Hammond Returns

Monday, January 29, 2007

I’ve posted many a clip or two from one of the best automobile shows in the world, Top Gear. Back in September 2006, one of the hosts, Richard Hammond, was doing a taping in which he was driving a jet-powered car capable of doing over 370mph. After several successful attempts (one in which he clocked in at 314 mph, breaking the world land-speed record), he went for a final run in the car, when a tire blew, causing the car to lose control.

Hammond suffered major brain injury, but made an amazing recovery within four months. However, as a consequence of this accident, the survival of Top Gear was brought to question. Many deemed the show too dangerous to continue, and it was feared that the show would be canceled. Fortunately, common sense prevailed, and the show was allowed to go on.

Season 9 finally premiered this Sunday on BBC, along with the return of Hammond. As expected, the crash footage was shown. Here it is: