Clarkson Drops New Bombshell on the Third and Final Stig
New Revelations: Jeremy Clarkson Finally Unveils the Third and Final Stig Identity
As fans of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, we’ve witnessed some truly iconic moments in automotive television, but none as intriguing as the mysterious Stig. Over the years, the masked figure known only as “The Stig” has captivated viewers with his unmatched driving skills and complete anonymity. For years, the true identity of the third and final Stig remained a well-kept secret—until now. Jeremy Clarkson, in his ever-candid style, has finally revealed the identity of the last Stig during a Q&A session following a screening of The Grand Tour’s final episode.
This revelation comes as a long-anticipated moment for fans of the show, who have been curious about who was behind the famous white helmet after the previous two Stigs had their identities revealed. Clarkson’s disclosure of the third Stig’s identity marks the end of an era, and for car enthusiasts and Top Gear followers alike, it’s a moment worth diving into. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the Stigs, their identities, and how Jeremy Clarkson’s big reveal ties everything together.
The Evolution of the Stig: A Brief History of Top Gear’s Masked Driver
The role of the Stig has always been central to Top Gear’s brand. The idea of an anonymous racing driver added an air of mystique to the show and gave it an iconic element that set it apart from other automotive programs. The Stig, dressed in his all-black or all-white racing suit, was the silent driver who performed lap times in various high-performance cars, providing fans with thrilling and technically precise driving.
The original Stig, Perry McCarthy, donned the black racing suit during the first two seasons of the revamped Top Gear in 2002. McCarthy, a British Le Mans and Formula 1 driver, brought a professional level of expertise to the show. However, his time as the Stig was short-lived. In true Top Gear fashion, his character was humorously “killed off” by launching him off an aircraft carrier. This dramatic exit signaled the end of the Black Stig and paved the way for the introduction of the White Stig.
Ben Collins took over the role of the Stig in the show’s third season. His version of the character quickly became the most iconic, as he stayed with the show through its 15th season. Collins, who was not only a racing driver but also a stunt performer, was the man behind the wheel during some of Top Gear’s most memorable moments. However, Collins’ stint as the Stig came to an end in 2010 when he publicly revealed his identity in his autobiography The Man in the White Suit. This breach of anonymity led to his dismissal from the show, and once again, the Stig needed a replacement.
This brings us to the final and most recent Stig, whose identity had remained a mystery for over a decade—until now. Jeremy Clarkson, during a Q&A session after the screening of The Grand Tour’s final episode, confirmed what many had speculated: the third and final Stig was none other than British racing driver Phil Keen.
The Final Stig: Phil Keen, A New Chapter in Top Gear’s Legacy
Phil Keen, a renowned British racing driver, took up the mantle as the Stig after Ben Collins’ departure in 2010. Keen, a driver with an impressive track record in the British GT Championship and European Le Mans Series, was the perfect candidate for the role. Known for his speed and technical precision, Keen brought a level of expertise to the Stig role that aligned with the show’s high-performance nature.
Keen has had a stellar racing career, earning recognition as one of the greatest British GT Championship drivers of all time. He holds 24 wins, 16 pole positions, and a Supersport class victory to his name. These accolades alone made him a fitting choice for the third Stig, allowing Top Gear to continue showcasing thrilling, top-tier driving on the program. His ability to handle high-powered machines with finesse, while keeping his identity concealed, only added to the intrigue surrounding his tenure as the Stig.
Clarkson’s reveal of Keen’s identity marks the conclusion of an era in Top Gear’s long history of masked drivers. Keen remained behind the wheel from 2010 until 2022, during which time he contributed to some of the most exciting and memorable segments of the show. His identity was so well-protected that even the most dedicated fans had no concrete proof of his involvement—until Clarkson decided to finally lift the veil.
During the Q&A session, which took place on Clarkson’s personal farm following a screening of The Grand Tour special “One for the Road,” Clarkson was candid and relaxed as he spilled the long-kept secret. The 25-minute video of the session, which was later uploaded to YouTube by a private account, has since become a topic of intense discussion among fans. Clarkson’s decision to reveal Keen’s identity was as much a tribute to the drivers who have made the Stig such an iconic figure as it was a way to close out this chapter of Top Gear’s legacy.
What Does the Future Hold for Top Gear and The Grand Tour?
With the reveal of the third and final Stig, one might wonder what lies ahead for Top Gear and The Grand Tour. In recent years, Top Gear has seen significant changes. Following a crash that left host Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff seriously injured, the BBC decided to put the show on hold. This crash, which took place during filming in December 2022, has cast uncertainty on the future of Top Gear in its current form.
Amazon, which produces The Grand Tour, has expressed interest in continuing the series with new hosts, marking another potential turning point in the future of car-based entertainment. Jeremy Clarkson himself has commented on the future of the show, suggesting that fresh talent—enthusiasts who are passionate about cars but not yet famous—could breathe new life into the franchise. This echoes how Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May originally brought their authentic love of cars to the forefront, making the show an international success.
Phil Keen, who has now returned to full-time racing with 2Seas Motorsport in the British GT Championship, continues to make waves in the motorsport world. As a professional driver, Keen’s career is far from over, even though his time as the Stig has officially come to an end. His involvement with Top Gear was a significant chapter in his racing career, and fans will undoubtedly follow his continued success on the track.
As for Clarkson, his reveal of Keen’s identity was done with characteristic flair and humor, much like his many years of hosting Top Gear and The Grand Tour. Clarkson’s ability to blend car culture with entertainment is what has kept fans coming back for more, even as the shows evolve and change.
Reflecting on Top Gear’s Legacy and the Stig’s Iconic Role
The Stig will forever remain a central figure in Top Gear’s history. The mystery surrounding the character, combined with the awe-inspiring driving skills of those who wore the helmet, made the Stig a fan favorite. From Perry McCarthy’s daring stunts in the early days to Ben Collins’ widely-recognized tenure, and finally, Phil Keen’s stealthy precision behind the wheel, each Stig brought something unique to the show.
Clarkson’s recent revelation about Phil Keen being the final Stig offers a sense of closure for long-time fans. The role of the Stig was more than just a driver in a white suit—it was a symbol of the speed, precision, and excitement that made Top Gear a cultural phenomenon.
As the automotive world evolves, so too will the shows that capture the hearts of car enthusiasts. But the legacy of the Stig, and the contributions of drivers like Phil Keen, will remain etched in the annals of automotive entertainment. Clarkson’s final reveal closes a chapter in Top Gear’s history, but it also serves as a reminder of how these shows continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Photo Credit – Top Gear / Getty Images Via – Digital Spy /
