It’s only been a day since the BBC sacked Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson and already, various names are already being thrown out as a possible replacement for the always outspoken host.
Naturally, oddsmakers are getting in on the action and a lot of them have identified Chris Harris as the favorite to land the gig. But there’s one other name being thrown around that’ll raise the eyebrows of motorcycle fans around the world.
First of all, let’s be fair. Guy Martin doesn’t have the same flair for dry with and humor as Clarkson. But Martin is a character in his own right, and while some people might not be too fond of his antics, especially to fans and the media, there’s no denying that Martin has a presence in front of the camera that not many people have.
Now, will he make a good Top Gear host? As a presenter, Martin is a great choice. He’s had experience in that regard, having starred in a multitude of shows for both the BBC and Channel 4 TV.
But the show, of course, is largely centered on talking about some of the world’s fastest and most powerful cars. Motorcycles, on the other hand, are far less talked about on Top Gear. We all know Martin from his exploits in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy and if you want somebody to talk about motorcycles, he’s a good choice to have.
But cars are an entirely different specie and while I’m not saying he lacks any knowledge on that department, I will be curious to see how he can adjust to talking about sports cars and supercars on a somewhat exclusive basis.
Martin will be an interesting choice, to say the least. But he and Harris aren’t the only names being mentioned as possible replacements for Clarkson.
Other names that have been mentioned include model and car enthusiast Jodie Kidd, TV presenter Dermot O’Leary, comedian Stephen Fry, and in a somewhat ironic twist of fate, TV host and one-time Clarkson nemesis, Piers Morgan.
Why it matters
I like Guy Martin. He’s an interesting character and I’m sure that he’s going to bring a fresh approach to Top Gear. I’ve also enjoyed some of his past shows, although by the tone I’m going, you probably think that there’s a but coming at the end of this.
You’re right.
But I just can’t picture Guy Martin hosting Top Gear. I just can’t. I don’t know if it’s his off-beat approach to presenting or because Clarkson set the bar impossibly high that the person replacing him will struggle to meet, I just don’t think Guy Martin will be able to pull it off.
I’ll admit that his background in motorcycles is also a factor for me. I don’t know how it will translate for me when he starts talking about supercars yet at the back of my head, I know that he’s really a motorcycle guy at heart.
If I’m a betting man, I wouldn’t put money on Guy Martin even if he’s technically considered, by gambling standards, one of the favorites to succeed Jeremy Clarkson. I may be proven wrong in the end, but I’m willing to stand on this ledge and say that Guy Martin won’t be replacing Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear.
and I’ve enjoyed some of the shows he’s been in the past, but I don’t think he’ll make a good Top Gear presenter. That’s not to