Yet again, the Stig is Revealed!!
 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100901/...itain_top_gear

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."

Stupid.

Take a job as an anonymous racing entity, only to decide to ruin the entire thing later... Gay.

Looks like its time for the return of The Stig's African Cousin.

I just don't know if I have the time in my schedule...

Well, you gotta feel for the guy a little bit. He's the most famous person on the show and makes 1/10th as much as the presenters. I can't blame him from wanting to write a book and make some scrilla off his fame.

It's just gonna be sucky that once you're outted you're useless to play the character. I bet he was already fired when he decided to publish the book.

'Course now they're gonna need a new color Stig. What's next, blue? I guess there was already a communist Red Stig. :lol:

I vote pink Stig. Stigette. Whatever. Too bad everybody already knows who Sabine Schmidt is...

This.

While this is true, you know the rules of the game when you sign up!

Being the Stig is a crappy career, but I'd sure love to have it on my resume. 7 years is a pretty long run.

I don't believe a word of it..... It's a conspiracy I say!

"Some say that he spent all week daydreaming about what Rubens Barrichello would look like in a ham slicer, and that he's terrified the BBC will reveal his salary, because he's paid in strong pornography."

Haha, just saw this episode this morning.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010...gear-channel-5

Ben Collins (The Stig) is now going to be joining Fifth Gear. He won't be "The Stig" (as I'm sure BBC still has rights to the character) but he will be doing driving tests and some presenter segments.