View Full Version : Top Gear's Richard Hammond
Stephen alerted me to the distressing news that Richard Hammond had been badly injured in an accident, apparently during the filming of him driving a jet-powered dragster. I think Top Gear is a TV programme that gets quite a big international audience, but some DPNow readers may not be familiar with the show - anyway, it's a top motoring magazine cult show from the BBC here in the UK and of the three presenters, Hammond is the 'nice guy'. I'm not sure the show could continue without him if succumbed to his injuries. The good news this morning is that his condition is reported to have improved slightly.
Ian
It was a shock when I heard what had happened on the news. It reminded me a bit of that time when Michael Schumacher's car crashed into that wall.
I think "Top Gear" would continue even if "Hamster" doesn't recover fully from this. At the end of the day, "Top Gear" is Clarkson and so long as Clarkson's around so will "Top Gear" be.
I'm sure Hammond wouldn't want the show to end just because of his accident. If the risk didn't exist, these guys would have to invent it. That's why they do it - because they enjoy it. I heard that someone's suggesting that they stop "dangerous" TV shows like this because of this accident, but these guys would do this kind of thing regardless of whether they're going to be on BBC2. No one should belittle their efforts just because of one incident.
I, for one, wish Hammond a fast recovery and hope that he decides to rejoin the ranks of "Top Gear" in whatever capacity he feels able in the future. His contribution to the show is far more than just fast cars, it's his quirky underated humour and endless zest for fun that he brings to the show that makes him the perfect foil for Clarkson.
It was a shock when I heard what had happened on the news. It reminded me a bit of that time when Michael Schumacher's car crashed into that wall.
I think "Top Gear" would continue even if "Hamster" doesn't recover fully from this. At the end of the day, "Top Gear" is Clarkson and so long as Clarkson's around so will "Top Gear" be.
I'm sure Hammond wouldn't want the show to end just because of his accident. If the risk didn't exist, these guys would have to invent it. That's why they do it - because they enjoy it. I heard that someone's suggesting that they stop "dangerous" TV shows like this because of this accident, but these guys would do this kind of thing regardless of whether they're going to be on BBC2. No one should belittle their efforts just because of one incident.
I, for one, wish Hammond a fast recovery and hope that he decides to rejoin the ranks of "Top Gear" in whatever capacity he feels able in the future. His contribution to the show is far more than just fast cars, it's his quirky underated humour and endless zest for fun that he brings to the show that makes him the perfect foil for Clarkson.
I think the problem could be that the BBC might axe the show if the impact of the accident dents the show's style. Talking hypothetically, if Hammond did die, how could the other presenters continue in their irreverent humorous style with the loss of their colleague hanging over them? The BBC could also insist on changes to what the presenters do that might be safer but less interesting and so cripple the format of the show. I suppose these are worst case scenarios, but who knows?
Naturally let's just hope Hammond makes a full recovery!
Ian
Heard about this at work this morning it came as a bit of a shock. He does seem to be a guy that loves his work so much. He seems to fit into different shows not just car shows. Here is a link to the bbc news page with the full story.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/5367616.stm
Hope he makes a quick recovery.
coupekid
24-09-06, 07:55 AM
Heard about this at work this morning it came as a bit of a shock. He does seem to be a guy that loves his work so much. He seems to fit into different shows not just car shows. Here is a link to the bbc news page with the full story.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/5367616.stm
Hope he makes a quick recovery.
Hi,
Only just seen your post on this, but yeah, I have seen this, and have been keeping a close on eye on him.
Looks like he is going to be ok though, he got out of bed and to the loo when Clarkson was there yesterday! :D
I really hope he makes a complete recovery, and Top Gear doesnt change at all. So many people are making this accident an excuse to knock the program and say it encourages speed etc......
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Hi,
Only just seen your post on this, but yeah, I have seen this, and have been keeping a close on eye on him.
Looks like he is going to be ok though, he got out of bed and to the loo when Clarkson was there yesterday! :D
I really hope he makes a complete recovery, and Top Gear doesnt change at all. So many people are making this accident an excuse to knock the program and say it encourages speed etc......
Keeping my fingers crossed!
I hear the theory going around is that Hammond is really The Stig? That's why he was in the dragster (an obvious job for The Stig)?
Ian
I see yesterday he was moved to a different hospital he looks to be well on the mend. Could be 6 months till he is fully fit so I hear.
coupekid
29-09-06, 09:09 AM
I hear the theory going around is that Hammond is really The Stig? That's why he was in the dragster (an obvious job for The Stig)?
Ian
I dont believe that for a moment. I would find it difficult to believe that a motoring journalist cand drive just as fast round the circuite as an F1 driver.
Plus, the stig looks a lot taller. :D
An old school mate of mine alerted me to this:
http://www.dragstercrash.com/
As he said, it's a bit grim but needs to be seen.
Ian
Bearface
17-10-06, 04:11 PM
An old school mate of mine alerted me to this:
http://www.dragstercrash.com/
As he said, it's a bit grim but needs to be seen.
Ian
Man, that's awful. He was a virtual prisoner in that thing :(
Bearface
17-10-06, 04:22 PM
I hear the theory going around is that Hammond is really The Stig? That's why he was in the dragster (an obvious job for The Stig)?
Ian
The first Stig was a racer called Perry McCarthy, the latest one is another prolific driver called Ben Collins. McCarthy's last show was the one where the Stig drove the nitrous-fuelled Jaguar XJS off the aircraft carrier and into the sea.
However certain manufacturers have strict limitations and insurance clauses in place, so for example when the Renault F1 car guested at the TG track in 2004, it was driven around by Heikki Kovalainen - a young and extremely talented driver who is set to drive one of Renault's F1 cars in 2007. He dressed as the Stig (as do several other professional drivers occasionally) for the simple reason that nobody else was permitted to pilot the car.
Thank God he managed to get out :)