Perry McCarthy

3/3/1961

Record updated

He's raced in Formula One, competed in the legendary Le Mans 24 hours and battled for honours at Sebring, but in the career of Perry McCarthy, dubbed by some as 'the world's unluckiest driver', one thing must surely stand head and shoulders above the rest. And that thing? Taking on the role of the mysterious 'Stig' on popular British motoring show Top Gear. However he had a race programme to contend with so he had to resign. Early success in Formula Ford gave him the chance to cross swords with other British F3 hopefuls such as Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill. McCarthys rise through the ranks along with close friends Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert and Mark Blundell, has been against all odds and in a sport dominated by finance he recalls how he started with nothing and then lost it all! Perry often impressed in under-funded machinery as he also did in F3000, particularly in the wet, but when the possibility of a decent drive became available, the Londoner always seemed to miss out. However he obtained his super-licence and a seat at Andrea Moda alongside Roberto Moreno after the regular incumbents had been sacked for complaining about the poor preparation of the machines. His place at the Grand Prix table was to last for just eight events during which he was mainly confined to the pit-lane before the team owner was arrested for fraud and his shambolic outfit were banned from Formula 1 for bringing the sport into disrepute. After testing for Williams his big time dream was over, but undaunted, McCarthy raced off-and-on in sports cars for a decade and he also became involved in driver management. Perry has used his experiences to become a superb after dinner and motivational speaker who gives a highly amusing insight to the worlds most glamorous sport. Perry has had TV and Media Experience as a TV Presenter for Pulling Power, Formula 3, Sky Sport, FIA GT Championship and Top Gear to name but a few and has also found time to author his own book "Flat Out, Flat Broke". He has done TV commentary for Sky Channel, Sky Sport, ScreenSport and Eurosport and journalism for Autocar, Auto Express, Autosport, Chequered Flag, Complete Car, F1 Magazine, Motor, Motoring News and Motor Sport.