NBC purchased the rights to produce an American version of the popular BBC television show Top Gear, but many enthusiasts fear corporate sponsorship will limit the brutally honest opinions that made the UK version a hit. 2007 Formula Drift Champion Tanner Foust, comedian/Man Show host Adam Carolla, and handyman Eric Stromer have been announced as the hosts for the new Top Gear USA. NBC’s Jay Leno was offered the job as host but passed fearing the show would not live up to the original.

“I think it would be impossible to recreate or live up to the standards of the British show,” says Leno. “In my mind I can just see Jeremy (Clarkson) lambasting Americans for what they did to his show.”

The Top Gear series premiered in the UK in 1977 and is consistently BBC TWO’s most-watched program in the UK. The UK version of Top Gear is broadcast globally in over 100 countries and has been airing on BBC America since 2007. The program has won many awards including an International Emmy. Top Gear celebrity guests have included Hugh Grant, Simon Cowell, Ewan McGregor, Helen Mirren, and Gordon Ramsay. In addition to the television show, the self-titled magazine “Top Gear” continues to be both the best-selling car and men’s magazine in the UK.

We know Tanner Foust has driving skills and experience hosting Redline TV and SuperCars Exposed and occasionally Adam Carolla can be funny, so let’s hope Top Gear USA can live up to its legacy.

Jay Leno’s article: “I hope we don’t ruin Top Gear”