Ben Collins The Ex Stig Breaks Silence: The TRUTH About Top Gear and Motor Racing
Welcome to an explosive episode of our podcast, where we delve deep into the world of automotive. In this special episode, "The Stig Breaks Silence: The TRUTH about Top Gear's SECRETS!", we uncover never-before-heard stories and insider details about the show's journey.
BENS KZhead CHANNEL @BenCollinsDrives
🌟 Featuring exclusive insights into the lives and adventures of the legendary trio-Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May - this episode is a treasure trove for all Top Gear fans. We explore behind-the-scenes dynamics, thrilling escapades, and the unique chemistry that made Clarkson, Hammond, and May household names.
🔍 *What's Inside:*
- Unheard stories from The Stig about working with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.
- An in-depth look at the making of some of the most memorable Top Gear episodes.
- A discussion on how Top Gear redefined automotive entertainment.
- Candid revelations about the challenges faced by the team.
- The Stig’s perspective on the evolution of Top Gear over the years.
Time stamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:50 - Early Memories of Cars
00:03:16 - Early Racing Experiences
00:04:09 - Driving for Ascari
00:11:15 - First Race Experience
00:13:14 - Career Development in Racing
00:13:31 - Challenges in Motorsport Career
00:17:40 - Driving for Koenigsegg
00:20:05 - First Car Crash Experience
00:22:48 - Racing Mistakes and Lessons
00:23:33 - Max Verstappen's Overtaking Technique
00:26:14 - Qualifying Runs and Challenges
00:33:05 - Getting the Job on Top Gear
00:33:49 - Maintaining the Stig's Secrecy
00:37:36 - Dealing with Increased Scrutiny
00:39:33 - Instructing Celebrities on Top Gear
00:42:11 - The End of Top Gear
00:51:15 - Legal Battle
00:56:04 - Aftermath
01:01:18 - SEMA Experience
01:04:47 - Role as The Stig and its Impact
01:07:17 - Enjoyment and Challenges of Top Gear
01:10:42 - Closing Remarks and Future Plans
🎙️ *Join us as we:*
- Explore the legacy of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May on Top Gear.
- Dive into the controversies and triumphs that shaped the show.
- Analyze the impact of Top Gear on car culture globally.
🔔 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 with fellow Top Gear enthusiasts. Join our discussion in the comments section below and let us know your favourite Top Gear moment or episode.
🔗 *Follow Us:*
- Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast
Instagram - @bencollinsstig
#TopGear #JeremyClarkson #RichardHammond #JamesMay #TheStig #CarShows #Automotive #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #TopGearSecrets
Some say he's not The Stig, he's The Stig's book writing cousin.
😂😂😂
Gold! 👑
I read that out loud with Jeremys voice!
Former stig and romantic novelist, ben collins
Some say he ties his laces with a steering wheel Others say he uses the force All I know is He's a legend 🤣
Top Gear makes no sense without Jeremy, James and Richard.
No, fifth gear was way better, more technical, with less cringe attempts of sub par comedy
@@kingcarrot6355you watched top gear for technical insight?
@@kingcarrot6355 Apples and oranges, Top Gear was an entertainment show first and a car show second. Fifth Gear was all car.
@@kingcarrot6355 Fifth Gear probably had less than 1/100th of Top Gear's audience.
@@EvoraGT430 Only thing that shows is that the majority wants empty stupifying entertainment, instead of technical nerdy facts - Not really surprised, it's the dancing with the stars audience after all
I miss Top Gear. It's not Top Gear without Clarkson, Hammond, May, and the Stig. I rewatch them every year.
Captain Slow too slow to make it on your list?
Clarkson is an ass
@@Komeuppance May
Ultimately it was Clarkson that chose to say things that he knew full well would render him simply unemployable and thus end the show. No media company, and even worse, no government, could have continued to employ Clarkson at that point, and he knew it, and chose to say the stuff anyway. (KZhead literally will not let me write the words he said.) And without him, there was no show. You could have replaced the Stig or the other fellows at any time.
@@lqr824 Judging whether it's okay to say something based on whether KZhead will allow you to post it in a comment is insane.
Stig is immortal. You were part of making something really special to so many people.
I love Ben Collins as the Stig because I knew when watching Top Gear he would get the absolute most out of those vehicles and the Koenigsegg crash proved that to me. If he wasn't so hellbent on getting the best time he probably wouldn't have spun out with the 'Egg. He drove those cars like he stole them on that track and I loved every minute of it. Great work and can't wait to listen/see more!
It was because of the Stig that the Koenigsegg CCX comes with a spoiler
@@doqas Correct.
I absolutely love listening to Ben’s stories and I’m stoked that he’s found his way into the independent automotive media industry. The whole community is better for it!
He is a great story teller, his book is excellent. I could listen to him talk about cars, driving and racing all day.
Ben Collins Drives is his show here on YT and it's bloody good
He's been enjoying milking this and still does. Amazing how long he's dragging this story on. Can't he get over it ? Ben Collins was writing a book BEHIND their backs and without their authority and against his contract of employment. WHY doesn't he mention that ? He was double crossing all the people he calls his "friends" and colleagues all the time.
Anyone can keep a diary. Ben Collins fought a legal battle to get that book published or go bankrupt. Why is that such a bad thing?
Everyone has to make a living somehow. If a case ruled in his favour, that means any clause relating to prevention of disclosing his role at the BBC after his employment was probably ruled as unrealistic. His brand is being the ex Stig, just like the other three presenters' brand being ex 'golden era' TG presenters. It's clearly fair game for him to make some cash out of it.
Good on Ben for staying positive and not going completely down the rabbit hole of the negativity, despite the interviewer’s best efforts. Good on them both, actually.
AGREED 100
Agreed. But for me, really just good on Collins.
Good on Ben. Interview’s job is to push and manipulate to get the story and Ben did a great job of not smearing the folks who we believe are perfect. Sucks it didn’t work out for the Stig… and for Top Gear..
The old show with Ben driving, James, Jeremy, and Richard being their brilliant selves was one of the greatest shows ever produced in any market. BBC made a gigantic cockup mistake, and has had crap shows for years since. I watched every episode many times. Jay Kay was a horrible, yelling buffoon, laughing at his own stupid noise.
it's not negativity, it's just talking about the facts and history. I'm glad the interviewer pushed him bcos Ben was trying to do a cop out.
He definitely brought a lot to the character. My favourite moments were him racing, 24 hour was insane to watch him take out faster cars in a repmobile, and also the top gear vs the germans episode where he showed his skills one on one against another racing driver, with a handicap.
"..that was decades before you were even a glimmer in the milkman's eye." Just a few minutes in, and I love the Stig even more. 🤣🤣
Scrolled down just to see if someone else thought it was hilarious as well😂
This guy Ben Fowler gets his jabs back in as well. "I think we can mention that you are in your 40s now, the Botox helps." They are just taking the piss out of each other.
@@ricksmith3045 yep. It was a great interview.
What Ben brought to the Stig was integeity of charachter at all times. He did not speak a word, but the charachter's personality in any situation is what made him a legend. Cheers.
Until he ruined the legend by coming out as the stig. Destroying the mystery and secret.
@@jatnebuir6006 Not inevitable?
It's spelled character
@@jatnebuir6006he probably wasn't earning his full financial potential by being a mystery, so I think fair play to him.
@@jatnebuir6006 Watch the video, please. The Stig's identity was about to get out to the public anyway, regardless of his actions. He also had the feeling that he was about to be sacked anyway, or at the minimum, phased back. And I still don't understand why a character can't stay a character even if we know the actor. This is very much like what happened to the man inside Darth Vader's costume, David Prowse. Being pretty much the biggest icon in Star Wars, presenting the character so well without ever showing his face - yet when he wanted the rightful recognition, he was sidelined and ultimately replaced by George Lucas.
Ben’s a great man and an awesome wheelsman too. His synopsis of how the BBC treated him is proven by their many lost legal battles and the mass exodus of talent. Top Gear started its downfall when he left and now it’s a tragic imitation of the greatness it once was. So good to hear Ben talk so openly 👏
Top gear is pretty much now done dude it ain't coming back, Chris Harris himself confirmed this in a recent interview on good morning Britain: kzhead.info/sun/gLh7gq5xe6Bseqs/bejne.htmlsi=PYNXORXFWIMUnc_i
It's more than likely never coming back after the Freddy Flintoff accident.
@@johnandstephanie377 It returned after Hammond nearly killed himself. However, it seems that Flintoff has decided that going back to cricket is a much better idea - I think he will be much happier and much safer there.
Its dead@@hb1338
@@hb1338 I think the show coming back after Hammonds crash was largely because Hammond is a bit adrenaline junky and doesn't know when to quit, the man has a helicopter pilot's license on top of everything else.
I think, at the end, it was about money. I can’t blame Ben, either. I think he was simply treated as another behind-the-scenes Top Gear staff when he was, obviously, this huge superstar on par with the rest of the presenters. Seeing them making millions and being able to cash in on their Top Gear fame must’ve been very difficult for Ben who had to remain anonymous. With his newborn coming I think he realized that he wants to make more out of his life. Not to mention, like he said, his identity was pretty well known and TG would’ve probably gotten rid of him anyway. Well, I’m just speculating, but I think it makes sense. Good for him and I wish him the best.
What's even worse is Jeremy and Andy created this character, the Stig, and Ben gave him attitude and popularity, but then the BBC got to keep his "husk" and continue to make money off of someone else's creation
Shame that not all people behind creating top gear went to the Grand Tour. It's like making tea twice from a one bag, first is a bit bitter second has less flavor. Nevertheless i got introduced too Chris Harris and Grand Tour was in Poland so there are some positives
Its nice to hear from the guy now.. But lets be honest. The whole point of the helmet was to make them interchangeable and to not make a big deal out of the individual since the show already had 3 presenters. Its like Mickey Mouse at disney. Its a costume. Those kids get paid minimum wage for standing in the sun whole day playing a roll. No lines to say. They could never make a case to get mickey mouse money. The character was created for a specific roll. Just simple actions on camera and then the driving. Probably alot of guys that could get 99% out of those cars. Its unfortunately part of working for a big corporation. Whatever you create while working for them belongs to them. That's the incentive of working for yourself.
I think it’s a bit much to say he was on par with the presenters. If any of those 3 left it would have made a huge difference to the show. Ben leaving? Not so much. Or even if there was no stig at all it obviously wouldn’t be as big as losing one of the 3.
@@Drenwickification no doubt agreed
Was very cool to see Ben sticking to his beliefs and not letting the interviewer push him to say something he didn't feel comfortable talking about, he has a clear vision of who he is and he won't sway that for anyone and you have to respect that.
i never realised how much work he did behind the scenes, like driving camera cars and things like that. And how intensely he took being a secret. Amazing to hear that they wanted to do the Le Mans 24 hours, that would have been incredible. Such a good interview and great insight.
I can honestly say that I have never once sat and watched a KZhead video this long without wanting to skip through it until now. What a pleasure it is listening to Ben, he's a real gent and an absolute legend of a bloke. So happy he found his way through the shitstorm and still remains humble. Can't wait to binge watch all his content now
I watched it waiting for him to be asked his relationships with J K & R! Didn't happen!!
it think that just shows what a narrow view of the world you have
I don't care much about Ben Collins or what he does, that doesn't show anything apart from the thing that most people were interested in wasn't mentioned! Now pipe down!@@ISirSmoke
I read Ben’s book ‘ The Man in the white suite ‘ a few years back and the first ten pages had me in tears with emotion, just because of his description of his first time in this single seater trying to qualify and his description of the track (Brands Hatch) with his dad watching him from the pit wall, not being very good at all, thinking, what have I done, this is not going to work …. I got it, I literally got it, if anyone like me loves cars and motorsports you’ll know what I’m on about …
Wow, I never read that one. He must’ve worked in a hotel - I can only imagine what an all White suite must’ve been like , I read his one “the man in the white suit” about driving. Have you read that one as well?
Don't be a twat.
@@malcolmwhite6588 Haha, he wrote "suite" instead of "suit" but you caught the massive error because you're so much smarter than him, hey, haha. 🤡
I bought Ben’s book on Amazon in 2021 and LOVED IT. I always knew when he drove on TopGear he got every single ounce of speed out of every car he drove around that track.
The way the BBC treated him after how much money he’d made them is truly shocking. He lived a lie for them, took a pathetic fraction of what is co stars were paid all while not knowing if he’d even have a job the following day. To then be threatened life ruining legal action if he didn’t continue to live out this lie even after termination is disgusting, all because they couldn’t bare to see a dime slip through their net. I hoped that he’d have a role on TGT and be paid appropriately, I like to think it was his choice not to join Amazon with the others.
Would have been cool though, they are having f u n
That's everyday employment in right to work states in the US!
I don't think you'll find a clear answer anywhere really, but from what I've understood of Ben talking about it, he might have been approached to be on TGT but was too busy with movies at the time to agree to it.
The *real* villains of the piece were *always* Clarkson and Wilman, who are friends from their school days at Repton, and the situation you describe was created by the production company owned by the two. The BBC went along with it because those were the only terms available to them for access to a hugely successful and popular show. Ben Collins left when his self-esteem caused him to decide that enough was enough - he brought to the show skills which Wilman and Clarkson would have donated both kidneys for, and he was punished for that.
It was a bit of a proxy battle between the BBC and Rupert Murdoch as well, who owned the publishing company that Bens book went through.
Mr Collins comes across as a nice fella. Good luck and all the best to him. He's certainly put the time and effort in. Back in 2005, I once asked a sports car manufacturer's delivery driver, who had taken a car to the Top Gear track, if he knew who the Stig was, and without hesitation, he replied, "Ben Collins". I knew the name, but when I told my colleagues at work, they all replied, "Who?"
After almost 20 years of being loyal I got crapped on by an organization like I was nothing, and also won the legal battle afterwards. I really sympathize with Ben here as I grew up watching the show and still miss it as a avid car enthusiast. Top Gear will forever be one of the few things that's in my heart.
I think I remember Ben driving a convertible in a stunt on early Top Gear where a sky diver landed on the car. No helmet or mask. Just “Ben”.
kzhead.info/sun/q7ORaax7epdvpKM/bejne.html Good catch!
Yep. The sky diver parachuting into the open top Mercedes. Very early days!
Yes. Good observation. He made a few cameo appearances like that in Top Gear before he was known as the Stig.
And he drove the evo 7 vs the terrain skater
@@jonnywalker3208 Yes!!!
but the topgear with the trio will remain in my heart forever
Ben (Stig) if you are reading this, you are and always will be The Stig in the worlds eyes. You earned it through your hard work, you have every right to have a moan. The BBC had no moral right to keep the brand you built. Regardless of the outcome of any legal battle nothing will ever change this in the worlds eyes. The world is with you, Top gear has fallen apart since you left. All my best wishes in your new endeavour. BTW when you are next in California see if you can find the 540bhp Guy Croft engined Lancia Delta that I built over 10 years, it may be of interest to you.
As much as I dislike bullies and corporations taking what they want, I disagree. Ben didn't build the brand. The BBC did. They owned the suit, paid Ben, paid for advertising, merch, the cars, everything. Ben drove the cars.
@@Hagar76a almost everything, but not everything… Who created the character?
@@claudiomarangone614 sounded like the BBC did. He turned up. They said 'Put this suit on and don't tell anyone it's you'.
@@claudiomarangone614 hate to say it but the show owns the character, just like any TV show. Actors have been replaced for the sames roles. Hate to say it but "The Stig" was a glorified role. He literally says in the interview, "They called me, I showed up on Tuesday, and there was the white suit and helmet". He also said there was a Stig in a black suit before him for 9 months. So clearly the character has already been in the show. Therefore, Ben didn't create anything, he just drove.
The brand was *always* owned by Clarkson and Wilman, and they rented it to the BBC for extremely large amounts of money. That is how IPR (intellectual property rights) and copyright work - the the rights to exploit something belong to its creator(s).
Great interview, Ben's awesome but what is even better is that KZhead allows us all to see and hear the truth behind the scenes and we all get to see the real people behind the legend.
Thats not youtube doing that.
@@kwisin1337 and yet it is!
There's a number of those on yt. One that comes to mind is Theo Von interviewing Tucker Carlson. He actually is a real person whatever you think of him.
@@InsideOfMyOwnMind Of course Tucker Carlson's a person. A person who is also a scumbag. Doesn't matter how normal he may act at other times; the things he's said and how he was and is willing to use his platform show his true character.
@@InsideOfMyOwnMind Never call a public figure "real" until proven right, cause in every sphere they taugt to advocate for business interests at all costs. Only few ones like Laura Branigan proved to chose to be themselves on screen. As for Carson, a man literally sitting on a political party's payroll has no choice but work his wages off or he'll be paying his debt to nature.
Great to hear the real reason behind this departure, he got a lot of hate when it happened but there were clearly things going on in the background that forced him to leave
What was the reason? I utterly missed it?
@@lqr824 Management was pushing for the Stig character to be multiple people, then BBC leaked his identity internally to the Radio Times… so at that point he knew his time was up
@@adamcollingburn430 a question regarding that. With Multiple people, you think he meant that different kind of Stigs that appeared, his different kind of cousins or really: The Stig, just beeing multiple people instead of just one secret guy ?
Love the people you get in for these chats - love Ben's outlook and style! From one just-Ben to another, great work, hope you get to smash it forever!
A genuine bloke absolutely unreal driving skills, yet not arrogant in any way. Be more like ben Collins. Top lad
Thanks for sharing. I urge everyone to check Ben's channel. Unlike other influences, journalists, car dealers, anyone, he actually knows how to drive and is eloquent explaining it. I get a new and unique perspective on vehicles from him. For me, the way they treated Ben was always the most disgusting thing about TopGear. He was much too humble here. He created the Stig style and Stig we know. He went enormous lengths to keep it secret and make it work which he didn't need to. But that is what made the Stig so special and so popular. Clarkson said about his enormous salary is a compensation for all the wasted time by people everywhere because he is so popular. Ben's case is almost totally opposite, but very much demanding as well. However, instead of being compensated, they treated him like a disposable waste. The staff and presenters were all friends and all, but in the end, he was out and no one else stood by him in return. I am glad that is over and Ben is in a good place now.
Ben is such a lovley guy. Much respect.
I feel your pain Ben when you've put your heart & sole into something, then you decide to move on due to negative reasons .. I'm sure you'll succeed at whatever you choose to do. Top bloke, the one & only Stig
1:00 No need to shout, he's only 1m away from you, he's not deaf. 1:20 Ben's facial reaction and the little face scratch says otherwise 🤣
Yea this podcaster is just an industry plant lol Ben must be being paid thousands for his time
Thank you Stig for all the fantastic memories. My favourite driver of all time. Look forward to seeing more memorable moments from Ben Collins on your youtube channel. Best wishes for the future mate
Never thought I would stay for the full interview, but here I am at the end. Hat's off to you Ben. For me you will always be The STIG !
Ben Collins comes across as such a sound and genuine person.. big respect to the guy 🤙😃
Of all the interviews I have seen of Ben Collins, this is the best! Thanks Ben Fowler! You did a really good job of asking questions, keeping the story going, and being respectful.
thank you Ben Collins for being the best and most original Stig ever to have driven on this earth. what a guy! looking forward to seeing you more on you tube!
What an incredible interview of a very humble man. Utterly entertaining. The Stig was amazing, Ben is amazing. Long may you reign. Huge respect! Many thanks.
Great interview! And im so glad you made him open up a bit, bcs im sure The Stig was a big part of many peoples lifes. I loved Top Gear and and seen everything, even several times, and it was always a mistery who he was. It was so nice to get a view from behind the scenes where nothing is scripted. All the best to Ben, and you bet, i follow him on YT! Great guy overall! Greetings to you both from Norway!
Cracking interview, Ben Collins has always been a sound bloke and great driver... and great work at asking the right questions and helping him to open up comfortably. Really enjoyed, subscribed.
Ben Collins brought out the character of the Stig, it was well crafted and just fitted with the show. Every time his character appeared it had me sitting up and taking notice. Enjoyed the interview, and am glad he got through the legal stuff intact.
Great natural interview, well done - Ben is a super nice, genuine guy, total respect
Great interview!! I think I learned more about Ben in this hour than I did from all the other interviews combined.
Ben is incredibly modest, shy, and good-natured for someone who has portrayed a character that popular. Thanks for the podcast! I finally get to see his side of things since his book is hard to get over here in this third world country. EDIT: Guy's hilarious too. 1:00:40 "That's unfortunate, I abused a member of the public." Perfect deadpan humor.
This gentleman is The Stig❤ didnt know till now. Total respect and thanks to all you made for us while watching TG..
Ben, the way you've developed as an interviewer, bringing the best out of the guest is clear to see! Keep these going!
Ben's treatment doesn't lend much credence to the BBC's side of the the Clarkson scandal, does it?
I thank Ben for giving me so much joy. That show was life for me. I play racing games, read car articles, all of it. I drive to win, and stay alive. God bless the stig. I watched this blindfolded to keep the fantasy real. Thank you.
I had a pedal police car. I remember aged 3 or 4 I figured out I could skid/drift it by getting some speed up and jam the pedals to lock the rear wheels. I got through 2 sets of wheels. 😂
I appreciate Ben's positive impression of sim racing. Thank you for this interview
Thanks for a fun interview Ben - now lets get you on track
Great interview.....respect to Ben.....he knows that when you are negative thats all you're remembered for.......best part of the show.....Ben really entertained our whole family
Top Gear was such an important show for me during a very difficult time of great loss in my life that lasted 6 years. I used to watch the show every week over and over and fall asleep to the show. The stig's part in all those races to set track times always made me feel good. In some way I wish I could be a stig in life. Definitely an inspiration to go out and push my mental limits. I over came a fear and learned to swim and surf. I know he'll never see this but I'm thankful for him and clarkson, richard and james. That show was/is everything to me. Thank you Mr. Collins The Stig. And also thanks for the laughs with the whole American Stig. 😆
The very least I can do is reply
Brilliant to hear the story and to see the dignity within Ben - what an amazingly talented man 🥰🙏
Give Ben our (the public) highest regards and good on him for taking on the multi headed Hydra (the BBC) and coming out on top. The scars give us all character and boy he's got it by the bucket loads. Glad he was there to give us the best program, when it was at its best
Legend, the "tame racing driver" moniker was so apt for Ben. Aggresive and fast in a car but a true gentleman out of the car, better times and some of the best tv ever made.
It always felt strange to me that Clarkson said the reson for creating "the Stig" was that the couldnt find a racing driver that could say 3 words straight to camera. And then they got themselves Ben Collins who absolutly can talk very much straight to camera :) Nice Interview
Worked with him on a couple of movies over the years. He’s Gentleman for sure. He can drive too;-)
Growing up. TOP GEAR was something my father and I enjoyed together. He told me. The reason this show works son, is because you can tell these guys are friends outside the show. And that's why the shows so good. He was right because not any hosts after have even come close !!!
My son had the pullstring Stig. Ben was cool as the stig but I think he's cooler as himself. It's always good to see his name in race lineups.
Ben was THE Stig. hands down the best part of the show was when Stigy was involved.
Massive respect to Ben for baring his soul. The time and life he spent on the show is such fond memories to me. I really appreciate this interview and the parallels to my life and trials I went through.
3.30am, McDonald's, Las Vegas.... some say he loves a cheeseburger 😂 great work Ben
Absolutely fantastic interview. Was good to here more about Bens early life. Ben really bought the Stig to life. Anyone trying to follow him had massive shoes to fill. Was very interesting to finally understand what he was going through towards the end of the stig and although I was sad to see him go I understand the reasons why and his fight with the ABC. The four of them were a team and it was never the same without one of them. They should have completely re invented a new character in a different suit, because Ben Collins will all ways be The Stig. The only one wh can legitimately wear the t shirt.
Love Ben Collins. Worry about that emotional catch that seems to come from the throat. & sinus. Peace, love and light Ben Collins. The interviewer is just perfect in his questions with compassion. Top.
Absolutely fantastic podcast. Ben is a true gentleman, getting to see more of an insight into Ben and his life. From getting into racing, to becoming the Stig and dealing with legal troubles just shows how much of legend Ben is. Thank you for this doing this awesome podcast and thank you Ben for being open, honest and awesome. Nice one lads!!!
Great stuff. I remember arguing with a mate at the time he was convinced M Schumacher was the Stig and got half the pub involved who'd also seen that episode but i just kept saying (as a big motorsport fan) that the driving styles are different plus MS walked differently and the way it was revealed didn't seem right. Great great podcast, great interviewer, looking forward to watching more 👍
The only reason Michael was there is that it was his own FXX.
Ben, very grounded, great to hear you tell your story, also admire the way you negotiated your way through the questions. Answers and explanations absolutely great, good on ya.
This was a great interview with Ben. The whole story and the show, Top Gear with the Stig being hidden was amazing. It reminds me of the show Home Improvement with Wilson hiding his face. I have seen every show even after Ben left at least twice if not a hundred. His story is great throughout his life and career. Hope to see him doing something soon.
Ben you are and always will be the one and only Stig you're awesome man. Hope you have a great carrier in what you're doing now and enjoy it. Thanks a lot STIG MAN 👍
Fantastic chat, thank you for sharing. And yes, the negative stuff matters too, as it puts things in perspective and makes us appreciate the many years of incredible stuff even more. Keep the shiny side up, love your work
I had the privilege of working with Mr Collins while he worked at topgear absolutely lovely bloke and have fond memories of my time at the topgear test track with him. I even have a video of Ben somewhere flying off the wrong way on the track in an orange Exige s to dispatch a Chinook by standing in front of it with his arms up in disbelief as they kept landing on the back straight 😂 having worked with both stigs Ben was far easier to get along with and a top bloke.
I like he doesn't want to tell a negative story. People have been fascinated by negative stories forever! From Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet to negative social media clickbait.
Yeah I love negative social media click bait
Incredible. Great interview. Ben is an amazing human. His best days are still to come.
I was once mistaken for The Stig. I was spraying off regenerating scrub on a heathland SSSI not far from Dunsfold, running off a quad bike with a hand-held wand, wearing a white Tyvek noddy suit and an old Arai Giga full face plus wellies and bright green chem gloves. This was just after the Stig had been given the push from ToP Gear and it was all over the news, penetrating even to telly-less me. These two male walkers approached and asked what I was doing. I told them and said that running a quad was a step down from my usual transport and the paper suit was sweaty. (Both true). One said 'Are you The Stig?' I said something like 'Well all I can say it that Clarkson is a bit hard to take'. He goes: 'It's the Stig, it's the Stig", gets his phone out and says: 'This is amazing, this is going on KZhead'. And off they went, happy as Larry. I fired up and got on with the job (and sweating). Made me smile. Sorry, Stig.
Thank you, Mr. Colllins and Mr. Fowler! A amazing interview.
Stig was a phenomena who eventually became an enigmatic, real life, super hero! Long live the Stig!!! BBC could not even hope to contain him and should never have tried :P
Can bbc do anything right?
Some say he was raised by King Cobras in the jungles of India, He aleays takes his underwear and socks off first and when he gets dressed they go on last. All I know is he was the best Stig ever cloned.
Absolutely LOVED listening to Ben recollect at least 10 lifetimes (seems like he's experienced that many for sure!) behind the wheel of a motor car. He IS 'Tha STIG' 🙂
Great job! Stig will always live on in our hearts and minds and in my garage on my TG collection! It’s alway on looping in the background! ❤ Love the content and have him back some time just to talk about the state of motor sports and his take on car tech he loves and hates.
Enzo Ferrari would fire you for not driving the car to its limits, as a many gave their lives for him, he was a force that drove racing to its very limit. As an American my dream car is a Shelby Daytona, but my mindset I try to achieve is Ferrari
For me, Ben's lap in the DBR9 was the best I saw on TG. The line from Follow Through and into Bentley, using the downforce to tighten the approach to Bentley...just fantastic
I forgot about that! Just gone back and watched it. Incredible 🙌
@RoadToSuccessOfficialPodcast I know. If you get the chance, it would be amazing to hear what Ben thought of it. It's a better lap than the R25, or anything.
For me it will always be the race against Australian top gear rally
What an amazing Podcast! Ireally love what you are doing with the Podcast and all the folks you are talking to. Actually made me buy Ben's book and dropped him a sub. Amazing work and beautiful to hear him open up about those hard topics.
He's a lot more than being the Stig. What fun he must have had driving all the exotics. 😊
This interview was awesome! Very interesting hearing Bens stories. Keep it up❤
He is the real deal.
He made that character and deserved to own part of it even 5% would have been ok it is so sad that companies get so greedy and money plus power change people it’s sad.
Incredible interview here, thank you boys very much❤🎉
@BenCollinsDrives Ben, your absolutly not whinging, Thank you very much for sharing your story. I as one out of many greatly appriciate hearing your raw truth and how it really was. Wishing continued success.
Ben should recreate the Top Gear track and resume the 'star in a reasonably priced car' theme. There's a list of people a mile long who would donate a lung for an opportunity to compete. It would also make a great venue for all of these people who want him to drive their cars to get a benchmark for how well they've done, whether it's a KZhead build or something from a real manufacturer. Just a thought..
Worst part of the show. No one wants to watch that. Rich arseholes can pay for him to teach them but if they redid that segment stuck it on YT no one would watch. I take that back the weirdos who are obsessed with celebs will watch it.
The BBC would sue him into oblivion, as they own the rights to the top gear intellectual property, or at least still own license to it. Gran Tour had a LONG list of things they couldn't do, because it would cop TG's intellectual property. Although you're right- people would love to see something 'similar' or get a chance to take a lesson and then a timed lap as if THEY were a celebrity... with enough changed to keep the BBC lawyers out of it.
I remember getting a demo of a racing game in a showbag that would only let you play as Ben Collins, my first ever racing game with physics. Finding out he was the Stig was a double-whammy of "No Way It's Ben Collins"
Absolutely fascinating to get his point of view about so many things.
Great interview. Love Bens approach to his time at top geat and how things wrapped up.
The most silent man in television is also one of the most well spoken!
Nice interview. Really unfortunate that the BBC treated him like an intern that could be let go at any time. BBC sure went downhill since Top Gear started. Too many accountants and HR people running things most likely.
Ben is definitely one of the best Interviewers online. I enjoyed this episode.
Well done Ben F. That was an excellent interview.
I loved this show so much(Jeremy, Richard, James) It feels so nostalgic already and it kind of makes me sad. Is life really moving this fast?
Not watched this channel before, but Ben(edict) is an excellent interviewer, the way he very perfectly reasonably persuaded Ben to say more was both skilled and very friendly at the same time. Ben C's initial reluctance demonstrates his integrity and professionalism and what he said was balanced and very fair - and he's a great storyteller 👍
What a brilliant interview 👏👏 subscribed looking forward to more
Great interview. Great to finally meet 'the stig'. I am definitely going to follow Ben's KZhead channel and look forward to seeing him drive Freddie's P1.
I've read the book, seen Ben in interviews and I can say (as he did) He's definitely NOT 'a tame racing driver'; But he definitely IS a gentleman.
There were (at least) two episodes of Top Gear where Ben appeared as himself rather than as The Stig. In one he was trying to catch a parachutist in the back of a convertible Mercedes, in the other he was racing first a Mitsubishi then a Bowler in a downhill race vs a downhill skateboarder. Watching Top Gear, I always watched Stig's body movements, particularly how he handled the steering wheel when the camera was focused on him. Not much else to pay attention to, he didn't have much to say, after all. Then when I saw Ben racing the skateboarder, I twigged that this guy might actually be The Stig. When Schumacher drove as the Stig, something seemed off about the way he was handling the wheel, same with his walk into the studio; it lacked the purposeful menace that Stig shared with characters like Darth Vader, Boba Fett, or actor Clint Eastwood. Then when he popped off the helmet, "Oh, that explains it."
I remember watching the reveal episode with buddies who were also fans. When I saw him walking in I knew it wasn’t The Stig. The gasp from everyone when Michael took the helmet off… I looked at my mates and said that ain’t him. Ben brought something like you said that the previous Stig didn’t
Mark Weber picked the Stig as Ben by the way he walked. In Ben's book he basically said that he walked up as stig to mark, and mark said "hi ben"