Perry McCarthy

Best known as the original ‘Stig’ from BBC’s Top Gear, Perry is a former Formula One driver, best-selling author, and one of the most in-demand motivational speakers on the circuit today.

Determined to chase his dream despite the odds, Perry began his racing career later than most, funding it by working gruelling shifts on the North Sea oil rigs – 14 hours a day, 7 days a week. With no financial backing and little support from the sport’s establishment, he overcame serious setbacks, injuries, and scepticism (even Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone once told him his chances were “a million to one”) to reach the elite world of Grand Prix racing.

Perry’s story is captured in his acclaimed autobiography Flat Out, Flat Broke, an international bestseller that charts his rise through Formula Ford, F3, F3000, and ultimately to F1 with the infamous Andrea Moda team. Along the way, he also tested for teams including Williams and Benetton, competed in various sports car series, and made five appearances at Le Mans.

Outside of the cockpit, Perry has built a successful media and corporate career. With over 1,500 live events under his belt, he brings a perfect mix of insight, inspiration and sharp humour to every stage. His presentations blend extraordinary behind-the-scenes tales from F1 with powerful lessons in resilience, adaptability and perseverance – all delivered with the same energy and charisma that made him a cult hero in the world of motorsport.

As The Telegraph put it: “A new cult hero”, while America’s Sunday Express summed him up as “a comedian locked inside a racing driver’s body.”

Whether sharing a laugh-out-loud after-dinner story or delivering a high-impact business keynote, Perry McCarthy leaves audiences inspired, energised, and thoroughly entertained.

Perry is regularly booked to speak to management and sales teams where he talks passionately about:

• Personal performance and the power of the individual – preparation – focus – resilience – pressure

• Pursuing a dream – passion – life against the odds – goal setting

• Turning failure in to success – recognising opportunities – achieving results

• Risk management and fear

Perry is in high demand to give business and motivational speeches. He links his experience and passionate attitude, along with his behind the scenes knowledge of the Formula One world, to provide a highly entertaining and insightful platform tailored to support the client’s key event messages.