Yet again, the Stig is Revealed!! - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

BOO · 2010-09-01, 11:26 PM

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."

MPREZIV · 2010-09-02, 09:27 AM

Stupid.

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

Nick Koan · 2010-09-02, 09:29 AM

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

MPREZIV · 2010-09-02, 09:34 AM

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

sperry · 2010-09-02, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPREZIV

Stupid.

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

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.

Kevin M · 2010-09-02, 10:14 AM

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

ScottyS · 2010-09-02, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin M

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

This.

MPREZIV · 2010-09-02, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

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.

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

Kevin M · 2010-09-02, 05:41 PM

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.

JoeWRX · 2010-09-02, 07:03 PM

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."

cody · 2010-09-03, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeWRX

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.

Nick Koan · 2010-10-01, 09:14 AM

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.

2010-09-01, 11:26 PM	#1
BOO EJ205 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 2,076 Car: 12+tires Class: Spec. without hard work, nothing grows but weeds	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." __________________ LOL.. The other White Meat ... lol ------------------------------------------------ subaru(STi) is a boys car, mitsubishi(evo) is a man's car - Jeremy (Top Gear) GC,GD,GM

2010-09-02, 09:27 AM	#2
MPREZIV Token Real Name: Le Stig Afrique? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: sitting next to a big yellow box Posts: 3,589 Car: 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS Class: 05 TDSP No, I won't work on your car. F your car*	Stupid. Take a job as an anonymous racing entity, only to decide to ruin the entire thing later... Gay. __________________ "...these condoms have a topical anesthetic to reduce sensitivity, so you can last longer. What a paradox. You can't feel a thing, but you can f*ck for HOURS..."

2010-09-02, 09:29 AM	#3
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	Looks like its time for the return of The Stig's African Cousin. __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

2010-09-02, 09:34 AM	#4
MPREZIV Token Real Name: Le Stig Afrique? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: sitting next to a big yellow box Posts: 3,589 Car: 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS Class: 05 TDSP No, I won't work on your car. F your car*	I just don't know if I have the time in my schedule... __________________ "...these condoms have a topical anesthetic to reduce sensitivity, so you can last longer. What a paradox. You can't feel a thing, but you can f*ck for HOURS..."

2010-09-02, 10:14 AM	#6
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	I vote pink Stig. Stigette. Whatever. Too bad everybody already knows who Sabine Schmidt is... __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2010-09-02, 05:41 PM	#9
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	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. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2010-09-02, 07:03 PM	#10
JoeWRX EJ22 Real Name: Joe Gardner Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: No-Town Posts: 134 Car: C63 AMG oops...	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."

2010-10-01, 09:14 AM	#12
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	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. __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

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