How I spent this Sunday... on Top Gear!

[dirtyblueshirt]

So today I invited my cousin to go with me to a taping of Top Gear USA. He lives down the road from the former MCAS El Toro, where the series is taped. We went to the 1:00 pm taping, and were there till about 6:30 pm. Since the segments are filmed out of sequence, we will be present in the audience for about 3 different episodes. Since we're bound by NDA about the details (of course) here's what I can share:

• The UK has "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car". Australia has "Star in a Bog-Standard Car". The US version, as previously reported, has "Big Star in a Small Car". We were present for two of the interviews. One with a very big name celebrity, the second I'll call an "A-minus" list celebrity.
• The "small car" was previously reported as a Kia Rio. This is incorrect.
• The three hosts seem to have good chemistry, and are each rather funny. They should do well.
• The format is identical to the UK version; wacky challenges, hot cars and all. I have high expectations for this season.
• There will be 10 episodes this first season.
• I had an awesome time.

How I spent my Sunday. by dirtyblueshirt, on Flickr

[Audrey]

Nice! Very cool and I'm jealous. (: It's nice to hear they are keeping the same format and that you like the hosts. To say I am skeptical about the show is an understatement. There's so much awesome in the UK version mimicing/recreating it here with different people seems impossible.

[GapBoyPCS]

Wow, you're one of the lucky few

I admit I have my doubts on the series' success based on whatever has been put out there. The first trailer didn't exactly wow me, but the second one with the Lambos got me interested. I hope it does succeed

[Slipster17]

lol, congrats. Any idea which 'episode' you were there for the taping of? And did you wave idiotically at the camera at least once so we can spot you when it airs?

[dirtyblueshirt]

Originally Posted by Slipster17

lol, congrats. Any idea which 'episode' you were there for the taping of? And did you wave idiotically at the camera at least once so we can spot you when it airs?

I know one will be the third episode. I don't knot about the others, I'll know by segment... I didn't do anything to stick out aside from a lighter colored striped shirt and just being really tall...

It also appears some segments will be rehashes of some of Clarkson, May, and Hammond's past challenges... But that doesn't appear to be a bad thing!

[Slipster17]

Originally Posted by dirtyblueshirt

I know one will be the third episode. I don't knot about the others, I'll know by segment... I didn't do anything to stick out aside from a lighter colored striped shirt and just being really tall...

It also appears some segments will be rehashes of some of Clarkson, May, and Hammond's past challenges... But that doesn't appear to be a bad thing!

Stripey shirt tall guy, got it, lol.

Somehow I don't think it would be quite as harrowing for these three to drive across Alabama.

[Ataru]

Originally Posted by dirtyblueshirt

I didn't do anything to stick out aside from a lighter colored striped shirt and just being really tall...

You really should have wore a dirty blue shirt instead.

[Fiesta33460]

Originally Posted by Slipster17

Somehow I don't think it would be quite as harrowing for these three to drive across Alabama.

If they drive like typical Americans, then putting them on European highways(Autobahn/Autoroute/Autostrada/M's) would. Between the left-lane hogging, passing on the right(or left in UK) and lack of lane signals, they'd be chased out of Europe like the rednecks chased TG/UK!

[Audrey]

Originally Posted by dirtyblueshirt

I know one will be the third episode. I don't knot about the others, I'll know by segment... I didn't do anything to stick out aside from a lighter colored striped shirt and just being really tall...

I'm devastated that you did not wear your iconic dirty blue shirt. ;b

[Slipster17]

Originally Posted by Fiesta33460

If they drive like typical Americans, then putting them on European highways(Autobahn/Autoroute/Autostrada/M's) would. Between the left-lane hogging, passing on the right(or left in UK) and lack of lane signals, they'd be chased out of Europe like the rednecks chased TG/UK!

Only with more pitch-forks and torches as opposed to shotguns and rocks