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