As we edge ever so close to June for the first ever Clarkson, Hammond and May Live tour, another bombshell has just dropped! Ken Block, the YouTube sensation with his Gymkhana videos is set to join the 3 stoodges on stage during the event which takes placec from the 12th-14th of June later this year.
Ken needs no introduction to South African fans as many were left with their jaws gaping after watching one or all of his seven YouTube Gymkhana videos. Ken has mastered the extreme art of burning rubber in an extravagent form known as gymkhana, which requires the driver to skillfully manoevure their cars around a series of cones, slaloms, 180 degree turns, 360 degree turns, figure 8 turns and other obstacles. Ken adds his unique creativity in each video as he uses standing and moving objects to drift around.
Ken's prefered manufacturer is Ford as he started off with the Focus, then a Fiesta but as you have seen in his latest video, he has acquired an iconic 845bhp, all wheel drive modified 1965 'notchback' Ford Mustang Hoonicorn and he is bringing it with him for the tour, it's the first time he will be performing in a closed arena and the first time he will be performing in Africa as a whole, so be sure to see history in the making by getting your tickets now!
Heres what Ken had to say about his inclusion to this event: "I'm stoked to have been invited by Clarkson, Hammond and May to this massie motoring event. I've had the pleasure of working with these guys before and it's always been a lot of fun, I think bringing what I do to an arena format is going to be awesome, and I can't wait to meet the fans in South Africa. It'll be my first tie visiting the country and I've heard they're passionate about all things automotive, so I think they're going to enjoy what I'm goignt to be doing with my Hoonicorn from Gymkhana 7"
I'm not sure about you but I'm pretty amped to see this guy live! For more information on Clarkson, Hammond and May Live, visit the website, Facebook page or follow them on twitter @clarkhammaysa
Well after much speculation, many fans around the globe are glad to hear that the 3 musketeers of the motoring world are returning but not to a TV screen but rather a live performance. Following the recent happenings with Jeremy and his former place of employments, many were unsure if the live show that was bookmarked to be held at the Ticketprp Dome in Johannesburg would go ahead, but producers of the event have answered that question now, stating that they will be touring South Africa and they cannot wait to be back.
It's been 4 years since the team last had an event in Johannesburg and whilst they enjoyed success with it in Durban, they're equally happy to be performing in the North again. The shows creative director, Rowland French had this to say: "We absolutely love the fans in South Africa and we're thrilled to be returning to Johannesburg for the first time in four years, for a limited number of shows that are sale for 2015 only. Jeremy, Richard, James and the entire production team have always had a great time in South Africa and truly believe it has the best fans in the world. We;re looking forward to putting on an incredible show, featuring all the things people know and love the presenters, as well as the spectacular action sequences the production has become famous for."
Fans of the show can expect much of the same from the trio, the action packed 90 minutes show is sure to include smoking tyres, jaw dropping supercars, loads of entertainment and laughs galore. If you are a petrol head and miss seeing these three on your TV screens, you know you have to attend this show so making sure you booking your tickets early for the best seats in the house! Pre-registration closes tonight the 14th of April at midnight. Once pre-registered, you will be legible for pre-sales which open on the 15th of April. If not, ticket sales open to the general public on the 20th of April 2015.
There will be 4 shows in total from the 12th - 14th of June, with 2 shows on the Saturday. Ticket prices range from R395 to R995. For the die hards, there are also two hospitality packages available,
the Supporters Village Package for R1999 excl VAT includes tented pre-show hospitality in the Amphitheatre at the The Ticketpro Dome with live cooking stations and a variety of meal options and the complimentary beer, wine and cool drinks (spirits on a cash basis), prime seating for the arena show and parking.
The VIP Package for R2999 excl VAT includes entry into the VIP Hospitality Suite with prime bleacher seating on the mezzanine, hot and cold snacks on arrival, a VIP buffet meal, a complimentary local bar (including standard brand spirits), a corporate gift and parking.
To book these extremely limited packages, contact Wendy via email on wendy@befestivals.co.za or call 031 303 9177.
Show dates and times:
Friday, 12th June - Gates open at 2pm, show times: 9pm to 10.20pm
Saturday, 13th June - Gates open at 11am, show times: 1.30pm-3pm & 6pm-7.30pm
Sunday, 14th June - Gates open at 9am, show times: 11.30am-1pm
There was wide spread speculation for the past month, news out of the UK seemed grim. With their visit to South African shores confirmed for this year everyone was wondering what would happen to that as well. They're possibly the biggest stars in their segment to come out of England and have a global fan base of millions so if one member of this male outfit was to be taken out, it would surely be an end to a great legacy.
No I'm not talking about Zayn leaving One Direction, I'm talking about Jeremy Clarkson being fired by the BBC!
Let's face it, he is an ass of the highest order. A pompous idiot with the mentality of a 12 year old that has to have his way or he's on the highway in a very, very expensive car. Regardless of all of this, we still loved him! He and his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May became global TV icons for motoring. People watched BBC Top Gear and treated everything they said as gospel because they would know best right? Well that wasn't always the case as it was quite obvious certain things were bias to their preferences.
No one will ever disagree when I say Jezza made Top Gear, as much as Richard and James contributed, the "fat Orangutan" as Richard fondly called him was the star of the show. It's a pity his idiot traits proved to be his biggest downfall. Information soon surfaced about what the "fracas" was about. Apparently while filming for this current season everyone was to eat cold food for dinner which didn't bode well for Jeremy so he attacked the producer! He punched him in the mouth and continued to attack him for 30 seconds until people had to separate them!
What the fuck Jezza? That's worse than a Madonna complex! It was also learned that this same producer had to put up with verbal abuse from Jeremy for the past 5 years but because he knew what a gold mine he was, he never reported it to the BBC, in fact he didn't even report the "fracas", Jeremy went and owned up to his misdemeanour. He tried to apologise for his behaviour but let's be honest, not even physically kissing ass could get you out of this mess. Now no one likes a bully and I don't care who you are but you don't behave like that, as they say "sometimes sorry is not enough".
We all have our downfalls and it's a pity that due to Jeremy's, we all have to suffer because of it. His contract will not be renewed and it's most likely that this current season of Top Gear won't be completed so that means we won't see the greatest hypercar race in the world. It's an end of an era for sure and even if the 3 stooges do come up with their own show, given the millions they have already made, I somehow doubt it will be as good. With regards to Top Gear Live, we haven't heard anything as yet from the organisers but I'm sure a statement would be released soon.
It's a sad way to end such a great show, it grew from a boring car show with a handful of people in the crowd into a car entertainment spectacular with the show offering season tickets for the live studio audiences! We're going to miss the fun and shenanigans the show brought to us, not forgetting the speed, power and MOAR POWER! It certainly was the greatest show...in the world. And on that bombshell, farewell Jezza.
As most of you would have heard, Top Gear Live SA announced on Monday that they have cancelled their Durban show. Speculation was rife and rumours flew about regarding what could have caused it? Were we going to get a show this year? Etc, etc...
It seems though many of you don't listen as Jeremy Clarkson has been telling us this year after year that South Africa, has the best audience.... in the WORLD! Yes it has been confirmed, Top Gear Live 2015 will be coming to South Africa but with a change of venue. The action packed motoring show will be returning to the place it all started, at the Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg from the 12th- 14th of June. Not many know this but back in 2008, the show held at the Dome was the first Top Gear Live show done outside the UK and has been a hit with South African audiences ever since.
Since its inception, the show has attracted over half a million spectators, ranging from hardcore petrol heads, to families coming to enjoy a days outing and fun. Although the venue might be smaller this year, visitors can look forward to a 90 minute action packed show with exclusive, never before seen sequences as well as some firm fan favourites from their last 10 years of international touring. There will be fire and lots of it! Along with tyre smoke, ridiculous stunts and the usual banter and competition between Jeremy, Richard and James not forgetting some of the finest cars your eyes have ever seen.
As with the change in venue, there will be a change in format as organises promise to thrill guests with. They can also look forward to be treated to fantastic new features, interactive experiences and a huge variety of brands showcasing their wares. There will also be more surprises being announced as we get closer to the event with a surprise international motoring guest whose indentity will be revealed soon, so keep an eye on their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feeds for more!
Tickets go on sale from March 20th and will be available via the website.
This past weekend saw the three guys from BBC's famed series "Top Gear" visit the warm shores of South Africa's east coast for what was supposed to be their 3rd and final appearance in Durban for them and the travelling festival. The setting couldn't have been better with the weather being absolutely stunning, a new revised street track ready for the onslaught of fast cars and burning rubber and Moses Mabhida being the shimmering beauty in the melody of madness.
AMG VIP marquee bar
I was fortunate enough to be invited to spend the weekend from the gang at Mercedes Benz South Africa, to experience with them a weekend of #AMGTopGear. I agreed to it without even knowing what it was about, only after, little by little did details of what an epic time it was going to be filtered in and when I finally got there, I was blown away with what I had experienced. Here's what went down.
Chillin in the marquee
After partying another Friday night into the early hours of Saturday morning, it was a struggle to get up and make the 9am opening time of the festival, let alone find parking and walk all the way to the stadium. Luckily for me Mercedes Benz already had a full proof plan in place for me and other VIP guests to their tent, with a shuttle service from Riverside hotel to the VIP area of the festival.
AMG's ready to go
Once there I was greeted by the members of the Mercedes Benz SA team, offered a drink and some entrees, then I was asked to register for my AMG hot lap, a bit confused and still nursing a hangover I signed this piece of paper and got handed a number and was told to make my way out for a safety briefing. It was there I learned that I was about to go around the street circuit in one of Mercedes Benz AMG's driven by a member from their Advanced Driving academy! The cars varied from the smallest, A45 AMG Edition 1 to the biggest ML63 AMG, the one I got to go in was the smallest and most agile from the bunch, the A45 AMG Edition 1. I was told that the street circuit was made for it as well, so I was even more excited with the my choice!
Safety briefing
All strapped up and we were ready to go, like clock work at 12pm sharp the gates to the track opened for us and we made our way on to the circuit. This years street track saw the length reduced but made it much faster and more entertaining for the fans, after a short warm up the drivers got the go ahead to put the pedal to the metal and open the valves on the car.
A45 AMG Edition 1
Almost like a roller coaster the sheer acceleration and power had us firmly into our seats, that was only until the first turn where we then got flung from side to side as we made our way through the track. With the air filled of burning rubber and the tones of high revving engines, this was one of the best experiences of my life! In what felt like both a life time and a flash, our 4 laps were complete and we had to make our way back to the pits. Words failed to do justice for what I had experience and the only thing I could manage was this massive grin on my face.
Next up was the show, having seen the show the past three years I sort of knew what to expect but this time round there was a difference. I had VIP pass which meant mingling in a suite in stead of an ordinary stand ticket. Being ushered around Moses Mabhida like royalty to the Mercedes Benz suite was an experience in itself. There we were greeted to an open bar to quench our thirsts and 3 course buffet lunch! If this isn't luxury and service then I don't know what is!
View from the suite
The suite was located practically on centre stage, so the view was unmatched. The show itself lived up to expectation, it was entertaining and there was plenty of car candy to be seen, none more so than the SLS Black Series that made its entrance during the "Car Porn" segment. Hearing that deep growl of the monster V8 echo around Moses Mabhida as it made it way down the straight made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up!
Spot the SLS Black Series
The expo zone of the festival is always one to draw the crowd, most manufacturers take advantage of this by displaying their best products at their tents and one to look out for is always Mercedes Benz AMG. Last year they debuted their A45 AMG Edition 1 and this year they brought along the grand daddy of luxury sports coupe's in the S63 AMG Coupe.
AMG Marquee
The car left many admiring its fierce design coupled with the luxury interior that befits a palace. It definitely is the right combination of luxury and sports, with its long wheel base there was sure to be plenty of space for its 4 passengers and ample power to carry it along with them. Other cars at the AMG marquee included the normal SLS, SL63 AMG, A45 AMG, C63 AMG 507 Edition, CLA 45 AMG and the E63 AMG. All of them stars in their own right and got the deserved attention by the people visiting.
S63 AMG Coupe
The AMG Demo theatre was another highlight from the German auto maker, with audiences getting to see and experience the power of the various cars as well as safety features and measures the cars does to make sure its passengers are safe at all times. Again the demonstrations were done by members of the AMG Advanced Driving Academy and left the crowds in awe and also educated on the cars on display.
AMG Advanced Driving Academy
Before I knew it, the sun was setting on my Top Gear weekend and it was time to head back home, with one final stop at the AMG VIP tent to say our goodbyes, it was off to the shuttles which again transported us back to the Riverside Hotel to collect my car and drive back home with the memories of a fantastic time at Top Gear 2014.
Sunset over Moses
Just a quick thanks to Mercedes Benz South Africa and the team at iProspect (Janine & Carla) for making all this possible!
It's the final year that the BBC's most watched series brings its live show to the shores of KZN and according to the organises, it is going to be the biggest and best one yet. Tens of thosands of fans are expected to make their way down to Durban's iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium to witness what is on offer this year.
There is a revised street track with added striaghts to make the racing more exciting with more grand stand seating. The action zone is filled with events for the entire day, there's a demo strip where the manufacturers will be showcasing some of their products. Motoring in motion will offer visitors the chance to test drive some of the new models from Mercedes Benz, Infiniti and Ford.The motoring expo is always a hit with the various exbhitors always drawing a crowd.
Though the main reason for people visiting would be to see the legendary trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, not forgetting the "tame racing driver" only known as "the Stig". They've come a long way since the series first aired in 2002, they've travelled the world and test driven some of the most exotic cars in the most breath taking locations and of course done some utterly stupid things in between.
Fans can expect to see some of that stupidity and creativity at the show as the trio attempt to build an electric car and perform challenges set to them by the Top Gear men in white coats. Local Afrikaans rapper Jack Parrow will be making an appearance during the show, no one knows why yet, some say it's to perform a track especially written for the festival but Richard Hammond is hoping it doesn't involve them rapping! They wil also be screening a short video which could be the prequel to the upcoming season 22 of the series and South African fans will be the first to see it!
Other stuff one can see in the show will be the ever popular Top Gear Stunt driving team who wow the crowds every year with some of the most insnane driving skills seen but the biggest news is that the Stig has accquired an F1 car from the Lotus F1 team! Theres CCTV footage of him breaking into the teams headquarters and redirecting the shipping to Durban for the show! Want to know what he has planned with the car? Well you better head down on either the Saturday or Sunday to find out because its sure to be epic, rumour has it, he may bungee jump with the car!
Tickets from as little as R260 and they're selling out fast, so don't miss out on your last chance to see the greatest live festival ...in the world in Durban!
This years Top Gear festival is already mooted to be the biggest and best Festival so far, visitors can expect a bumper show on the track and in the stadium and the action doesn't stop there! The Expo Zone will be home to a host of manufacturers in the industry, one of them being Mercedes Benz, their highlight will be the AMG stand and the focus of it being "driving performance".
Mercedes Benz AMG needs no introduction to the South African market with them being pretty popular amongst most buyers and fans. Which is why they will be in for a treat when they visit the stand during the Festival as the all new S63 AMG Coupe will be making it's debut on South African soil there. The S Class Coupe takes over from the CL Class as the companies flagship long base luxury coupe. With it's elegant yet sporty styling this new vehicle from the German manufacturer will have heads turning, add to that the aggressive AMG kit which accompanies the S63 Coupe and you'll have tounges wagging too!
At the heart of the beast you will find a 5.5 litre, V8 twin-turbo pushing out 430Kw, 585bhp and 900Nm of torque! It propels the car from 0-100kph in less than 4 seconds with the help of a 7 speed automatic "speedshift" gear box and the grunt from the massive four pipe configuration will send shivers down your spine! This car is the epitome of AMG's "driving performance".
Other things to look out for at the AMG stand is a demonstration of power and agility of the fastest 4-cylinder production engines in the world. As professional race drivers will be taking the A45 and CLA45 through their paces in the AMG Demo Theatre.
You can follow the happenings at the AMG stand on twitter @MercedesBenz_SA or the hash tag #AMGTopGear, I'll also be there during the course of the weekend giving live updates on twitter from the Festival.
The three stooges of British TV made their way back to the shores of Durban this year to bring us more burning rubber, outrageous stunts and of course the lots of sexy cars! Top Gear Live now in its second year running was held in the Moses Mabhida Stadium in what Mr Clarkson says is the best stadium....in the world and who's to argue with him? The precinct around the stadium was also used for exhibits by the various motor manufacturers as well as other car related product companies and the street track was rebuilt to provide the spectators with high speed thrills.
Having attended last years show, I wasn't sure what to expect this year and obviously was the same for many who attended last years show. After receiving much praise for the event before, the organizers had their work cut out for them to come up with new ideas for the show. This years special guest was former F1 champion, Mika Hakkinen who partook in many of the street racing, which included a tuck tuck race against radio personality Sasha Martinengo. Like last year the main draw card to the street track was undoubtedly the F1 car, hearing the high pitched shriek of that V8 engine as it went around the streets of Durban just sent shivers down ones spine. This year Red Bull F1 brought down their championship winning RB8 2012 car, along with their test driver Anthony Felix da Costa to entertain the masses.
The exhibition area was nothing to write home about as most of it was the same from last year apart from one or two tents. The ones that grabbed most of the attention was the Lamborghini and Bentley display in the Imperial Collection marquee as well as the IBV Supercar Club tent which had machines from the Daytona Group on display. For me though the Jaguar and AMG tents were the ones I enjoyed the most, firstly anyone could gain entry, sit in the cars on display and with the case of Mercedes Benz, hear what the cars engines sound like as their revved all that was on display. The crowd attraction was the newly launched A45 AMG, a complete redesign to the A-Class of old which has transformed itself into a sporty hatch back to compete with the likes of BMWs 1 Series and Audi's A3. The price for the Merc A Class is a bit steep but so far sales figures are saying otherwise.
On to the show itself, having blown the crowds away last year it was always going to be a tough act to follow. The corny jokes filled the show but if you're a fan of the series you would know that its one of the main aspects that set this show apart from other car documentary programs and being them they pulled off some crazy things as well. Firstly Jeremy apparently motorized their stage from the set, fitted it with a V8 engine and was able to do donuts with it! The Top Gear precision driving team stole the show once again with their breath taking skills but a surprise and highlight for me was seeing the Stig drive in with the Red Bull Racing F1 car and go balls to the wall spinning that car round and round, engulfing the area in smoke for the burning rubber.
Of course the madness didnt end there, apart from the insane bicycle stunt ride and the drifters with the flame throwers, there was the usual sporting contest that was to be played. This time it was car football but rather motorbike polo. Typically it was England vs South Africa and to please the home crowd, the rainbow nation won. The show ended off with Sasha Martinengo making another appearance, this time by bungee jumping in a car off a crane! I did see the stunt performed before at the Top Gear Live event in Kyalami but it was fun seeing it again.
Overall the show was enjoyable but I have been hearing mixed reviews from many that did visit it over the weekend. They have one more year left on their contract so here's hoping they really make a big change to next years event as the fans are counting on them!
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