The Stig, strikes a pose at the Top Gear track (Dunsfold Airfield). Source: BBC

The Stig, strikes a pose at the Top Gear track (Dunsfold Airfield). Source: BBC

Over the last few weeks there has been a story circulating the national press about Top Gear’s infamously tame racing driver, The Stig. Several national papers have pushed forward in revealing the identity of one of the most iconic members of the team, because the driver’s autobiography is set to be published in September. At the moment the BBC is currently attempting to stall the release of the book, stating that revealing The Stig’s identity would be a breach of the contract initially signed by the driver.

Personally, I’m slightly saddened by this, as I think maintaining the anonymity of the driver adds to the whole program, giving The Stig an almost android-like, other-worldly quality helping you think that who or whatever lives under the helmet could indeed blink horizontally or that to unlock him you need to run your finger down his face. I may be in the minority who would rather not know which driver puts on the white racing suit and helmet, but it’s been nice to theorise over who could be behind the helmet. My thoughts have ranged from Johnny Herbert, Lewis Hamilton, Bruno Senna, Russell Swift and at one point Damon Hill, but it has all been part of the fun, guessing but never knowing.

This is not the first time that the identity of The Stig has been revealed though, the original black-suited Stig was killed off spectacularly after the driver behind the mask Perry McCarthy revealed his identity in his autobiography. Black Stig was launched from the deck of HMS Invincible whilst testing whether you could launch a Jaguar from a naval carrier and was sadly lost to the sea.

Ever since this mistake the Top Gear team have been resolute in maintaining The Stig’s anonymity and have on occasion unleashed a few red herrings into the media to throw them off the scent of mysterious driver’s identity. In one episode they even revealed former F1 World Champion, Michael Schumacher, as the mysterious driver in white.

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