Perry McCarthy
The ‘original Stig' from Top Gear – one of Britain's top racing drivers
Perry McCarthy came into the media spotlight as the ‘original’ Stig on the first two episodes of BBC’s global hit motoring programme Top Gear (2002-2003), which was exposed in his autobiography some years after departure from the show. Now an established and highly sought-after name on the after dinner speaking circuit, Perry combines his experience as a Formula One driver with becoming the original Stig to delight audiences at home and abroad with either a hilarious after dinner speech or a captivating motivational address.
Perry McCarthy's rise through the ranks along with close 'Rat Pack' 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's exploits are well chronicled but when he is on the track his talent and determination shine through. His sense of humour is legendary and is frequently aired in his articles for leading publications and in his work as a TV commentator and programme presenter.
Perry's bubbly personality and absolute refusal to concede defeat have made him popular with the press; The Telegraph headlined him as 'a new cult hero' The Times called him 'the world's unluckiest racing driver' and America's Sunday Express described him as a 'comedian locked inside a racing driver's body.'
Perry literally clawed his way to the top with very little backing but, with talent, dedication, determination and that famous sense of humour he always gets everyone's attention. The fact that he was the original 'Stig' has a crowd cheering before he's even started talking!
His hilarious autobiography 'Flat Out, Flat Broke' launched in July 2002 (re-released June 2008) became a motor racing best seller and received rave reviews.
In a career spanning over twenty five years, Perry McCarthy is still smiling and still fighting. However, away from the track, Perry has used his experiences to become a superb 'after dinner' and 'motivational' speaker who gives a highly amusing insight to the world's most glamorous sport.
Exclusive interview with Perry McCarthy
On behalf of my colleagues at Ferguson Group, we would like to thank you very much for performing at our event at the Lemon Tree. We have received great feedback from our guests - they thoroughly enjoyed the evening and getting the chance to chat with you. We hope that it was a good night for you too. It was great meeting you and thank you kindly for all the books - very much appreciated.
I have constant admiration how Perry McCarthy turns a no hope situation into some form of triumph.
Perry McCarthy was superb speaker at our recent business conference and mixed the perfect dose of fast paced humour, interest, business messages and fun! The delegates loved it and bombarded him with over half an hour of questions during the open session at the end of his speech! I am not sure how we will top this for next year!
Perry received very positive feedback from the delegates who attended the conference such as 'Perry McCarthy lifted the event for the afternoon' and 'Perry's speech was fun and inspiring'. Perry was incredibly friendly and approachable; we enjoyed having him at the conference
Perry McCarthy's talks never fail to impress, amuse and delight the audience... is there no end to this man's library of tales?
I just wanted to thank you so much for organising Perry McCarthy to attend our Conference at the F1 Williams Centre on Thursday. He was charming, engaging and so funny - our delegates were delighted. He went far and above the call of duty, making the event so fun and memorable. His after dinner speech went down a storm and he captured the mood and the audience perfectly. Please extend my very sincere thanks to him and tell him he's gathered a raft of new fans!
Clients often ask about purchasing books for giveaways and delegate packs. Below you’ll find a selection of products by Perry McCarthy. Click the images to view on Amazon's website. For bulk orders, please speak with your Booking Agent.
How to book Perry McCarthy for your event
To book Perry McCarthy, please submit an online enquiry, email bookings@nmp.co.uk or speak with one of our booking agents on +44 (0)1372 361 004.
Sports and TV presenter (BBC1's Formula 1, The Gadget Show)
One of the most renown Technical Directors and Designers in F1
Award-winning motoring journalist, broadcaster and campaigner
Television motoring presenter and journalist (Wrong Car, Right Car & Top Gear)
Formerly Top Gear's The Stig, LeMans racing driver and Hollywood stunt driver
F1 senior management executive at Jordan, Red Bull Racing and Cosworth
