By Robert Farago
April 10, 2008 - 10,402 Views
So, radio funny guy Adam Carolla let the world know that he's one of the presenters of the new American Top Gear. And we can now, finally, confirm the rumor that drift king Tanner Faust is the Tiff Needel of the team. But the big news here is that NBC execs pulled L.A. Times auto writer Dan Neil from the U.S. show after a viewing his audition tape– despite a signed contract with the Pulitzer prize-winning critic. Neil says he's "very disappointed" with the network's decision, but understands their motivation. "They couldn't handle my heat," he joked. "Seriously. It's probably because I'm not very good on TV." The clock is ticking on finding Neil's replacement. Anyone heard anything?
Subscribe to Newsletter30 Responses to “ U.S. Top Gear Scoop! Dan Neil Released from NBC Contract ”
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April 10th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Yes, I hear Ralph Nader is at the top of the A-list. Followed by Joan Claybrook, Clarence Ditlow, and Lee Iacocca.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
“They’re writing around the problem, by not doing car reviews unless they really love the car.”
Um, doesn’t that make it more of an infomercial than a review? And I wonder, how many ad dollars will it take for them to love a car?
April 10th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
“They’re writing around the problem, by not doing car reviews unless they really love the car.”
This better be a joke.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Is Jason Priestly doing anything nowadays? We need a short, good looking guy. Tiff Needel is on Fifth Gear, will tanner be a track driver/host like Tiff or just the racing driver like (though not nearly as cool as)The Stig? Maybe Donald Trump; we could also use a slightly prissy guy with bad hair (here’s looking at you Captain Slow).
April 10th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
“They’re writing around the problem, by not doing car reviews unless they really love the car.”
The real Top Gear is least interesting when they “really love the car”. “It’s brilliant!” over and over gets on my nerves a lot more than “it’s absolute rubbish!” We’ve already got Speed’s Tommy Kendall for what they’re talking about doing. I like Kendall’s 30 minute car commercials when it’s for vehicles that interest me, but it ain’t Top Gear and doesn’t pretend to be.
And I have seen Neil on television. To me his larger than life print persona just doesn’t come across on the small screen.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
“They’re writing around the problem, by not doing car reviews unless they really love the car.”
Way to really stay close to the spirit of the original there NBC. I really hope they come to their senses, half the reason why I watch BBC Top Gear is to hear Clarkson tear a rubbish car to shreds.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
“They’re writing around the problem, by not doing car reviews unless they really love the car.”
That’s gonna be a lot of Corvette, BMW, Ferrari, and Porsche reviews.
The only thing I look forward to on “US Top Gear” is a possible tug-of-war contest between a Ram 3500 and an Ariel Atom.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
When I got done with the STI I handed the keys to Tanner.
Very good choice.
Bummer about Neil, who would have provided…. credibility.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
polpo:
This better be a joke.
No joke. Although Neil says Carolla is the easily funniest guy in the room.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
My understanding is that car companies are beginning to divert much of their advertising money away from traditional broadcasters. If too much money disappears, it might might actually be a good time for broadcasters to allow real reviews and tough commentary.