For fans of cars and shows with a touch of acid humor, there has not been nor will there be a television program like the British ‘Top Gear’, presented by the bandarra trio Jeremy Clarkson, James May y Richard Hammond. Not even its successor, ‘The Grand Tour’, which has also come to an end after airing its last episode.
In the original format of the program, in addition to the presenters there was a fourth protagonist: “The Stig”, the enigmatic test driver with his characteristic jumpsuit and white helmet who hid his identity to do evil things behind the wheel. He didn’t even speak, but he didn’t need to.
Over time we learned that behind the mischievous character there were actually several pilots and not just one: in fact, their identities have been discovered. But who was the last “The Stig” was a secret for 10 years. Now, Jeremy Clarkson himself has revealed it.
The mystery of the last “The Stig” has finally been revealed
The figure of “The Stig” was part of the success of ‘Top Gear’ during his many years on the air. This anonymous test driver not only represented the mystery, but also added excitement and spectacle to each episode, with his mind-blowing lap times and driving skills. He also appeared in later versions of the show.
Over the years, the character of “The Stig” was played by several racing drivers, with the first two being revealed while the show was still on the air. First, Perry McCarthy donned the black helmet in 2002 and 2003, before a British tabloid blew his cover and the character died.
Then came Ben Collins, who switched to white and spent seven years as “The Stig”, although he was also and Stormtrooper from the dark side in ‘Rouge One: A Star Wars Story’.
Meanwhile, it was even joked that one of the anonymous pilots was the same Michael Schuhmacher. And this one, always so authentic, gave us one of the coolest videos of the program. But who wore the jumpsuit since 2010 was a mystery.
Taking advantage the broadcast of the last episode of ‘The Grand Tour’ on Amazon Prime, Clarkson hosted a viewing and party at his British pub, where shared some secrets of the program and its predecessor, ‘Top Gear’, including the identity of the latest “Stig”.
From 2010 until the end of the program in 2022, It was Phill Keen who hid behind the white helmetimpressing everyone with his skills behind the wheel. This renowned British pilot has a impressive record in the world of motorsport, including 24 wins and 16 pole positions in the British GT Championship.
In addition, he has competed in the prestigious European Le Mans Seriesestablishing himself as one of the most outstanding pilots of his generation. With this revelation from Clarkson, also comes a nostalgic closure for fans of ‘Top Gear’.
Since his debut in 2002, “The Stig” became an icon on and off the track, and his mysterious identity was the subject of countless speculation over the years.
Screenshot of the last episode of ‘The Grand Tour’
Now that so much Top Gear as his successor The Grand Tour have come to an end, with its former presenters giving way to a new era, the reveal of Keen’s identity marks the closing of a much-loved chapter in the history of automotive entertainment.
Although the future of the series remains uncertain, the legacy of Top Gear and its enigmatic driver will always remain in the hearts of fans of the world of motorsport.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
