All of us had high expectations for an American version of Top Gear, and most of us were disappointed when the series premiered in November 2010. It was different than the British series in every regard, and the chemistry between hosts Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood was all but non-existent. A few of us stuck it out through the first season, and even gave the show a second chance in its sophomore year.
Season two was a huge improvement over season one, and some of the segments were genuinely funny (like the one on learning to drive 18-wheelers). There was an undeniable chemistry starting to show between the hosts, and the dialogue seemed much less contrived and more natural. If season one was a C-, we’d grade season two as a B-, since there was clear progress made towards entertainment value.
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Now Motor Authority reports that the show is back for a third season, beginning on August 14th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. As with previous seasons, it will run on The History Channel, but those lacking cable TV should also be able to view it online. As with the second season, a total of sixteen episodes are planned, and you can bet that features like “Big Star, Small Car” and Stig-driven “Power Lap Times” will return.
What’s your take? Did you bail after season one, or did you watch season two? Are you looking forward to season three, or would you rather watch something like “Dancing With The Stars?”
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
