Top Gear goes stateside

Immensely popular TV show Top Gear is to be recreated in a US TV spin off, with a new series of presenters and car capers.

In collaboration with the History Channel and BBC Worldwide, an American version of the show will be launched in the Autumn. As with the UK version, Top Gear US will provide advice for used car buyers, new car buyers and those selling a car.  

Fronting the new show will be Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrera and Rutledge Wood. Viewers in the UK may recognise the name of Tanner Foust, as he trounced F1 world champion Jenson Button around the 2008 Wembley Stadium's Race of Champions. Mr Foust is a regular stunt driver, featuring in the likes of The Bourne Ultimatum as well as being a competent ice driving specialist.

Meanwhile, his presenter counterparts are formed of an ex stand up comedian and car enthusiast Ferrera and NASCAR pundit Rutledge Wood.

BBC Worldwide executive vice-president of programming and production, Jane Tranter, was cited in BBC News as commenting: ''Top Gear has been one of the BBC's most successful formats globally and we are delighted to be partnering with History on a version for the US.''

"Together we have worked to tailor the format for the American audience, while staying true to the original dynamic that fans across the world have come to love."

A Top Gear blog comments that the show may air in the UK but as yet, nothing has been confirmed by the BBC.

 

 

James Patrick, Kingsbridge, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

Gary & Kim Myers, Rotherham, Vauxhall Astra