On first glance at this photograph, Obiter presumed that the tradition of burning solicitors at the stake might be still alive in the London borough of Harrow. However, on closer inspection, under the fireproof gear and helmet is Hugh Peart, the council’s director of legal and governance services, dubbed ‘the Stig of local authority law’ by colleagues (if you don’t know Stig, ask a Top Gear fan). Peart drives a stripped-out Porsche 924 in the BRSCC Porsche 924 Championship, and has raced at Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington Park, placing 11th out of 25 in his first season last year. ‘It’s only when you’re out of the car that you think about the consequences,’ he says.