From F1 Flop to TV Icon: The Original Stig's Unlikely Journey
Perry McCarthy's Formula One career was marked by a string of misfortunes, with the British driver failing to qualify for any of the ten Grands Prix he entered for the Andrea Moda team. Yet, in a twist of fate, he would later achieve fame in a secret role that captivated millions: the original Stig on the BBC's Top Gear.
The Man Behind the Mask: Perry McCarthy's Racing Roots
McCarthy is one of only three confirmed drivers to have portrayed The Stig on the hugely popular motoring programme, which was eventually axed in 2023. Following his stint, the role was taken over by stunt driver Ben Collins and later by British GT Championship star Phil Keen. Across 2002 and 2003, McCarthy donned the character's initial all-black race suit and helmet, becoming an integral part of the show's relaunch under Jeremy Clarkson and producer Andy Wilman.
At 64 years old, McCarthy reflects on his time testing new vehicles and recording lap times for the iconic 'star in a reasonably-priced car' segment. This feature saw celebrities wrestle an ordinary road car around the Top Gear test track in a single-lap challenge, with The Stig setting the benchmark. His involvement proved crucial to the programme's early popularity, helping to establish its unique blend of humour and automotive expertise.
How 'The Stig' Almost Became 'The Gimp'
In a revealing interview on The Chris Moyles Show in 2019, McCarthy shared how the now-legendary character almost received a far more embarrassing moniker. "I'd written a book back in 2002 about my career coming all the way through motor racing and getting to Formula One with pretty much no money," he explained. "Jeremy and a lot of friends from Formula One were at the book launch, and Jeremy said, 'Listen, we're bringing Top Gear back, we've got this great idea for you! You're gonna be all dressed in black - because first, Stiggy was all in black - so black gloves, black crash helmet, black overalls... He said, 'We're gonna call you the Gimp!' I said, 'No, you're not, son!'"
McCarthy recounted that the production team were "really keen on it, seriously", but he firmly rejected the idea. "In the end, thank God, they settled on The Stig, which is what they used to call the junior kids at their school. They were real keen on calling it The Gimp, and I just thought, I really don't want that tag!" This intervention ensured the character's name became a cultural icon rather than a source of ridicule.
Life After Top Gear: A New Career as a Motivational Speaker
Since leaving Top Gear, McCarthy has carved out a successful new career as a motivational speaker. Speaking to the London Speaker Bureau, he shared: "I'm an ex-Formula One racing driver, and I was the original Stig on BBC Top Gear. What I do now is talk about all my experiences as a racing driver, coming through the attitudes that are necessary, and I provide those via, hopefully, an amusing speech, business speech or a motivational speech. With my career, believe me, you needed to be motivated."
His journey from the disappointments of F1 to the secrecy of Top Gear and now to inspiring audiences highlights a resilience that defines his story. McCarthy's tale serves as a reminder that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities, and that sometimes, saying "no" to a bad idea—like "The Gimp"—can make all the difference.
