Earlier this year our writer Rachel Yang did an email interview with Ben Collins. Ben Collins, the former Stig for Top Gear fronts the James Bond 007 Quantum fragrance that was released this month.
1) You had played many roles including Championship Winning Le Mans race car Driver, Bestselling Author, TV Presenter, World Record Breaker and of course The Stig. What is the achievement you are most proud of and why?
Ben: At heart I’m a racing driver, so in terms of passion I would have to say it’s things like finishing the Le Mans 24 hours and winning the European Le Mans Series that mark the high points. But when I look back on my career the most memorable projects have been the James Bond movies I worked on because the footage is timeless and it was a huge honour joining such a celebrated stunt crew.
2) How has the ride been transitioning from a professional race driver to television personality?
Ben: It was easy at first because I just had to drive fast and never speak, at least not openly. These days I have to string a few words together without hiding behind a helmet, but I’ve learned to really enjoy being in front of camera and learned a lot more about the whole business as a result.
3) With your busy lifestyle and various commercial appearances, what are some grooming tips you recommend?
Ben: Regular exercise keeps me on the rails and it’s a vital part of anybody’s makeup, not just for a racing driver. Whenever I’m working I need to feel focused and prepared, which to me means being clean shaven with a fresh after shave. Even during Le Mans when there’s barely enough time to eat, I follow that routine because mentally you tend to feel the way you physically present yourself to the world.
4) You had presented television programme Xtreme Teen Drivers, where you taught a young racer to drive more safely. Do you see yourself as a role model?
Ben: What a terrifying prospect. I’m on the side of young drivers. They get a bad rap and need more encouragement to learn the ropes than they currently get from a speed camera or the few hours spent passing the test.
5) What sparked your interest in Motorsport?
Ben: My father was fanatical about speed and I guess it rubbed off early. There was never such a thing as a casual journey, he was flat out from the moment we hit the driveway. The first day I sat in a racing car and pulled out of the pits something clicked in me too and I’ve been addicted ever since.
6) How was your first car like and how does that experience compare to your current experience with cars?
Ben: I crashed my first cars because I was under the mistaken impression that I was a good driver. Fortunately I was a quick learner but it shaped my approach to driving ever since and ironically it is probably why I became so focused on precision. Modern cars have been through a time warp in terms of their technology so they are very different from my early experiences.
7) What are your thoughts on The Stig and if given another opportunity, would you do it again?
Ben: After 8 years of living that character, dodging the press and blasting cars around I think we rubbed off on each other. I loved every minute, so I have no regrets.
8) What inspired you to write your autobiography in 2009?
Ben: Anonymity is the one commodity you can give away but never receive. Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, my identity as The Stig had unraveled and I decided it was time to leave. I wanted to set the record straight and I really wanted to start a career as a writer so it made sense to write a book. I’m told it has cured insomnia.
9) What is your favourite James Bond movie?
Ben: That’s an unfair question, I have too many. The modern films aside because I think Daniel Craig is the best Bond, my favourite movie is ‘View to a Kill’. Besides the soundtrack, the beautiful Bond girls and the skiing; the car chase is just frenetic. Bond ends up stealing an old Renault 11 which gets cut in half as he thrashes it past the Eifel Tower, and he just carries on driving the front half. He never flinches and I love that.
10) What are some attributes of James Bond that you can relate to?
Ben:I think all men aspire to Bond in some way because he is always so cool under pressure. In my world it pays to be able to focus when all hell breaks loose and make quick decisions, so I admire the way that Bond handles every situation with such panache.
11) What inspired you to be part of the campaign for James Bond Quantum?
Ben: I met the fragrance expert form the James Bond 007 fragrances team, Will Andrews, and his level of expertise and conviction regarding the emotional links that we all have with scent blew me away. The carnal link between our senses and memories is fascinating. The Bond fragrance is sophisticated and powerful which reminds me of the places I’ve been to and the cars I’ve driven in the films.
12) Would you recommend the James Bond 007 Quantum fragrance to your friends?
Ben: Yes I would. It’s definitely masculine but not overpowering.
13) Quantum combines masculine and invigorating ingredients bringing to life Bond’s like calm composure and ability to remain cool under pressure. Do you think this is true?
Ben: Yes, because I believe that certain ingredients and smells can have an effect on people. The odour of the old leather inside the Aston Martin DB5 transports me to the Scottish highlands where we filmed Skyfall, in the same way that the new DBS puts me back at Lake Garda with my heart beating a little faster and ready for anything. The Bond connection brings a unique energy.
14) What are some goals that you wish to accomplish before the age of 50?
Ben: To win Le Mans, and to film the ultimate car chase.
