive recovery period and eventual return became a testament to both his resilience and the show’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
- Guinness World Record Holder: Top Gear earned the Guinness World Record in 2013 as the “Most widely watched factual T.V. program in the world.” Broadcasting to an astounding 212 countries and territories, its global reach is truly remarkable.
- The Stig’s Original Name: Initially, “The Stig” was conceived with a different, more controversial name: “The Gimp.” Fortunately, recognizing the potentially offensive connotations and its association with “Pulp Fiction,” the name was wisely changed to the more enigmatic and less problematic “Stig.”
Conclusion
The question of “who is the stig on top gear” has finally been partially answered with the revelation of Phil Keen as the latest driver behind the mask. However, the enduring mystery of The Stig, coupled with the captivating personalities of its presenters and the show’s blend of automotive expertise and entertainment, remains the core of Top Gear’s global success. From its humble beginnings to its Guinness World Record status, Top Gear has consistently delivered thrilling and informative content, ensuring its place in television history and continuing to fascinate audiences eager to know more about the world of cars and the silent driver in the white suit.
