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Clarkson paid £2.14m from top gear last year…..

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:52:32 +0000

It has been reported in the Telegraph, that Jeremy Clarkson raked in big money from Top Gear last year. His performance fee was £350,000, which is not too shabby in itself. The balance of his income coming from his share of merchandising from the show.
A nice pay packet for the popular and controversial presenter.

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Top Gear is top of the world!

Italian Job Mini’s restored to former glory!

admin — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:35:52 +0000

The car chase from 1969 movie The Italian Job is probably one of the most famous ever made – and now three of the original Minis used in the shoot have gone on public display for the first time. After bidding £6,000 for three boxes of bits from the original cars in 2006, 42-year-old David Morton from Newcastle has lovingly restored the cars to their exact original film specification. Displaying his three cars at MiniFest in Uttoxeter Staffordshire today the Italian Job and Mini fanatic said: ‘Michael Caine and the film’s chief stunt driver, Remy Julienne, helped advise me on how to get the cars back to their original conditions. They used 16 cars in the film but they were all scraped and left in Italy. ‘Only these three boxes came back to England. There wasn’t much in them except for the lamp bars, bonnet straps and lots of small bits. But most importantly the original number plates and log books were there. ‘I’ve had many parts specially made – it’s been lots of hard work but I’m thrilled at how they look now. They’re each insured for £55,000 now and are now known as the official Italian Job Minis. ‘The cars are each registered on the road using their original registration numbers.’ More

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Cricket star takes takes photo of himself driving at 90mph!

admin — Fri, 20 May 2011 20:47:58 +0000

An England cricketer was caught out after tweeting a picture of himself apparently speeding on the motorway. World Cup winner Craig Kieswetter, 23, uploaded a shot taken from the driver’s seat of a car with the speedometer showing 90mph. It was tagged with the headline ‘My view right now’ – prompting a number of replies from his 3,800 followers, with one asking if ‘he was trying to get arrested?’ The wicketkeeper and batsman, who plays for Somerset, later removed the link, although the picture can still be viewed online. Kieswetter then tweeted: ‘Deleted last tweet. Haha.’ Road safety campaigners condemned Kieswetter after he appeared to tweet while speeding. Emily Moxon, from Brake, said: ‘It is always extremely disappointing to see role models breaking speed limits because it undermines the critical message that speed kills. More

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New campaign warns drivers of the consequences of speeding!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car to be auctioned!

admin — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:33:05 +0000

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, one of the most loved cars in the world, is going up for auction in Los Angeles. The star of the 1968 family movie was shipped to California from England to go under the hammer on Sunday. The unique vehicle, which is still in working order, is expected to fetch up to $2m (£1.2m). For the past four decades it has been kept in Stratford-upon-Avon by owner Pierre Picton, the man who looked after it on set. It has appeared at hundreds of shows and charity road races, but has never been auctioned until now. There were several Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cars made for the film, but this was the only one that actually worked. It was driven in the movie by Dick Van Dyke, who played the eccentric inventor who takes his children on the adventure of a lifetime. Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote I think it’s the most recognisable car in the world – this is a once in a lifetime opportunity” End Quote Joe Maddalena Profiles in History The vehicle was designed by Ken Adam and built by the Ford Racing Team. More

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Footballer pays £10,000 in parking fines and has car impounded 27 times!

admin — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:09:19 +0000

Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has racked up nearly £10,000 in parking fines and had his white Maserati impounded an astonishing 27 times, it has emerged. The £100,000-a-week Italian player’s attitude to the city’s parking regulations has left his club’s liaison officers exasperated – especially as each time the car is towed away, they have to go and get it back. A source at the club told The Sun newspaper: ‘Mario will drive from his luxury apartment to a restaurant a few streets away and leave the car on double yellows. ‘The other week the Maserati misfired so he just abandoned it. Staff have had to bail it out 27 times. ‘The valet the club uses empties the glovebox of tickets every time he cleans it. Mario doesn’t seem to care. It’s a drop in the ocean to him.’ Balotelli’s remarkable attitude to money was further highlighted in the report which stated he was once allegedly pulled over by police with £25,000 in cash on his passenger seat. When asked why he had the money he simply said ‘Because I can’. More

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Frank Skinner ordered to take breath-test!

admin — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 23:09:00 +0000

Frank Skinner has revealed he was pulled over by police and asked to take a breath-test – despite not having had a drop of alcohol in 25 years. The comedian and Absolute Radio presenter said he was stopped by police while driving over Tower Bridge in London. He was pulled over after police suspected him of speeding. Speaking of the moment he was asked to take the breath-test, Skinner said: “I thought, I’ve never been more confident of passing a test in my life.” The police officer asked if he had been drinking that evening and he replied: “I can tell you now, I haven’t had a drink since September 24, 1986.” The comic added: “He just looked at me in disbelief.” More

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Footballers are top of the league for motoring convictions!

admin — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:13:37 +0000

Why do professional footballers often fall foul of the law when driving, while au pairs keep their licences clean? A new survey sheds some light. Professional footballers are the drivers most likely to commit offences such as speeding, running red lights and using a phone while driving, new research suggests. Almost a third of footballers have points on their licence, making them nearly two and half times more likely than the average motorist to be caught breaking the rules of the road, according to car insurers, elephant.co.uk. Riggers (workers who lift and shift heavy objects) come in at number two on the list, with 24.8 per cent having a licence endorsement. Politicians come in at number seven in the list of the 10 occupations most likely to have points on their licence. More than a fifth of politicians have motoring convictions, making them almost twice as likely as the average driver to have points. “Powerful cars are closely associated with the footballers’ lifestyle so perhaps for some of them the temptation to speed is simply too much,” said elephant.co.uk managing director, Brian Martin. “As for politicians, our research shows they are not above the law. Why so many have motoring convictions isn’t clear but many spend quite a lot of time on the road commuting from constituencies a long way from the seat of government. I think we can safely say driving isn’t an area where we should be looking to them for guidance.” More

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Brian Blessed to shout Sat-Nav directions!

admin — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:28:45 +0000

The actor, who for many will be forever remembered as Vultan, the energetic and voluble leader of the Hawkmen in the 1980 film Flash Gordon, has signed a deal with the sat nav company TomTom. The famous catchphrase from the film, “Dive, my Hawkmen, dive!”, can now be heard by fans trundling along in their Ford Fiestas, re-recorded as “Drive, Hawkmen, drive”. And when they reach their destination, instead of the “Gordon’s alive!” line from the film, Blessed booms out of the car speakers: “Gordon’s arrived!”. Other gems from his roles in Blackadder and Henry V are scattered among the orders to turn around and keep left. Blessed recorded the 57 basic commands needed, along with six special catchphrases, at a London studio last week. More

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Lewis Hamilton charged over public road stunt!

admin — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:35:38 +0000

Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has been charged over a stunt he performed on a public road in Australia. The British driver was stopped by police after performing a “burnout”, spinning his car to leave tyre marks on the road, in front of fans before the Melbourne Grand Prix in March. His silver Mercedes road car was impounded after he was pulled over close to the Albert Park circuit. He was charged with intentionally losing control of a vehicle. More

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DJ Chris Evans spends £12m on a classic motor!

admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 22:33:02 +0000

Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans has splashed out £12m on a rare 1960s Ferrari. Why are classic cars like this so valuable? And which ones are fetching the highest prices? Vintage vehicles are becoming increasingly highly prized as a growing number of collectors around the world compete to buy the very best and rarest models. The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO bought by Evans is one of just 36 that were built by the famous Italian firm, and is viewed by many experts as the most desirable car of its type because of its beauty and history. The DJ bought another Ferrari, this time a 250 GT SWB California Spyder once owned by Hollywood actor James Coburn, for £5m in 2008. But Chris Routledge of Coys auctioneers described Evans’ most recent purchase, which cost £6,000 when new, as the “Holy Grail” for many collectors. He said: “The 250 GTO is considered to be the ultimate in terms of its beauty and racing pedigree. “They are very, very rare. They are seen as the Holy Grail of motor cars.” More

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Welsh rugby star bailed over golf buggy incident!

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:48:33 +0000

WALES rugby player Andy Powell was last night charged with driving a golf buggy while over the alcohol limit, hours after helping Wales beat Scotland.arrested for taking and driving a golf buggy from the team hotel to a motorway service station. He is due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on March 2 South Wales Police said Powell was bailed until next month’s court appearance. The other man was released without charge. Last night 28-year-old Powell issued a statement through his agent apologising and saying he would “face up” to his mistake. Powell was arrested, along with another unnamed man who is not part of the Wales squad, by South Wales Police at 6am yesterday at a service station off junction 33 of the M4. The Cardiff Blues and Lions star’s agent Mike Burton said: “Andy Powell is disappointed to find himself in this position. “He doesn’t excuse or condone drink-driving in any form. He didn’t think he’d be over the limit the next day. “What appears logical and reasonable at the time can be a different matter when viewed in the cold light of day. “It was a misjudgement for which he is sorry and to which he will face up.” The golf buggy was taken from the plush Vale of Glamorgan Golf and Spa Resort, where the Wales rugby team are based. More

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Premiership soccer star shows off gold Cadillac!

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:31:28 +0000

It’s not the kind of car you can imagine parked in the Lidl carpark. But then, as a premiership footballer, it’s probably safe to say that El Hadji Diouf doesn’t do the weekly shop himself. The Blackburn Rovers star was out and about in his Cadillac in Manchester yesterday. And in a garish shade of metallic gold, the huge vehicle must have been a competitor for the title of ‘most tasteless car’. But it has some strong competition – from Diouf’s other vehicles. He also owns a £420,000 chrome Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. View his flash motors

Labour deputy leader admits careless driving!

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:08:38 +0000

Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman has admitted driving without due care and attention. The minister was fined £350 and ordered to pay £75 costs and a victim surcharge of £15 after her lawyer entered the guilty plea at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Her driving licence was also endorsed with three points. The court heard that a second charge of driving while using a mobile phone had been withdrawn. The MP for Camberwell and Peckham was at the centre of a police inquiry after she was allegedly involved in a minor collision with a parked car. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) issued a summons accusing her of driving without due care and attention and driving while using a hand-held mobile phone. The 59-year-old minister did not attend today’s hearing. Instead she was at a Cabinet meeting in nearby Downing Street. Scotland Yard officers questioned Ms Harman after the incident in Dulwich, south London, on July 3 last year, the day she visited the scene of a fire in a Camberwell tower block in which six people died. The Special Crime Division passed a file to prosecutors who decided there was sufficient evidence and it was in the public interest to take her to court. The case is particularly embarrassing for Ms Harman as she is a QC, Privy Council member and former Solicitor General. More

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Tennis ace splashes out £100,000 on car insurance!

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:45:15 +0000

Andy Murray might have thought he was getting a bargain by buying a red Ferrari F430 second-hand – at almost £50,000 less than the price of a new one. But the £100,000 he paid for the 196mph Italian supercar comes with a catch – the insurance costs the same again. The 22-year-old tennis star’s pride and joy is uninsurable by all but the most expensive specialist brokers, as Murray – who passed his driving test only five months ago – ticks every box for high-risk drivers. Enlarge Catch: Tennis star Andy Murray, who passed his test five months ago, with his new Ferrari Run around: The tennis ace unloads the boot of the new Ferrari As well as being under 25, a male and a newly qualified driver in a high-performance car, Murray’s celebrity counts against him as compensation costs after an accident could be huge. AA Insurance, which asked its panel of more than 20 insurers to estimate a quote, said: ‘Most wouldn’t touch it. And those who would are likely to charge £100,000 a year.’ More

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Snoop Dog tells yer where to go!

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:14:45 +0000

Multiplatinum Hip-Hop artist Snoop Dogg has lent his distinctive voice and mannerisms to a new celebrity sat nav. His laid back “Snoop Speak” is one of the best known and most recognisable voices in pop culture. Snoop Dogg’s ‘VoiceSkin’ is now available for download by users of TomTom GPS navigation systems. The package contains ‘Snoop Speak’ such as: “Take tha third left, and while you’re at it, put in some of that Snoop Dogg!” Or how about “Turn around when possible and keep it ‘G’, ya d-i-g?” He also smoothes the way for TomTom drivers with Snoop-style guidance, such as, “Keep left ahead, and you’ll be bonafide”. More

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Lewis Hamilton backs road safety scheme for school children!

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:48:25 +0000

A road safety campaign for school children has been launched in Surrey by motor racing star Lewis Hamilton. The educational scheme for pupils aged 14 to 18 will offer hands-on driving experience and training. Pupils will also have discussions about the responsibilities of being not only a driver, but also a passenger and a pedestrian. It was developed by council, fire and police officers, with the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy in Weybridge. Former Formula One world champion Hamilton launched the scheme on Sunday. He said “It’s a great thing for young kids to come here and at least raise awareness.” And he added: “Hopefully, they’ll come here and they’ll walk away with a little bit more knowledge which will equip them even better for when they take their own driving lessons and tests.” County council leader Andrew Povey said: “School children are the drivers of the future so it is vital we educate them now about the importance of responsible driving.” More

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Top Gear is top of the world!

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:05:36 +0000

TOP Gear has raced its way into the record books – with the mega-popular show now broadcast in more than 100 countries to a staggering 350million petrolheads. Riding roughshod across critics – and there are many – the programme has made stars of its three presenters and fuelled a whole new interest in cars. Top Gear is also the most illegally-downloaded show on the planet and a new world tour, which starts this month, sees hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May travelling from London to South Africa and Australia. But what is it that makes the show so successful? One answer must be Clarkson, Hammond and May. They never shy away from a crazy stunt and always speak their mind – both of which have landed them in hot water. Hammond’s 2006 crash in a 314mph Vampire turbojet made headlines for weeks as the nation waited to find out if he would survive or be left brain-damaged. Thankfully the presenter – dubbed Hamster – pulled through and is now back on Top Gear duty. Clarkson, 49, has caused controversy with his remarks such as calling Gordon Brown a “one-eyed Scottish idiot” and insisting a woman presenter would be a “disaster” on Top Gear. More

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Clarkson paid £2.14m from top gear last year…..

Rocker Ozzy Osbourne passes driving test!

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:16:18 +0000

Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has passed his driving test, it has been reported. The Prince of Darkness got his license after taking his 19th test, according to The Sun newspaper.He blamed alcohol as the reason why he took so long to pass. More

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Steven Fry is favourite passenger!

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:42:31 +0000

A study of driving habits conducted for the re-designed AutoTrader.co.uk website has found that comedian and broadcaster Stephen Fry is the person most drivers want to share a drive with. David Moxon commented on the results: “As cars and driving are often perceived as a masculine, macho pastime, it’s not surprising that males chose an attractive female to have as a passenger – perhaps unconsciously they would see it as an opportunity to ‘show off’ their driving prowess. The fact that Stephen Fry however tops the poll for both men and women suggests that people prefer to liven up journeys that might be quite tedious and boring with some witty conversation. This will not only make the journey more pleasant – it will help keep the driver alert and reduce stress levels.” More

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Climate protesters dump manure on Jeremy Clarkson`s lawn!

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:51:46 +0000

Climate campaigners have dumped horse manure on TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson’s front lawn in protest against his views on global warming, they said today. The activists from environmental group Climate Rush unloaded the bag-loads of manure at his home in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, with a banner which read “this is what you’re landing us in”. The campaigners said they had targeted the Top Gear presenter for his “blase attitude to climate change”, including a recent trip driving to the Arctic which they claim emitted an estimated 1.7 tonnes of carbon. The seven female protesters, dressed as suffragettes, made the stop outside Clarkson’s home as part of their month-long horse-and-cart road show around the south west of England to raise awareness of climate issues. More

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