Ben Collins, antes conocido como Stig, participara en las 24 horas de lemans

By CHRIS HOCKLEY

BEN COLLINS is beginning "life after Stig" with an attack on the Le Mans 24-hour race.

The former Top Gear action man has sealed a deal to drive for the crack RML sportscar squad.

He will try to win the fiercely-competitive LMP2 class at the French endurance classic.

And he will also drive in the full Le Mans Series for RML.

Collins said: "I loved my time as The Stig but this year a new era is beginning for me with a return to life as a full-time racing driver."

Last season cars prepared by RML - based in Wellingborough, Northants - won three major titles, including the World Touring Car Championship and British Touring Car Championship with partners Chevrolet.

Collins said: "It's difficult to see how we can better that but we'll be trying our hardest."

The former mystery man announced his deal at the Autosport International Show at Birmingham's NEC.

While he was there, he made a dream come true for nine-year-old leukaemia sufferer Rohan Teague.

The brave lad has always wanted to meet The Stig. And with a little behind-the-scenes help from the Starlight charity, he was able to now the secret of Ben's former identity is out in the open.

SunSport caught up with Ben at the Autosport show. Just click on our super video to see him talk about his exciting year ahead.