Former Top Gear Hosts to Launch “DriveTribe” Web Site

The former co-hosts of the BBC’s Top Gear auto enthusiast television program—Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May—are teaming up on a new web platform that promises to be a “community-driven motoring” site.

Dubbed DriveTribe.com, the new site will debut this autumn. In addition to the headlining trio, the new venture includes entrepreneur Ernesto Schmitt and Andy Wilman, who previously was an executive producer for Top Gear. Schmitt will serve as DriveTribe's CEO.

The partners plan to hire 15 to 30 full-time editorial contributors that will be grouped into separate “tribes” that produce their own content. Additional reports will be provided by guest writers, bloggers, videographers and celebrity contributors. Readers will be encouraged to share videos, comments, information and opinions.

Wilman also is working with the former Top Gear hosting trio on a new program for Amazon Video that is expected to bow later this year.

Clarkson was fired by Top Gear a year ago for punching and verbally abusing one of his producers. Hammond and May resigned after Clarkson’s departure. A revamped Top Gear starring British comedian Chris Evans and former Friends star Matt LeBlanc is due to launch next month.