How to Be a Top Gear Writer | Shafiq Abidin’s Rebel Journey to Motoring Journalism!

Ever wondered what it takes to work at Top Gear? In this eye-opening chat, I grab a ride with Shafiq Abidin, a rising star in motoring journalism and current Top Gear staff writer. We talk about his unconventional journey – from studying computer science (like a "proper" Asian kid) to chasing his passion for cars and making it to the holy grail of automotive media. Shafiq opens up about the struggles, the rejections, and that life-changing phone call from Top Gear. He shares what it’s like working with some of the industry’s biggest names, the incredible cars he’s driven (R34 GTR and first-gen Aston DBS, anyone?), and how he overcame imposter syndrome to prove he belongs in one of the world's most iconic motoring institutions. This isn’t just for car fans – it’s for anyone chasing a dream, breaking stereotypes, or thinking about a career in automotive journalism. Plus, we chat about why representation matters in this industry, how old cars bring the joy modern cars lack, and even some top tips for aspiring journalists. 🎥 Don’t miss this inspiring and entertaining chat – hit play, and let’s get stuck in! 👉 Let us know in the comments: What’s your dream car or job in the motoring world? 🔗 Follow Shafiq Abidin https://www.instagram.com/shafiqabidin_ More great car talk here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFVv0lrAfuntsG52k7TAOqvL5KkdBjTHG Please subscribe/follow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/browncarguy?sub_confirmation=1 And follow all my channels https://linktr.ee/browncarguy Get my books 'The ULEZ Files' 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/jhADkOt 'Quantum Races' 👉🏽 https://amzn.eu/d/0Y93s9g Please subscribe/follow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/browncarguy?sub_confirmation=1 And follow all my channels https://linktr.ee/browncarguy If you enjoy my content, there are really easy ways to show your support 👉🏽 Channel membership: https://www.youtube.com/browncarguy/join 👉🏽 Buy me a Coffee! https://ko-fi.com/browncarguy 👉🏽 Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/BrownCarGuy 🙏🏽☺️ Big Thanks to CraftLab (https://www.CraftLab.my) Tom Conway-Gordon (instagram.com/tconwaygordon/) Please subscribe to my channel for more videos like this - and make sure you hit the bell icon to switch on notifications. #TopGear #MotoringJournalism #AutomotiveIndustry #BrownCarGuy #ShafiqAbidin #DreamJob #CarJournalism #CarsOfInstagram #CarCulture #CarEnthusiast #ClassicCars #DrivingPassion #CarLovers #AutomotiveContent #RepresentationMatters --------------------------- Brown Car Guy #carblogger #carinfluencer #motoring #automotive #cars