Ben Collins: The Ex Stig Reveals The TRUTH About Top Gear & Being The Stig Behind The Scenes!
About this episode
Ben Collins, the former Stig from Top Gear, shares behind-the-scenes stories about his time on the show, discussing the pressures of anonymity and the unique experiences that came with the role. He reflects on his decision to leave, the challenges of maintaining the Stig's secret identity, and the legal battles that followed his departure. Collins also talks about his current endeavors, including his YouTube channel and new projects, while reminiscing about the camaraderie and creativity that defined the early days of Top Gear. His insights into racing and the automotive world make for an engaging listen.
To grab yourself some winter essentials from HERA with 15% of sitewide even during sales! Then use my code RTS and click the link here - https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85817&awinaffid=1737213&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fheraclothing.comWhat really happens behind the visor of the world’s most mysterious racing driver?Today, Ben Collins — the man who spent years as Top Gear’s Stig — returns with the most revealing conversation yet.From the pressure of secretly outperforming F1 drivers to hiding his identity from Clarkson for nearly a year…from close calls, killer cats, and backstage chaos to the High Court battle that nearly erased his entire legacy — this episode uncovers everything he could never say before.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowler
Formula 1
"But I can't remember how many F1 drivers came afterwards."
Formula 1, or F1, is a type of car racing that involves very fast cars racing on special tracks. It's one of the most popular and prestigious racing series in the world.
Formula 1 is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world, and is known for its high-speed competition and technological innovation.
Ford Focus
"...time it with a Ford Focus, thrash it around the lap. And with the way he did it, they don't show you the times."
The Ford Focus is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being easy to handle and not too expensive.
The Ford Focus is a compact car known for its practicality and efficiency. It has been popular for its handling and affordability, making it a common choice for both daily driving and performance enthusiasts.
Le Mans
"...I'd reached what was then the peak of my career at Le Mans in the top category, the L&P 900 and World Sports Car..."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Teams race their cars to see who can go the farthest in that time, making it a test of speed and endurance.
Le Mans is a 24-hour endurance race held annually in France, known for its challenging conditions and high-speed competition. It is one of the most prestigious events in motorsport, attracting manufacturers and drivers from around the world.
Formula One V10 engine
"...So Formula One V10 engine, an absolute screen rank..."
A Formula One V10 engine is a powerful engine used in F1 cars. It has ten cylinders and can spin very fast, making the car go really quickly.
A Formula One V10 engine is a type of high-performance engine used in Formula One racing, characterized by its ten cylinders arranged in a V configuration. These engines are known for their power and high RPM capabilities, often exceeding 10,000 RPM.
10,500 RPM
"...It was 10,500 RPM."
10,500 RPM means the engine can spin 10,500 times in one minute. The faster the engine spins, the more power it can produce, which helps the car go faster.
10,500 RPM refers to the engine's revolutions per minute, indicating how fast the engine can spin. In racing, higher RPMs typically correlate with greater power output, allowing cars to achieve higher speeds.
carbon brakes
"...just surgically precise throttle, big carbon brakes. I think we had more downforce than Formula One..."
Carbon brakes are special brakes that work really well and can handle a lot of heat, which is important for fast cars on racetracks.
Carbon brakes are high-performance brake systems made from carbon composite materials. They offer superior stopping power and heat resistance, making them ideal for racing applications.
downforce
"...I think we had more downforce than Formula One, and it could do 220 miles an hour at Le Mans, like epic."
Downforce helps cars stick to the ground better when they go fast. It makes them safer and allows them to turn corners more effectively.
Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car down onto the track, increasing traction and stability at high speeds. It's crucial for performance in racing, especially in series like Formula One.
Honda Element
"...sequently. Before we get off the kind of secrecy element of the stick, what I love is that this time you'..."
The Honda Element is a quirky-looking SUV that has a lot of space inside and can be used for many purposes. It's popular because it's practical and easy to clean, making it great for families or outdoor activities.
The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV that was produced from 2003 to 2011, known for its boxy design and versatile interior. It gained popularity for its spaciousness, practicality, and unique styling, appealing to those who value functionality over traditional aesthetics.
F1
"But out of all the F1 drivers that you coached and got to see drive, do you think if the staffing came to that studio now, got in that car, he'd go miles quicker?"
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a top-level car racing series where the fastest cars and best drivers compete against each other.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, recognized by the FIA. It features highly advanced cars and is known for its competitive nature and technological innovation.
Formula Three
"I've watched so many of the races from Formula Three, Formula One, the 90s era, Senna, Schumacher, Prost."
Formula Three is a type of car racing that uses smaller and less powerful cars than Formula One. Many drivers start here before they race in more advanced competitions.
Formula Three is a lower-tier single-seater racing series that serves as a stepping stone to Formula One. It features less powerful cars and is often where drivers gain experience before moving up to higher levels of racing.
push-to-pass
"...They've absolutely got these push-to-pass things. If you watch him somewhere like, I think it was the Singapore Grand Prix..."
Push-to-pass is a system that gives drivers extra power for a short time to help them overtake other cars during a race. It's like a boost button for more speed.
Push-to-pass is a feature in some racing series that allows drivers to temporarily increase their car's power output, providing a boost for overtaking other competitors. This system is designed to enhance the excitement of racing by making it easier to pass opponents.
Singapore Grand Prix
"...somewhere like, I think it was the Singapore Grand Prix, like the last year or the year before at night..."
The Singapore Grand Prix is a Formula One race that takes place in Singapore, and it's special because it's held at night with bright lights. It's one of the exciting events in the racing calendar.
The Singapore Grand Prix is a Formula One race held on the streets of Singapore. It is notable for being the first night race in F1 history, providing a unique spectacle with illuminated cars racing under lights.
performance edge
"In the B&W, I think that Jeremy had a slight performance edge"
A performance edge means one car is a little better than another in terms of speed or how it handles on the road. It can be because of things like a stronger engine or a lighter body.
A performance edge refers to a slight advantage in speed, handling, or overall capability of a vehicle compared to others. This can be due to various factors like engine power, weight, or aerodynamics.
hypercar
"...a very expensive hypercar was thrown through some woods very narrowly, missing them missing the trees..."
A hypercar is a very high-end sports car that is faster and more powerful than regular sports cars. They are often very expensive and have cutting-edge technology.
A hypercar is a classification of high-performance supercars that are at the top of the automotive performance spectrum. They typically feature advanced technology, extreme speed, and high price tags.
Ferrari 458 Italia
"Did you get to drive the 458 Italia? Because I know one of your dream cars is the 458 Speciale. So on the 458 Italia shoot..."
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a high-performance sports car made by Ferrari, introduced in 2010. It's famous for its speed and beautiful design.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a mid-engine sports car that was produced from 2009 to 2015. It is known for its stunning design, high performance, and advanced technology, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Ferrari Enzo
"...Clarkson calling it a burning bear, and it going just underneath or just pit the Ferrari Enzo."
The Ferrari Enzo is a very exclusive and fast sports car made by Ferrari, named after its founder. It's known for its powerful engine and sleek design.
The Ferrari Enzo is a limited-production supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It features a powerful V12 engine and advanced aerodynamics, representing the pinnacle of Ferrari's engineering at the time of its release.
BMW F80
"...s and English like the film of you thrashing the F80 around Maranella. Look, I know we take the piss e..."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car based on the regular BMW 3 Series. It's famous for being fun to drive and is often talked about because it's a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engines, sharp handling, and sporty design. It has a significant place in automotive history as a benchmark for sports sedans and is often discussed for its driving dynamics and motorsport heritage.
motoring films
"...but that is one of the greatest motoring films I've ever watched. Just such an amazing piece of footage, such an amazing language used when driving that car."
Motoring films are movies or videos that feature cars and driving, often showing how cars perform on the road or track.
Motoring films are a genre of film that focuses on cars, driving, and automotive culture. They often showcase the performance of vehicles in various settings, highlighting the excitement and passion of driving.
Dunsfold
"I love taking cars to Dunsfold. I love because I love the track. I love being able to compare the times to what I did 15 years ago."
Dunsfold is a famous racetrack in the UK where cars are tested and compared. It's known for its tricky turns and long straight sections, making it a popular spot for car enthusiasts.
Dunsfold is a well-known test track in the UK, famously associated with the automotive show 'Top Gear'. It features a variety of challenging corners and a long straight, making it ideal for testing and comparing car performance.
Porsche 911
"Well, yeah, at the moment, I was dailying a 911 Turbo from 2010, which for me was a Peak 911 manual gearbox and proper handbrake and lovely, lovely kit."
The 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo is a high-performance sports car that has a turbocharged engine and is designed for speed and handling. It has a manual transmission, which means you can change gears yourself, making it more fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 Turbo from 2010 is part of the 997 generation and is known for its powerful turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and sporty handling. It features a manual gearbox, which is favored by enthusiasts for a more engaging driving experience.
VW Transporter
"So I've currently downgraded myself. If you can say that, that's not fair. But I've got my VW Transporter. It's not a downgrade. It's four-wheel drive."
The VW Transporter is a type of van made by Volkswagen. It's known for being very practical and can be used for transporting people or cargo. Some models have four-wheel drive, which helps with driving in snowy or slippery conditions.
The VW Transporter is a versatile van known for its practicality and spacious interior. It is available in various configurations, including four-wheel drive, making it suitable for different driving conditions.
Mitsubishi Lancer
"...I've got a Lancer Delta Evo 1, which is fully restored. It's flipping amazing. I love it to bits..."
The Lancer Delta Evo 1 is a sporty car from Mitsubishi that was designed for racing. It's known for being fun to drive and has a powerful engine that makes it exciting.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Delta Evo 1 is a high-performance version of the Lancer, known for its rally heritage and turbocharged engine. It's celebrated for its driving dynamics and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
turbocharger
"...Even those turbocharges, it's like super linear. But it just gives you that really good buzz..."
A turbocharger is a part that helps the engine get more air, which makes it more powerful. It helps the car go faster and perform better.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and increasing power output. It enhances engine performance and efficiency.
Nissan Silvia
"I bought the Nissan Silvia that I drove in the film My Fault."
The Nissan Silvia is a sporty car that is great for driving fast and doing tricks like drifting. It's popular among car enthusiasts.
The Nissan Silvia is a series of sports cars produced by Nissan, known for their performance and popularity in drifting and motorsport. The Silvia is often recognized for its sleek design and rear-wheel-drive layout.
Porsche Career Gt
"... ultimate car to have, but it's too expensive in career GT, stuff like that. Would you buy a 458?"
The Porsche Carrera GT is a really fast and expensive sports car that was made in small numbers. It's known for its amazing speed and unique looks, making it a dream car for many people.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a limited-production supercar that was produced from 2004 to 2007, featuring a powerful V10 engine and a lightweight carbon fiber body. Its combination of performance, exclusivity, and design has made it a highly sought-after collector's item.
Ferrari 296
"And if you've driven some of the new stuff like 296, they've got all the extra power, and they can deal with it."
The Ferrari 296 is a modern sports car that uses both a gasoline engine and electric power to deliver better performance and fuel efficiency. It's part of Ferrari's move to include hybrid technology in their cars.
The Ferrari 296 is a newer model that features hybrid technology, combining a V6 engine with an electric motor for enhanced performance and efficiency. It represents Ferrari's shift towards electrification in their lineup.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
"...New Stig has the record time at Top Gear Track, which is in the Valkyrie. I nearly beat it in the Praga Bohema..."
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a super-fast car that combines a traditional engine with an electric motor to make it very powerful. It's built for high performance on both roads and racetracks.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a hypercar known for its extreme performance and advanced technology, featuring a hybrid powertrain that combines a V12 engine with an electric motor. It is designed for both road and track use, emphasizing aerodynamics and lightweight construction.
tarmac
"tarmac is a million pounds a mile. Probably it's more now. Sorry, but the journey up,"
Tarmac is a material used to make roads and tracks. It's made from stones and a sticky substance called tar, which helps create a smooth surface for driving. However, putting it down can be very expensive.
Tarmac is a type of road surface made from a mixture of crushed stone and tar, commonly used for paving roads and tracks. It provides a durable and smooth driving surface, but the cost of installation can be quite high, as mentioned in the discussion.
Hagerty
"Big fan of Jason Camisa on Hagerty. They do great stuff."
Hagerty is a company that focuses on insurance for classic cars and also creates videos and articles about cars. They are popular among car enthusiasts.
Hagerty is a well-known company specializing in classic car insurance and automotive media. They produce content related to car culture, including videos and articles about classic and exotic cars.
Mclaren 600LT
"... for the podcast. So I am lucky enough to have my 600LT outside. I hope you do better today than you, Mr..."
The McLaren 600LT is a super-fast sports car that is designed for both the road and the racetrack. It's known for being lightweight and powerful, making it a favorite among car lovers who enjoy speed.
The McLaren 600LT is a high-performance supercar that is part of McLaren's Sports Series, known for its lightweight construction and powerful twin-turbo V8 engine. It offers an exhilarating driving experience and is often discussed for its track-focused design and impressive performance capabilities.
racing seats
"which had racing seats in it, which were a lot lighter than the comfort seats in my variant, and proved to be faster down every given straight."
Racing seats are special seats in cars that help keep drivers safe and comfortable when driving fast. They are lighter than regular seats and help the driver stay in place.
Racing seats are specially designed car seats that provide better support and safety during high-speed driving. They are typically lighter and more rigid than standard seats, helping to reduce weight and improve driver control.
Suzuki Liana
"...the original pair of Suzuki Lianas used on the show. And I was fairly unhappy with my time..."
The Suzuki Liana is a small car made by Suzuki. It's known for being budget-friendly and practical for everyday use.
The Suzuki Liana is a compact car that was produced by Suzuki from 2001 to 2007. It is known for its practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice in various markets.
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