Here's what it was like to drive the Ford Focus RS with The Stig from 'Top Gear'

Wannabe racers can rejoice. Ford brought its 350-horsepower "hot hatch" Focus RS from Europe to the US. The RS went on sale last year, and for about $36,000, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more trackworthy ride that can also serve as a daily driver and errand-runner.

I headed up to the Monticello Motor Club, about a two hour drive from where I live in New Jersey, to check out the RS in its preferred environment: on a race track.

And who did I find up in the lovely Catskills on a glorious afternoon? Why, none other than Ben Collins, who was once the "Stig" on the hit BBC car show "Top Gear." He was out of his anonymous white full-face helmet and racing suit and kitted out in blue Ford Performance threads. He was on hand to truly put the RS through its paces, with merciless hot laps on half the MMC's course.

I got my crack at the car afterwards. Was it any good?

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