Ben Collins: podcast appearances and interviews

Benjamin Lievesley Immi Collins, born on 13 February 1975, is a British racing driver known for his diverse motor racing career that began in 1994. He has competed in various categories including Formula Three, Indy Lights, sportscars, GT racing, and stock cars. Collins achieved notable success with a second-place finish in the 2000 Marlboro Masters Formula 3 championship and demonstrated remarkable speed at the 2001 Le Mans 24 hours race during his debut, where he was the fastest driver for several hours during a rain-soaked night. He won the European Stock Car Championship in 2003 and was consequently signed by PDM Racing to participate in the 2004 Indy Racing League, although the car never raced. In 2005, Collins competed in the British GT Championship in a Porsche 996 GT3, claiming wins and moving up to the FIA GT Series with Ascari, leading races and securing pole positions. Beyond racing, Collins's company, Collins Autosport Limited, provides precision and stunt driving services for television and film productions. His work includes driving James Bond’s car in films such as Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale, and Eve Moneypenny’s car in Skyfall. Collins has also been involved in television, co-presenting the programme Top Gear as The Stig from 2003 to 2010. His career extended to other presenting roles, including joining Fifth Gear in 2010 and becoming a co-presenter of the Polish TVN series Automaniak in 2012. He was added to the Drivers Club of the first Formula E season but did not compete.