Richard Hammond and James May in 100 mile electric race

Former Top Gear and The Grand Tour duo race an electric Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and a Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft

We all remember the classic Top Gear episodes that saw each of the presenters on different modes of transport, racing from A to B with a particular element thrown in, whether it be fuel efficiency, a busy city or challenging terrain.

Well, now Richard Hammond and James May have brought the glory days back with an epic electric race for the DriveTribe YouTube channel. It sees Hammond in an electric Porsche Taycan Turbo GT against May in a Pipistrel Velis Electro aircraft, racing from Henstridge airfield on the Dorset-Somerset border and finishing at Dunsfold Aerodrome, location of the old Top Gear test track and studio.

The 20 minute film also marks the first race for qualified pilot James May in a plane since his exploits in a Cessna aircraft during the Italy to London race against a Bugatti Veyron, driven by Jeremy Clarkson. The episode aired almost 20 years ago.

While Hammond could expect 421 miles of range, 1,100hp (more than the Bugatti Veyron) and a 0-62mph time of 2.3 from his Taycan Turbo GT, on the other hand, May could expect confusion at the controls presented to him on the electric plane, although speeds of 100mph were achievable.

The race had been carefully planned out, and both Hammond and May expected to reach Dunsfold in around two hours, with the electric plane having to stop at Thurxton en route for a half an hour charge. The forfeit? A bottle of James’ Gin, of course, while the loser would be sticking to soft drinking before driving the electric Porsche home completely sober.

Credit - DriveTribe

All in all, the video was a real nostalgic treat for all classic Top Gear fans everywhere. The race format was neglected towards the end of the trio’s time on screen as the popularity of the specials format took over entirely. As soon as Hammond said the word ‘go’, it was like being transported back 20 years to those glory days on BBC 2. Here’s hoping they do a few more for DriveTribe.

READ: Top Gear Classic - The Dangerously Addictive YouTube Experience

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Porsche
video: DriveTribe