Could US Top Gear Eclipse The Original?

Gearheads have been following Top Gear on BBC America for years now. Finally, the top-rated BBC Two program is coming stateside, and oddly enough it's the History Channel that scored it, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The US version will be triple-hosted by Adam Ferrara (Rescue Me), stunt driver Tanner Foust and racing analyst Rutledge Wood.

"The history of the automobile and the history of America are intimately intertwined — to celebrate one is to celebrate the other,” said Nancy Dubek, History president and general manager. “We’ll stay true to the original format and add a sense of the American car culture." That original format is a spotlight on everything to do with cars from tricking them out, to racing them, reviewing them and even interviewing celebrities who love them.

What are the odds Jay Leno is spotlighted on the first episode. With the roots of the automobile deep in the American culture, this version is also looking to explore that rich vehicular history. We'll call that a little nod to the network that's going to be airing it.

With the overwhelming culture surrounding cars in the states, BBC Worldwide executive vice president of programming and production Jane Tranter believes the American version could prove to be even more popular than its British forebear. "There’s a different relationship with cars in the U.S. and a fascination with customization that’s much greater than in the U.K," she said. The US version will tailor to the sensibilities and interest of American car enthusiasts.

The History Channel has committed to ten episodes to start, and plans to start airing them this fall.