Book Review: The Man In The White Suit, Ben Collins

Ben Collins - The Man In The White Suit

I've been following BBC's Top Gear for some time, and if you are a fan, you will definitely know the recent saga about The Stig coming out and writing an autobiography.  Of course, BBC made a big deal out of this, and it went to the courts and the judge ruled in The Stig's favor.  (Long story, but lots of coverage on different perspectives all over the internet.)


So Ben Collins wrote the book claiming to be The Stig.  The book is quite informative, tracing his childhood memories about his father, teenage racing down at the tracks, team rivalry, plenty of action in the race car and his experiences in the racing world.  A valuable insight into the world of racing and talent management.


We all know the White Stig (after the "death" of the Black Stig) and his antics in Top Gear, but this book is a behind the scenes look at Top Gear from the visor of The Stig.  I would say that this book is a glowing testimony to the men behind the scenes at Top Gear.  If you are a follower of Top Gear, most of what he writes is already old news, but from a slightly different perspective.


He also writes a lot about his experience in the SAS, and it makes a good read if nothing else.


Overall, this book is about Ben Collins's struggle in the world of car racing; being The Stig is just the cherry on top.  An interesting read, if you go with it with an open mind; not so good, if you are just interested in The Stig.


Jeremy