12 Unforgettable Stig Moments That Surprised Top Gear Fans
Top Gear enthusiasts know that some of the show’s most unforgettable moments often center around its mysterious and skilled driver, The Stig. From nail-biting laps to jaw-dropping stunts, The Stig is synonymous with thrilling automotive feats. This listicle delves into the top nerve-racking and iconic moments where The Stig has pushed the limits on the track, showcasing both his unparalleled driving skills and the whimsical danger synonymous with the show.
12. The Stig’s Record-Breaking Lap in the Ariel Atom
In Series 5, Episode 9, The Stig took the Ariel Atom—an ultra-light, open-wheeled sports car—around the Top Gear test track. His blistering lap time of 1:19.5 stunned both the presenters and the audience. The footage of The Stig’s face being hilariously distorted by the Atom’s raw acceleration became an instant classic, cementing this as one of the most unforgettable Stig moments.
11. The Stig’s Amphibious Car Lake Crossing
During Top Gear’s famous amphibious car challenge (Series 8, Episode 3), The Stig was brought in to pilot Jeremy Clarkson’s homemade “Toybota” (a modified Toyota pickup) across a lake. Despite the vehicle’s questionable seaworthiness, The Stig managed to keep it afloat and even overtook James May’s Triumph Herald boat, showcasing his skill and composure in the most bizarre of motoring situations. This unforgettable scene delighted fans and proved that The Stig could handle more than just tarmac.
10. The Stig’s Near Miss with the Lancia Stratos
During a power lap in the notoriously unpredictable Lancia Stratos, the Stig stunned viewers by dramatically oversteering and spinning out, narrowly avoiding disaster. Filmed in treacherous wet conditions, the incident showcased his expert ability to recover from high-speed instability—a testament to both his skill and the Stratos’ wild character.
9. The Stig’s Power Lap in the Jaguar XK—With Doors Locked
In a memorable Classic Top Gear moment, the Stig piloted the Jaguar XKR around the test track—only to realize mid-lap that the doors had automatically locked, causing an unexpected distraction. Despite this, he completed the circuit in a swift 1:34.700, even under very wet and challenging conditions.
8. The Stig Loses Control of the TVR
During a power lap in the notoriously wild TVR Sagaris, even the unflappable Stig struggled to keep the beast in check. The TVR’s lack of electronic driver aids made for a heart-stopping moment as he slid sideways through the Hammerhead, proving even the Stig can be humbled by raw British engineering.
7. The Stig’s Epic Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Lap
The Stig thrilled audiences by lapping the Top Gear test track in the ultra-rare Lamborghini Sesto Elemento in just 1:14—a time second only to the Pagani Huayra at that point. Despite spinning off during an early attempt, he recovered to set this blistering pace in the featherweight, V10-powered supercar.
6. The Stig Revealed as Michael Schumacher
In 2009, Top Gear stunned viewers when The Stig dramatically unmasked himself to reveal seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher. He set an incredible lap in a Ferrari FXX, fueling rumors of his true identity. However, it was later confirmed the reveal was a stunt—Schumacher only drove the FXX, not all Stig laps.
5. The Stig’s Shocking Morgan 3 Wheeler Spin
During the Top Gear lap in the quirky Morgan 3 Wheeler, The Stig stunned viewers by spinning out dramatically at the last corner—a rare lapse from the show’s enigmatic driver. Despite the mishap, he still managed an impressive 1:40.4 lap time, making the moment unforgettable for fans.
4. The Stig’s Disastrous Caravan Challenge
During Classic Top Gear’s infamous caravan speed challenge, The Stig attempted to break a land speed record while towing a caravan. Disaster struck at over 120 mph—a high-speed blowout from the kitchenette window sent debris everywhere, showcasing just how spectacularly wrong caravan racing can go.
3. The Stig Drifts the Ferrari FF on Snow
On a frozen replica of Silverstone in the Arctic Circle, The Stig stunned viewers by masterfully sliding the Ferrari FF through icy corners. Despite the FF’s immense 6.3-litre V12 power, his skillful drifting showcased both the car’s cutting-edge four-wheel drive and The Stig’s legendary control on treacherous snow.
2. The Stig Rolls the Reliant Robin
In a moment that stunned even seasoned fans, the Stig attempted a lap in the notoriously unstable Reliant Robin—only to spectacularly roll the three-wheeled car on the very first corner. This hilarious and unexpected incident became one of Classic Top Gear’s most iconic, proving even the Stig isn’t invincible.
1. The Stig Crashes the Koenigsegg CCX
During Series 8, The Stig famously lost control of the 806-horsepower Koenigsegg CCX at 130 mph, sending it crashing into the Top Gear test track’s tire wall. It was the first time The Stig had ever gone off the track—prompting Koenigsegg to fit the CCX with a rear wing for extra downforce.
Conclusion:
These extraordinary moments highlight the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of Top Gear, showcasing The Stig’s ability to captivate audiences with a mix of skill, precision, and occasional mishaps. Whether he’s drifting on snow, tackling a supercar, or revealing a surprise identity, The Stig remains an enigmatic figure whose legacy is etched in the annals of motoring history. Reliving these iconic moments reminds us of the thrill, excitement, and sheer unpredictability that have made Top Gear a beloved institution among car enthusiasts worldwide.
