Perry McCarthy

Ex Formula One Driver | The Stig from Top Gear | Corporate Speaker

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Perry McCarthy's Biography

Perry McCarthy is quite simply unique. He is an ex-Formula One driver, a bestselling author and was the original secret racing driver from BBC’s Top Gear - 'The Stig'. The means by which a racing driver can reach the pinnacle of Motor Sports is eased considerably if they hail from the “right side of the tracks”. Perry was born in Stepney, East London - a place that has historically produced remarkably few successful racing drivers. Perry’s story is truly one of a kind. Funding his early career by working on the Oil Rigs of the North Sea, Perry raced in Formula Ford, Formula 3, 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, yet (along with Perry’s battle to secure his FIA Super Licence in time) make for a tense but hugely entertaining chapter in Perry’s wonderful autobiography, “Flat Out, Flat Broke”. Further tests for Williams and Benetton precipitated a brief retirement before a return to Sports Car Racing - including 5 appearances at Le Mans between 1996 and 2003. In 2002 Perry released his autobiography entitled "Flat Out, Flat Broke" which went on to become an international bestseller.Perry provided commentary on F1 races for the BBC in 2009 and now works as an ambassador and after-dinner speaker for corporations around the world. He combines his famous sense of humour and his experiences of rising to the top against the odds to entertain audiences worldwide with hilarious after dinner speeches or captivating business and motivational addresses.

SPEAKING VIDEOS
PHOTOS
BOOKS

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SPEAKER TOPICS

Inspiring Speakers

Resilience Speakers

Risk Management Speakers

After Dinner Speakers

Conference Speakers

Health&Safety Speakers

Workplace Culture Speakers

Perry McCarthy Keynote Topics

Personal Performance and the Power of the Individual: Preparation, Focus, Resilience, Pressure

Perry draws on his remarkable journey from the oil rigs to Formula One to show how individuals can perform at their very best under extreme pressure. He highlights the importance of preparation, resilience, and laser focus in achieving success.

This keynote inspires audiences to believe in their own potential, even against the odds. Attendees walk away with practical lessons on harnessing inner strength to excel in both personal and professional arenas.

Teamwork

Our speaker explores how teamwork is the foundation of success in motorsport and beyond. Perry reveals the behind-the-scenes dynamics of racing, where collaboration, trust, and communication determine whether a team wins or loses.

This talk provides organizations with powerful parallels to the business world. It motivates teams to embrace collective responsibility and unlock performance through unity.

Pursuing a Dream: Passion, Life Against the Odds & Goal Setting

Perry’s story is one of relentless determination. He shares how passion and persistence carried him from humble beginnings to the highest levels of motorsport, despite setbacks and obstacles at every turn.

Audiences are inspired to define their goals, pursue them with energy, and never give up in the face of adversity. This session shows how a clear vision, combined with resilience, can turn even the toughest journey into success.

Turning Failure into Success: Recognising Opportunities, Achieving Results

In this engaging talk, Perry explains how setbacks can become stepping stones. He reflects on his own career challenges and the surprising opportunities they created, offering lessons in adaptability and persistence.

This keynote encourages professionals to embrace failure as part of growth. Attendees learn how to reframe obstacles into opportunities and achieve lasting results.

Risk Management and Fear

Perry offers a unique perspective on risk, drawn from life at 200 miles per hour. He explores how fear can be managed, calculated, and even harnessed as a driver of performance.

This session gives organizations and individuals practical tools for assessing and managing risk with confidence. Audiences leave inspired to confront challenges boldly while keeping control in high-pressure environments.

Perry McCarthy's Biography

Perry McCarthy is quite simply unique.

He is an ex-Formula One driver, a bestselling author and was the original secret racing driver from BBC’s Top Gear - 'The Stig'.

The means by which a racing driver can reach the pinnacle of Motor Sports is eased considerably if they hail from the “right side of the tracks”. Perry was born in Stepney, East London - a place that has historically produced remarkably few successful racing drivers. Perry’s story is truly one of a kind.

Funding his early career by working on the Oil Rigs of the North Sea, Perry raced in Formula Ford, Formula 3, 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, yet (along with Perry’s battle to secure his FIA Super Licence in time) make for a tense but hugely entertaining chapter in Perry’s wonderful autobiography, “Flat Out, Flat Broke”.

Further tests for Williams and Benetton precipitated a brief retirement before a return to Sports Car Racing - including 5 appearances at Le Mans between 1996 and 2003.

In 2002 Perry released his autobiography entitled "Flat Out, Flat Broke" which went on to become an international bestseller.
Perry provided commentary on F1 races for the BBC in 2009 and now works as an ambassador and after-dinner speaker for corporations around the world. He combines his famous sense of humour and his experiences of rising to the top against the odds to entertain audiences worldwide with hilarious after dinner speeches or captivating business and motivational addresses.

Perry McCarthy is ready to inspire your teams!
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Perry McCarthy testimonials

David Ingram

Audi PR Manager

“With Perry you can always guarantee that your guests are going to have a fun time. His ability to grab everyone’s attention and make them laugh has ensured that we book him on a regular basis.”

Maire Campbell

Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca Cola

“Perry was the ideal choice, his endorsement of the programme generated huge media coverage and interest throughout the country. Working with Perry was an absolute pleasure. He really understood and cared about what the programme aimed to achieve and he employed enthusiasm and professionalism throughout. An enigmatic character Perry is also a superb speaker and this mixed with likability and his dynamic style, made him the perfect ambassador for our company on this occasion.”

Bill Lisle

Chief Executive Officer. AIA Berhad

“Just a short note to say thank you for being part of our kick-off last week in Kuala Lumpur and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did having you there. You and the team really connected which they appreciated immensely as some visitors get put off a little by this kind of attention however I know you’re not that shy! Please keep in touch.”

Graeme Taylor

Marketing Manager, Bang & Olufsen

“Perry’s talks never fail to impress, amuse and delight the audience … is there no end to this man’s library of tales?”