Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Top Gear Live</i> holding design-your-own-stunt contest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/video-i-top-gear-live-i-holding-design-your-own-stunt-contes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/video-i-top-gear-live-i-holding-design-your-own-stunt-contes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/video-i-top-gear-live-i-holding-design-your-own-stunt-contes/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Top Gear Live Contest - Click above to watch the video after the jump

We love Top Gear for a lot of reasons, but we love the British motoring series most for its big-budget creativity. After all, how many shows are going to storm a beach in a Ford Fiesta? And from everything we've seen and heard, Top Gear Live takes the creativity to the next level with its gold envelope challenge. This year, the live theatrical extravaganza starring Clarkson, May and Hammond is looking for even more bombastic challenges for the its new season.

While we're sure the TGL team will come up with some amazing stunts, this year, the live show is giving you the opportunity to come up with a crazier stunt than the show's producers could ever dream. To enter, contestants must propose a stunt in the form of a YouTube video due in by October 14.

The TGL team will select five winners from each of the eight live events in the 2009-2010 season, and winners will receive a pair of tickets to the show of their choosing and a leather jacket signed by Clarkson, May and Hammond. Unfortunately, anyone who wins a pair of tickets will be responsible for their own travel or accommodations, so if you can't afford a trip to London (UK), Birmingham (UK), Dublin (Ireland), Johannesburg (S.Africa), Sydney (Australia), Auckland (NZ), Hong Kong (China), or Amsterdam (Holland), you may want to sit this one out. Hit the jump to watch the clever promotional video, click here for contest terms and conditions, and feel free to share your stunt ideas with your fellow readers in 'Comments.'

[Source: Top Gear Live via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear Live holding design-your-own-stunt contest

VIDEO: Top Gear Live holding design-your-own-stunt contest originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarksonhammondjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonmayrichard hammondRichardHammondTGLtop geartop gear contesttop gear liveTopGearTopGearContestTopGearLiveThu, 01 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> posse spotted filming with bevy of exotics in Romania]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/i-top-gear-i-posse-spotted-filming-with-bevy-of-exotics-in-ro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/i-top-gear-i-posse-spotted-filming-with-bevy-of-exotics-in-ro/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/27/i-top-gear-i-posse-spotted-filming-with-bevy-of-exotics-in-ro/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Top Gear crew is preparing the show's 14th season and they've gone to the home of Vlad the Impaler for some help. Piloting a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, Aston Martin DBS Volante, and Ferrari California, the production closed down the Transfagarasan Road that climbs over Romania's Carpathian Mountains.

And as if the road itself, the area's scenery, and connection to Dracula weren't enough, it is said that the Transfagarasan has more tunnels and viaducts than any other road in Romania. It should make this particular TG episode a pump-up-the-volume affair.

Naturally, there are TG side stories to go with the news. When they weren't driving -- and putting scratches on the Gallardo and DBS -- they were drinking local "nectar" and relieving themselves in the woods. Ah, Top Gear, bring on season #14.

[Source: Romanian Times | Image: bortescristian via CC2.0]

Top Gear posse spotted filming with bevy of exotics in Romania originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcclarksonetceuropehammondjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonmayrichard hammondRichardHammondromaniatelevisiontgtop gearTopGearSun, 27 Sep 2009 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear to lose exotics in favor of practical iron?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/top-gear-to-lose-exotics-in-favor-of-practical-iron/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/top-gear-to-lose-exotics-in-favor-of-practical-iron/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/top-gear-to-lose-exotics-in-favor-of-practical-iron/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Top Gear we know and love includes hordes of outlandishly expensive exotic and luxury cars that we could never afford. Lamborghini and Ferrari will still be represented for Series 13, but if rumors are true, the BBC boys are going to dedicate more air time to the everyday cars that the rest of us drive, and less time with costly stunts like the one seen above. Executive Producer Andy Wilman is shooting for fuel efficient, affordable transportation in light of the global recession. Series 13 was originally planning for a road trip including a Lambo and a Porsche, but instead the excursion will include more sedate transportation like the Toyota iQ. That doesn't sound very exciting, but we have faith in Top Gear to make their episodes equally entertaining... after all, we've seen what they can do with a Chevrolet Lacetti.

Top Gear should grip on recessionary economics because even the wildly popular series has been struck by it themselves. The show has received a sizable 30% budget cut for Series 13; a move that show producers say will be evident in the final product. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Telegraph | Image: Shaun Curry/Getty]

Top Gear to lose exotics in favor of practical iron? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarkstonhammondmayseries 13Series13top gearTopGearWed, 25 Mar 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear returns in June with Series 13]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-gear-returns-in-june-with-series-13/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-gear-returns-in-june-with-series-13/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/16/top-gear-returns-in-june-with-series-13/#commentsFiled under:



If life without new episodes of Top Gear is too depressing to bear, you only have a few months to wait for Series 13. Clarkson, Hammond, May and the Stig will be back for more automotive mayhem in June. The terrific trio will undoubtedly have a whole new arsenal of automotive hi-jinx waiting for us in the new series, but those stunts will have to come cheaper than in previous series. To keep the show in the black during tough times, Top Gear took a substantial budget hit. On the Top Gear blog, Executive Producer Andy Wilman noted that the show was already running on a drum-tight budget, and that 2009 cuts will be evident in the final product. We hope not, but we're sure that the guys at Top Gear will air nothing short of an innovative and entertaining Series 13.

[Source: Final Gear]

Top Gear returns in June with Series 13 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarksonhammondjames mayJamesMayjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonmayrichard hammondRichardHammondseries 13Series13the stigTheStigtop gearTopGearMon, 16 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear goes to Vietnam]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/top-gear-goes-to-vietnam/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/top-gear-goes-to-vietnam/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/top-gear-goes-to-vietnam/#commentsFiled under:



The Top Gear team is going global. Location shoots are planned to take the British trio all over the planet, starting with Vietnam. Clarkson, May, and Hammond loved the idea when they were plotting it in the pub, but they didn't actually plan for the fact that Nam doesn't have adequate roads... or very many cars. That made the idea of finding a £600 vehicle and racing it across the country a non-starter, but that doesn't mean the crew couldn't come up with an adventure worthy of Top billing. James May didn't want to give too many details of the Vietnam show during his interview with the Daily Mail, but he did provide enough of a tease to make us want to watch. The program will include the bike-loathing Clarkson on two wheels, and there's even footage of the Top Gear star strapped to a third world Ski-Doo (pictured above).

The Vietnam show will be followed next year with trips to Hong Kong, Johannesburg and Sydney. Since there is a 21-year waiting list to see the Top Gear crew do their thing in-studio, these exotic locations may be the best chance anyone has to see the popular show in-person.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Top Gear goes to Vietnam originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clarksonhammondmaytop gearTopGearvietnamSun, 28 Dec 2008 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Liability in Hammond crash falls on dragster maker, BBC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/liability-in-hammond-crash-falls-on-dragster-maker-bbc/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/liability-in-hammond-crash-falls-on-dragster-maker-bbc/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/liability-in-hammond-crash-falls-on-dragster-maker-bbc/#commentsFiled under: ,

Britain's Health and Safety Executive faulted both the BBC and the makers of the Vampire dragster, Primetime Landspeed Engineering, for Richard Hammond's dastardly crash. The HSE said that the risk assessment that Primetime gave to the BBC didn't take into account that Hammond didn't have the necessary skills to pilot the car in an emergency. So the BBC, according to the HSE, should have given Hammond enough time to learn how to drive the car and also should have challenged the risk assessment it was given, but it did not.

Hammond crashed the dragster at 288 mph and spent five weeks in the hospital with brain injuries. He has since fully recovered. Neither the BBC nor Primetime, though, will be prosecuted.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Liability in Hammond crash falls on dragster maker, BBC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbccrashdragstergearhammondrichardtopvampireMon, 25 Jun 2007 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Hammond's first interview since crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/video-hammonds-first-interview-since-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/video-hammonds-first-interview-since-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/video-hammonds-first-interview-since-crash/#commentsFiled under:



Despite the fact that doctors predicted he would be in the hospital for 15 months, Richard Hammond exited the ER after only a couple of weeks following his horrific accident involving a jet car that he lost control of at over 300 mph. Last Friday Hammond gave his first interview on Brit Jonathan Ross's talk show, which we've assembled here for you after the jump. The interview comes in two parts and totals around 15 minutes.

We have no idea who Jonathan Ross is, but apparently Hammond was hankering a trip back to the '70s and the purple and red set of Jonathan Ross hit the spot. In their conversation, Hammond reveals that he can't remember the two weeks following the crash, and that by doctors' orders he's not allowed to drink, at least heavily, for the next two years.

Seeing the Hamster engaging in a conversation, successfully at that, is a bit weird considering the story we've all been following. No one would be surprised if the man arrived on set in a full body cast sipping lunch through a straw, but instead Hammond saunters on stage and shows us all that his trademark wit and humor has recovered fully.

Check out the videos after the jump.

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

For those coming late to the story, check out these...
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Continue reading VIDEO: Hammond's first interview since crash

VIDEO: Hammond's first interview since crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidenthammondinterviewjet carJetCarjonathan rossJonathanRossrichard hammondRichardHammondtop gearTopGeartragicTue, 26 Dec 2006 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Gear's back, with Hammond, airing Jan28]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/top-gears-back-with-hammond-airing-jan28/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/top-gears-back-with-hammond-airing-jan28/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/13/top-gears-back-with-hammond-airing-jan28/#commentsFiled under:

The Hamster's back! We're pleased to report that after a miraculously brief recovery period following his mishap with a 300-mph jet-powered dragster, Richard Hammond is back in action, and so is Top Gear.

Richard was on hand today for the filming of the program's annual awards ceremony. While we never did get the point of awarding more than one Man or Car of the Year prize, Richard's colleagues presented him with one of their Man of the Year awards for his epic recovery and to welcome him back. And he sure deserves it. The folks at Lego, the skill-building toy to which Hammond previously attributed his rapid recovery, also presented him with a toy-block replica of the jet car that sent him plowing the field, as well as a replica of the Top Gear set, complete with little Hammond, little Clarkson, little May and little Stig.

And now with Richard back in action and with no further ado, the news you've all been waiting for: the new season of Top Gear is confirmed to air on January 28, only a month and a half away. Of course that's only if you get BBC2, but we won't be surprised to find the episodes popping up online at the BBC's website and intermittently on YouTube et al.

Welcome back, Richard, and welcome back, Top Gear. We've all missed you terribly.

For those coming late to the story, check out these...
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[Source: Top Gear]

Top Gear's back, with Hammond, airing Jan28 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airawardbackceremonygearhammondhamsternewreturnsrichardseasontopyearWed, 13 Dec 2006 18:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Hammond, released from hospital, describes crash and recovery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/richard-hammond-released-from-hospital-describes-crash-and-rec/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/richard-hammond-released-from-hospital-describes-crash-and-rec/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/23/richard-hammond-released-from-hospital-describes-crash-and-rec/#commentsFiled under:

Defying all the odds, we're glad to report that Top Gear host Richard Hammond has been released from the hospital and is recovering with his family at an undisclosed private location. Despite the very serious nature of his crash and the potential brain damage incurred, Richard's doctors all expect him to make a 100% full and complete recovery.

For those joining the saga a little late, "the Hamster", as he's affectionately known, was filming a segment for the popular BBC television program Top Gear, driving a record-setting jet-powered dragster when it blew out a tire at 288 mph, sending the car, with Richard in it, flipping endlessly through a field. Hammond was rescued from the overturned jet-car with his head plowed into the dirt, barely responsive. He was airlifted to an emergency hospital in Leeds before being moved out of intensive care to another hospital in Bristol.

Now speeding down the fast lane to recovery, Richard has given personal accounts to the Mirror, a British newspaper for which he writes a regular column. In four separate articles, Richard describes the crash, his hospitalization, the effects on his family and the things that have helped him recover. Click the Read link to see what the Hamster has to say about his ordeal and recovery.

[Source: The Mirror]

Continue reading Richard Hammond, released from hospital, describes crash and recovery

Richard Hammond, released from hospital, describes crash and recovery originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hammondhospitalrecallsrecoveryreleasedrichardMon, 23 Oct 2006 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Hamster dragster crash footage!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/video-hamster-dragster-crash-footage/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/video-hamster-dragster-crash-footage/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/09/video-hamster-dragster-crash-footage/#commentsFiled under: ,

As we reported earlier, Richard Hammond was volunteering, if not lobbying from his bedside, for the BBC to show the footage of his 300-mph dragster crash that put him in the hospital and Top Gear on hiatus.

Meanwhile, here at Autoblog we've been happy to report that the Hamster is on the fast road to recovery and that the BBC has resumed filming of the show in anticipation of Richard's immanent return, and may show the crash footage. But we wouldn't want to keep our dedicated readers waiting.

Now anyone who's ever seen the show knows that Richard has a brilliant sense of humor. So with all this in mind, we bring you this video. Enjoy!

Related posts:

  • Set the TiVo: Hammond crash will be made into show
  • BBC won't sTop Gear: show resumes filming
  • Hammond Watch: the grueling road ahead
  • Hammond to BBC: show the crash and me in the hospital
  • Top Gear fights for survival as BBC postpones show indefinitely
  • Hammond Update: "Was I driving like a tw*t?"

  • Thanks for the tip, Yosef!

    [Source: DragsterCrash.com]

    • VIDEO: Hamster dragster crash footage! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Oct 2006 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    accidentcrashdragsterfootagehammondhamstervideoMon, 09 Oct 2006 13:27:00 EST    <![CDATA[BBC won't sTop Gear: show resumes filming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/bbc-wont-stop-gear-show-resumes-filming/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/bbc-wont-stop-gear-show-resumes-filming/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/bbc-wont-stop-gear-show-resumes-filming/#commentsFiled under:

    Some feared that anti-motoring opportunists would use Richard Hammond's crash as a pretext to have the show shut down, but the BBC is making good on its pledge not to cancel Top Gear.

    While Richard recovers from his injuries at a hospital in Bristol, England, fellow host Jeremy Clarkson test drove the latest Lotus Europa on camera, as filming resumes for the new series only on segments that don't require Hammond's presence. They don't yet know when the new series will air, because that depends on when Richard is recovered and able to return to the set.

    We can speculate that the positive news will help Richard recover faster, knowing that he's got a show to return to when he's up to it. And we just can't wait.

    Related posts:

    Thanks to all the vigilant tipsters who've been sending us news on Hammond and Top Gear; stay tuned for more news as it emerges.

    [Source: BBC News]

    BBC won't sTop Gear: show resumes filming originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    bbchammondhamsterjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonrichard hammondRichardHammondtop hearTopHearThu, 05 Oct 2006 13:58:00 EST    <![CDATA[Hammond Watch: the grueling road ahead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/hammond-watch-the-grueling-road-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/hammond-watch-the-grueling-road-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/03/hammond-watch-the-grueling-road-ahead/#commentsFiled under:

    The next six months will prove to be the most crucial for Richard Hammond's recovery, his doctors have revealed. For those joining the saga a bit late, the Top Gear host crashed at 300 mph while attempting a land speed record in a jet-powered dragster on film for the BBC program.

    Shortly after the accident, the Hamster was out of bed, walking around and making jokes. But while this was an encouraging sign of his fast recovery, it could take him another six months to fully rehabilitate as the extent of the brain damage will unfold.

    The injuries were minimized thanks to the racing harnesses and restraints that had him securely fastened into the cockpit, but it could take some time before Richard is back to his usual, vivacious self. We'll just have to keep on hoping and praying for him in the meantime.

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    Follow the link for detailed information.

    [Source: BBC News]

    Hammond Watch: the grueling road ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    bbccrashhammondhospitalprogressrecuperationrichardtop gearTopGearupdateTue, 03 Oct 2006 11:09:00 EST    <![CDATA[Hammond to BBC: show the crash and me in the hospital]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/hammond-to-bbc-show-the-crash-and-me-in-the-hospital/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/hammond-to-bbc-show-the-crash-and-me-in-the-hospital/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/hammond-to-bbc-show-the-crash-and-me-in-the-hospital/#commentsFiled under:

    From his hospital bed, Top Gear's Richard Hammond is asking the BBC to show on television the footage of the crash that put him there. But the BBC has said the show will only continue when Hammond is able to appear on it. With forces at work to have the show canceled (or prohibitively curtailed), the Hamster is also prepared to go on TV from his bedside.

    In typical Top Gear fashion, Richard has been speeding down the fast lane towards full recovery, but he's afraid he won't be back fast enough, leaving no show for him to return to. According to a "close friend", "Richard could not stand to feel he was to blame for the demise of the show he loves... He's terrified they're going to axe it while he's stuck in hospital."

    Now that's dedication to motor journalism.

    Watch this space for more info as the parallel sagas of Richard's recovery and Top Gear's fight for survival unfold.

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    [Source: The Daly Mail]

    Hammond to BBC: show the crash and me in the hospital originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    accidentbbcbedcancelcrashfighthammondhospitalleedsrichardsurvivaltop gearTopGearTue, 26 Sep 2006 16:03:00 EST    <![CDATA[Top Gear fights for survival as BBC postpones show indefinitely]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/top-gear-fights-for-survival-as-bbc-postpones-show-indefinitely/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/top-gear-fights-for-survival-as-bbc-postpones-show-indefinitely/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/top-gear-fights-for-survival-as-bbc-postpones-show-indefinitely/#commentsFiled under:

    As Top Gear host Richard Hammond recovers from his 300-mph crash, the show's future remains in limbo. The crash occurred while filming a segment for the upcoming series, but with Hammond still in hospital with the full scope of his injuries still unknown, the new season is being postponed indefinitely.

    That doesn't mean it's being cancelled. Not yet, at least. The BBC is simply putting it off until Richard's back to his usual smiling self and the team can together decide how to proceed. A strong indication came from co-host Jeremy Clarkson, who boldly declared, "Next week I intend to be down on the track driving faster than ever", and from the show's producer Andy Wilman, who said he'll quit if they have any restrictions placed on the show.

    With simultaneous investigations underway by the police and highway safety departments, and a mounting campaign to take the show off the air (or at least curtail the extent of their high-speed shenanigans), the Top Gear team is fighting hard to keep the show, and keep its integrity.

    Do you think Top Gear should continue its unrelenting quest for the best in automotive adventures, or have they gone one rev too far? Leave your opinion in our comments section.

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  • [Source: Reuters]

    • Top Gear fights for survival as BBC postpones show indefinitely originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    bbccrashdragsterhammondjetrecoveryrichardtop gearTopGearMon, 25 Sep 2006 10:04:00 EST    <![CDATA[Hammond Update: "Was I driving like a tw*t?"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/hammond-update-was-i-driving-like-a-tw-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/hammond-update-was-i-driving-like-a-tw-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/25/hammond-update-was-i-driving-like-a-tw-t/#commentsFiled under:

    Here at Autoblog we've been inundated with comments and news updates from well-wishers praying for Richard Hammond's full and speedy recovery following his shocking 300-mph crash this past Wednesday. And so we're pleased to report that the Hamster's condition is improving dramatically.

    According to Hammond's Top Gear co-star Jeremy Clarkson, little more than a day after the crash, Richard spontaneously sat up in his hospital bed, asked what happened, joked around a bit, then got out of bed and walked to the washroom.

    Of course these may seem like fairly ordinary functions, but not when you consider that Hammond was subjected to as much as 100g's of force as his jet-powered car rolled and left him unconscious and buried head-first in the dirt, initially classified in critical condition.

    The crash was apparently caused by a burst tire. Follow the link to Clarkson's article in The Sun for a riveting account of the day of the crash, the events that lead to it, Hammond's miraculous progress on the road to full recovery, and the battle that lay ahead to keep Top Gear on the air.

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    Hammond Update: "Was I driving like a tw*t?" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Sep 2006 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    accidentconditioncrashdragsterhammondjetprogressrichardtop gearTopGearupdateMon, 25 Sep 2006 09:08:00 EST    <![CDATA[Top Gear's 'Hamster' in stable but serious condition day after crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/top-gears-hamster-in-stable-but-serious-condition-day-after-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/top-gears-hamster-in-stable-but-serious-condition-day-after-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/top-gears-hamster-in-stable-but-serious-condition-day-after-c/#commentsFiled under:

    Top Gear's Richard "Hamster" Hammond is in serious but stable condition today in the Leeds General Infirmary, with his family and Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson and James May in attendance.

    The 36-year-old Hammond was driving a jet dragster, similar to the British land speed record-holding Vampire, in the neighborhood of 300 mph when he crashed on Wednesday. Observers said that Hammond had successfully completed several runs when a possible problem with the car's drag chutes caused the car to veer off the airport runway onto the grass verge and crash. The BBC and the government's Health and Safety Executive have already begun crash investigations.

    It's likely that the accident will renew criticism of Top Gear and its high profile car stunts. In 1999 a group of Members of Parliament slammed the popular show for being "obsessed with acceleration and speed," while only last year a lobby group demanded that the show be shut down, saying it was "glamorizing speed and failing to make the connection with danger on the roads."

    Even by Top Gear's liberal standards, 300 mph in a jet car seems an extreme assignment for any journalist. Everyone here at Autoblog wishes Hammond a full and speedy recovery.

    [Source: BBC]

    Related posts:

    Top Gear's 'Hamster' in stable but serious condition day after crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    accidentbbccrashhammondjet car crashrichard hammondtop gearTopGearThu, 21 Sep 2006 12:58:00 EST    <![CDATA[UPDATE: Details on Richard Hammond crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/update-details-on-richard-hammond-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/update-details-on-richard-hammond-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/update-details-on-richard-hammond-crash/#commentsFiled under:

    Sky News is reporting more details on the circumstances surrounding the crash involving Top Gear host Richard Hammond. Apparently Hammond was making an attempt at the British land speed record in the Thule Vampire, a 30-foot Rolls-Royce jet-powered dragster made in Sweden capable of reaching 272 mph in six seconds en route to a theoretical top speed of 370. The crash took place at over 280 mph.

    Hammond is being treated at Leeds General Infirmary. According to one of the firefighters on the scene, Hammond was speaking (and therefore presumably conscious) as he was being rescued from the overturned vehicle.

    [Source: Sky News via Jalopnik]

    UPDATE: Details on Richard Hammond crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    bbccrashdragsterhammondleedsrecordrichardsky newsSkyNewsspeedtop gearTopGearvampireWed, 20 Sep 2006 17:50:00 EST    <![CDATA[Top Gear's Richard Hammond in critical condition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/top-gears-richard-hammond-in-critical-condition/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/top-gears-richard-hammond-in-critical-condition/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/top-gears-richard-hammond-in-critical-condition/#commentsIt's been a shocking day in the world of automotive journalism as we receive the terribly upsetting news that BBC Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond lies in a Leeds hospital in critical condition. Hammond was airlifted to the hospital following a terrifying crash at the wheel of a jet-powered car while filming a segment for the popular British car program.

    The news comes on the heels of another terrible crash involving fellow automotive journalist Paul Frère.

    No further news is known at this time regarding the extent or nature of the beloved 36-year-old television personality's injuries or what exactly went wrong.

    We'd like to express our appreciation to all our readers who sent us the sad news.

    We're all pulling for you, Hamster.

    [Source: BBC News]

    Top Gear's Richard Hammond in critical condition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    bbccarconditioncrashcriticalhammondhospitaljetrichardtop gearTopGearWed, 20 Sep 2006 16:55:00 EST