The Stig: Masked mysterioso and man-machine behind the wheel, or some bloke named Collins?

Ordinarily, I do not step out from behind my granite frieze of God-like automotive authority, but on this matter of the Stig –- the strange anonymous superman who does the test-driving for the worldwide smash hit “Top Gear” TV show –- I actually know something. Recently, it was revealed in the British tabloid the Daily Telegraph that the man in the white Nomex was none other than Ben Collins, a reasonably successful British racing driver and stunt driver in the Bond films. This week, the Daily Mail reports that the Stig is not one person but a squad of eight hot-shoes whose particular skills are chosen for the occasion. In one instance, the Mail alleges, the show used a professional snowmobile driver to pull off a dangerous stunt jumping a snowmobile off a ski jump. And no, it wasn’t Todd Palin.

Well, as some of our readers might remember, I was an early favorite to be cast in the American version of "Top Gear" last year, a presumption that expired the very moment I opened my mouth on camera. I was immediately booted off the show but not before spending some quality time with Jeremy Clarkson, Andy Wilman and other "Top Gear" worthies. I begged them not to tell me who the Stig was -– because I didn’t want to know –- but I was told anyway.

So, here’s what I know: Yes, Ben Collins is a regular Stig. Yes, there is more than one Stig, as avid watchers of the show might have figured, seeing as how his height varies from show to show. And if the show should ever, ever come to America, Collins is interested in doing the U.S. show because he wants to drive in NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Then again, who knows? Maybe I am the Stig ... heh heh heh....

-- Dan Neil

Photo: BBC