Ben Collins (Ex-Stig): Top Gear Secrets, F1's Big Problem & Real Bond Stunts
About this episode
Ben Collins, famously known as The Stig from Top Gear, shares behind-the-scenes stories and insights from his time on the show, including the challenges of maintaining his secret identity. He discusses the evolution of Top Gear, his experiences in Formula 1, and the current state of motorsport, expressing concerns about the weight and technology of modern F1 cars. Collins also reflects on his transition to YouTube, his passion for cider-making, and the importance of driving education. The episode is filled with humor, anecdotes, and a candid look at the automotive world.
On Talkin' Shop this week, we sit down with Ben Collins (ex-Stig), where he shares Top Gear's craziest moment, how he hid his identity (including the famous Michael Schumacher cameo), and why modern F1 cars are too heavy for great racing. We dig into Ben's racing background, teammate rivalry, favourite road car (Porsche Carrera GT), and how blockbuster stunts in Bond, Star Wars and Fast & Furious get planned for real, using little to no CGI.
There's plenty of Top Gear lore – from rocket cars to the Winter Olympics Mini Jump – and candid talk about leaving the show after his identity leaked. Ben also shares what's next, doubling down on YouTube and planting a cider orchard.
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Ben Collins:
https://www.instagram.com/bencollinsstig/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9V9pNeL49_40j3g-11OYEQ
https://www.youtube.com/@BenCollinsGaming
https://linktr.ee/bencollinsstig
Ben's Cider:
https://www.sandfordorchards.co.uk/product/sandford-orchards-x-bens-cider/
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Ford Falcon
"... it made this, it made the sound of the Millenium Falcon as it went through the air. It's sort of amazing ..."
Citroen 2CV
"...mbered there was a slower one. We did the Citroen 2CV 24 hours where I've never prayed for a car to bre..."
Porsche Panamera
"...s were where Hammond and May were in that Porsche Panamera and it was on that long journey."
Mclaren F1
"we did an amazing drag race in Abu Dhabi with the McLaren F1 versus the Bugatti Bay Room. Oh yeah, wow."
Porsche Carrera GT
"Just general, just. The favorite was the Porsche Carrera GT. Yes."
Porsche Carrera
"Just general, just. The favorite was the Porsche Carrera GT. Yes."
Porsche 918 Spyder
"...it went really a lot further. I think it beat the 918, which is the model I've got. So it went multiple..."
Volkswagen Tiguan
"...ah, naught to 70. What's the difference between a Tiguan and a Porsche GT3 RS? Nothing, they both do 70."
911 Porsche Gt3
"... 70. What's the difference between a Tiguan and a Porsche GT3 RS? Nothing, they both do 70."
Aston Martin DB9
"In what? It was a DB9, I think. Okay."
Aston Martin DBS
"It was either a DB9 or a DBS, or a DBS that was a converted DB9."
Lamborghini Countach
"Was it the Lamborghini Countach that they used in War for War Street?"
Peugeot 308
"Are the police driving? I only ever see a Peugeot 308 or whatever. You're interceptors."
Jensen Interceptor
"I only ever see a Peugeot 308 or whatever. You're interceptors. That's not over here."
Porsche Macan
"...ed in some way that the fact that I drive Porsche Macan S. So it's got the power."
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