Born in Stepney, East London, Perry McCarthy’s early career saw him working for his father’s company on the North Sea oil rigs. Unlike most Formula One drivers, he didn’t start by racing in karts.

With the money he earned working the oil rigs, Perry raced in Formula Ford, Formula 3, and eventually F3000 and various sports car races in the US before testing for the Footwork Formula One team in 1991.

His Formula One break however didn’t come until 1992 when he was signed by the independent Andrea Moda team. Ultimately the team’s efforts descended into something of a farce. He went on to work as a test driver for Williams and Benetton before a brief break from racing. On his return he made five appearances at Le Mans between 1996 and 2003.

Perry McCarthy | Book

In 2002, Perry released his autobiography, Flat Out, Flat Broke: Formula 1 the Hard Way, which went on to become an international bestseller. Here, he recounts how he decided at the age of 18 that he wanted to reach the top of the world’s most expensive sport. With no racing experience, no cash, and little going for him except a passion for speed, he shouldn’t have stood a chance. However, as the book details, Perry never gave up, and his relentless search for backing and recognition led him to often hilarious and sometimes heart-breaking efforts to make it into Formula 1.

Perry McCarthy | Motivational Speaker

From working on North Sea oil rigs to becoming a Grand Prix driver, Perry’s overcome huge hurdles, including serious injury, to pursue his dream. In fact, according to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, with no financial backing, ‘the odds of Perry actually reaching F1 were about a million to one’.

Perry’s optimism, coupled with his determination, resilience, and absolute refusal to concede defeat, however, made him a highly popular personality within the sport – and this shines through in all of his motivational keynote talks.  As a result, Perry is in high demand.  Perry’s keynotes delve into his experiences with passion, and along with his behind-the-scenes knowledge of the Formula One world, he provides a highly entertaining, engaging, and insightful discussion that can be tailored to support the client’s key event message.

The Telegraph headlined him as ’a new cult hero’, and F1 World Champion Damon Hill said; ‘I have constant admiration on how he turns a no hope situation into some sort of triumph’

Perry McCarthy | Keynote Speaker 

His quick wit and ability to deride himself and others have entertained spectators, race guests and even rival teams and drivers in pit lanes, paddocks and bars across the world.

His popularity has since catapulted him into the world of keynote, motivational and public speaking for large and small corporations all over the world. With his unique and alluring style, Perry engages audiences with hilarious anecdotes and tales of highs and lows.

Perry’s speeches are fast-paced and include stories about his role as the original Stig (from Top Gear), his rise to Formula One, some misadventures at 200 miles per hour and comic sketches on Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Nigel Mansell, Murray Walker and of course, Jeremy Clarkson.

Perry McCarthy | Keynote Speaking Topics

– Performance, Hard Work, Determination

– Resilience

– Recognising and Creating Opportunities

– Creating a Brand

– Formula 1 Teamwork, Pursuit of Excellence and Marginal Gains

– Competition, Commitment and Communication

– Drive to Survive

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book BBC Top Gears original STIG, Perry McCarthy, for your next event.  

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