Top Gear Live Consults Lotus on Track Design

Top Gear Live is developing an indoor track extravaganza – in partnership with Group Lotus Motorsport, designers of the original Top Gear test-track. The track will be the central feature of its all-new Top Gear Live event running from 11-13 November at NEC Birmingham and 24-27 November at ExCeL London. Top Gear favourites including German race sensation and Road buddy, Sabine Schmitz and Tiff Needell will join five-time Le Mans winner, Derek Bell, and an extensive list of other celebrity guests, drivers and presenters on track at the two events. The all-new track element will feature power laps by Top Gear’s very own tame racing driver The Stig as well as challenges for presenters Clarkson, Hammond and May. And, of course, there will be a host of celebrities vying for the top spot in Top Gear Live’s very own Star in a Reasonably Priced Car. The tracks have been configured to enable all manner of driving disciplines during a full programme of incredible action. These will include head-to-head challenges, power testing and time trials, ensuring there’s plenty of live action throughout the event. The tracks have been named ‘Docklands GP’ (ExCeL track) and ‘B20 Raceway’ (NEC track), and visitors can get a preview of what is waiting for them at the show with both track layouts available to see at www.topgearlive.co.uk. In the tradition of the Top Gear track’s ‘Hammerhead’ and ‘Gambon’ corners, these custom-built indoor tracks will also have named corners and Top Gear Live fans will have the opportunity to name one of the corners at each track in a competition launching next week via facebook.com/TopGearLiveUK. Gavan Kershaw, Engineering Manager at Group Lotus Motorsport said:  “We’re enjoying the challenge of working with the Top Gear Live team to design two tracks that are both exciting and credible for this event. We believe the end result will ensure an awesome experience for both the drivers and spectators with plenty of noise and burning rubber!" In addition to the interactive on-track activity, there will be supercar parades featuring iconic models such as the new McLaren MP4-12C, Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari 599 GTO, as well as legendary group B rally cars and a celebration of F1 past and present, all live on the track. All this will be supported by fantastic challenges and cars modified beyond recognition – synonymous with Top Gear! Sounds like a lot of big boy's fun.