Driving Sports
Posted in Automotive, Short Subject on April 25th, 2012
(13×30 minutes)
Synopsis:
Driving Sports draws visual inspiration from the BBC’s legendary series “Top Gear,” but that’s where the comparison ends. Driving Sports has a unique voice and perspective that is solidly focused on cars and the joy of driving. Episodes vary in structure, with some featuring an epic road adventure, while others are presented in segments and anchored from “the studio” – a unique, massive timber building surrounded by a 300 acre vehicle playground, located just outside Seattle, Washington. At the end of each episode, cars compete in a timed event – usually based on a real motorsport, but with a twist! This curve ball evaluation is used to demonstrate a unique feature or shortcoming of the tested vehicles.
Each of the three hosts have a unique perspective and personality, providing multiple viewpoints to make every show resonate with a wide audience. Economy, speed, comfort and power are all discussed and dissected as the stories unfold. Special guests and interviews provide advanced expertise and insight when appropriate. The series is produced by Ryan Douthit, an automotive journalist and online personality with relationships to the major automakers.
Just some of the car brands involved include: Acura, Audi, Mercedes, Hyundai, Honda, Jeep, Lexus, Infiniti, MINI, BMW, Land Rover, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Cadillac, Toyota, Volvo, and Volkswagen. Select exotics, race cars and classics are available to test when necessary. Driving Sports is produced in partnership with Marc Pingry Productions, a multiple Emmy award-winning team and early pioneer of high definition production. Pingry has traveled the globe producing “Touch the Future”, “Fantastic Festivals of the World”, “Over Washington” and many other shows noted for their depth and visual appeal.
Episodes:
101. Route: San Francisco to Maryhill, Wash., via Klamath Falls
Cars: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, Acura TL SH-AWD, Audi S4
Challenge: Up/Down Hillclimb Time Trial
102. Route: Portland, Oregon to the Bonneville Salt Flats
Cars: Ford Mustang GT500, BMW 335i Coupe, Camaro SS
Challenge: Top Speed Drag Race
103. Route: Los Angeles to Moab
SUVs: Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan XTerra, Land Rover LR4
Challenge: Technical Off-Roading near Porcupine Ridge
104. Route: Seattle to Tahoe
Vehicles: Suzuki GSXR-750, Mazda Miata, Porsche Boxter S
Challenge: Triathalon (vehicles, mtn. bikes and canoes)
105. Route: Albuquerque to Goliad, Texas via Area 51
Cars: Lexus GS-F, BMW M5 (2012), Jaguar XJ Supersport
Challenge: 1-mile Drag Race
106. Route: Seattle to Butte, Montana
Cars: Hyundai Veloster, Ford Focus, Honda Civic
Challenge: Rallycross Time Trial
107. Route: Vancouver, BC, to Tijuana, Mexico
Cars: Lexus CT200h, Toyota Prius, Honda CR-Z
Challenge: Maximum Mileage
108. Route: San Francisco to Colorado
Cars: Scion FT-S, VW Golf R, Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
Challenge: Gymkhana Challenge
109. Route: Los Angeles to Lake Havasu via Phoenix
Cars: VW Bug Sport, Fiat 500 Abarth, MINI Sport Coupe
Challenge: Obstacle Course
110. Route: Seattle to Hyder, Alaska
Trucks: Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Ford F150
Plus: Off-road motorcycles in-tow.
Challenge: Truck and Bike Relay
111. Route: New York to Connecticut
Cars: Hyundai Equus, BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS
Challenge: Lime Rock Racetrack
112. Route: Historic 101 up the West Coast
Cars: Tesla Roadster, Ford Focus Electric, Nissan Leaf
Challenge: Distance Shootout
113. Route: Montana to Yellowknife, NWT (winter)
Cars: SAAB 9-4x, Mitsubishi Outlander , MINI Countryman
Challenge: Ice Racing
