When it comes to previous Top Gear hosts, Richard Hammond, James May, and Jeremy Clarkson, they have all experienced their fair share of injuries over the years. These three presenters entertained audiences with their daring stunts on the BBC program for 13 years.
From crushing caravans to racing double-decker buses, there was no limit to what they were willing to do. However, these risky endeavors sometimes led to painful injuries.
The topic of injuries sustained by the hosts has been widely discussed. In December 2022, Freddie Flintoff’s horrifying crash reminded everyone of the dangers involved in these stunts. Flintoff’s son later admitted in an interview that his father was lucky to be alive.
Let’s go back to 2008, when Clarkson decided to put himself in the shoes of a truck driver. As part of the task, he drove a Renault Magnum truck into a brick wall (because apparently that’s something truck drivers do regularly). Unfortunately, this stunt resulted in serious injuries for the now-63-year-old Clarkson.
“My ankle burst where the clutch pedal went through the wall,” he recounted. “And my head was dislodged from my spine due to the impact.” In addition, he suffered heavy bruising to his back and shin, and his index finger looked like a “burst sausage.”
Despite the severity of the accident, Clarkson made a full recovery. However, the pain he experienced was unimaginable. “I emerged from my high-speed head-on impact in what can only be described as screaming agony. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t think,” he shared.
Throughout his 13-year tenure on Top Gear, Clarkson encountered other injuries as well. He broke his thumb and slipped two discs in his spine in separate incidents. These incidents show the extent to which the hosts pushed their limits for the sake of entertainment.
In May, a former Top Gear car builder made some shocking claims about the show. John Hennessey revealed on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast that the show would often engage in controversial and potentially dangerous situations. He mentioned an instance where Clarkson drove a truck into a brick wall, predicting broken ribs and hospital visits.
Hennessey suggested that Clarkson’s willingness to participate in such stunts was driven by his desire for attention. It seems that Clarkson was always ready to grab the spotlight, no matter the risk.
Throughout their time on Top Gear, Clarkson, Hammond, and May amazed audiences with their daredevil antics. Despite the injuries and risks involved, they continued to captivate viewers with their thrilling adventures. These stunts may have been brutal, but they undeniably added an extra dose of excitement and adrenaline to the show.
