Ben Collins of Top Gear Challenges 'Mr OutRun' in Sega Arcade Classic Showdown

Ben Collins of Top Gear Battles Gary 'Mr OutRun' Woolass for OutRun World Record Fans of classic arcade gaming and British television alike will find common ground in the latest high-speed challenge as professional race driver Ben Collins, best known as the Stig from the BBC's Top Gear, takes on a legendary milestone in Sega's iconic OutRun.

OutRun, first released by Sega in 1986, is widely celebrated for its innovative graphics, memorable soundtrack, and enduring popularity across multiple platforms, from the original arcade cabinets to contemporary releases on the Nintendo Switch eShop. Ben Collins, whose reputation as the mysterious Stig captivated automotive enthusiasts throughout the run of Top Gear, has since expanded his presence into the gaming community with a dedicated YouTube channel.

In a recent video, Collins set his sights on Gary 'Mr OutRun' Woolass's unofficial world record for OutRun—an extraordinary feat in arcade gaming history.

Woolass currently holds a high score of 52,928,810 points, eclipsing the previous top mark of 52,897,690 points set by Richard Jackson in February 1987. Despite his credentials on the racetrack, Collins acknowledged that surpassing Woolass's achievement would be a formidable challenge.

On his channel, Collins described the attempt as "a true test of precision and endurance—different from the world of real racing but no less demanding for the hands and mind." The video not only documents his quest for the high score but also provides a detailed retrospective of OutRun’s cultural impact and legacy, from its arcade origins to its modern-day resurgence on platforms like Nintendo Switch. The OutRun world record has stood for decades as a benchmark of skill in retrogaming communities, drawing in both veteran players and a new generation of enthusiasts as the classic racer appears in compilations, re-releases, and digital stores such as the Nintendo eShop.

Gary Woolass, often referred to by fans as 'Mr OutRun,' has cultivated his legendary status through years of dedication to the game and his unmatched mastery of its mechanics. While Collins' attempt was met with anticipation from both Top Gear viewers and arcade purists, beating the standing record was recognized as a tall order—a testament to Woolass's enduring supremacy.

The outcome, documented in Collins' latest YouTube release, continues to stoke interest in both Sega’s legendary title and the competitive spirit that defines the gaming landscape. Through events like this, OutRun's influence endures, bridging the gap between generations of gamers and automotive aficionados, and reaffirming Sega’s place in the pantheon of gaming history.

Sega arcade BBC OutRun Ben Collins Gary Woolass Top Gear The Stig Richard Jackson