Leading bookmaking outfit Paddy Power have today suspended betting on the identity of The Stig from BBC’s Top Gear following a flood of bets on endurance racing driver Ben Collins.
Paddy Power installed Collins as favourite when they released betting on The Stig’s true identity and were forced to slash his odds into 1/10 after numerous substantial bets, including one of £500, were placed on Collins to be revealed as the man behind the white helmet.
Ben Collins is one of several drivers whose names have been put forward as being the man who regularly takes to the track on the BBC Two show but famously never removes his helmet on screen.
The current Stig is the second in the role. The first Stig, Perry McCarthy, was dropped in 2003 when his identity was uncovered.
Accounts for Collins Autosport Ltd from 2003, the year the present Stig first got behind the wheel, describe it as "a cornerstone year".
They say the company, which relies "on the driving services of Ben Collins", benefited from his track success.
They state: "In addition, driving services were also provided for the BBC, mainly in the Top Gear programme which promotes Ben's driving reputation and offers good long-term prospects for continuing income."
Collins, described on his website as "an endurance racing specialist", is also a leading stunt driver for film and television and appeared on screen in the latest Bond film Quantum Of Solace.
Despite the latest evidence, the BBC insists The Stig's identity remains a secret.
Ken Robertson from Paddy Power said “Betting really got out of hand over the weekend with scores of punters opening new accounts and placing chunky enough bets on Collins to be revealed as The Stig. As this stage it seems that the money has spoken and the name being shouted is that of Ben Collins”
Who is The Stig?
(Closing odds)
1/10 Ben Collins
6/1 Russ Swift
8/1 Julian Bailey
10/1 Chris Goodwin
10/1 Tim Schrick
12/1 Mark Webber
16/1 Terry Grant
20/1 Damon Hill
33/1 Heikki Kovalainen
40/1 Nigel Mansell
40/1 Rubens Barichello
50/1 Michael Schumacher
66/1 Lewis Hamilton
100/1 Jenson Button
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