#2199 - Chris Harris
#2199 - Chris Harris
19Digest
This podcast episode features Chris Harris, a former Top Gear host, sharing his insights on the automotive industry, his experiences on the show, and his thoughts on the future of car content. Harris begins by discussing his decision to join Top Gear, despite his initial reservations, and the challenges he faced following in Jeremy Clarkson's footsteps. He reflects on the intense pressure and constant comparisons to Clarkson's legacy, admitting that he made the wrong decision. Harris then delves into his views on the EV mandate and the future of internal combustion engines, expressing concerns about the forced transition to EVs and the lack of preparedness in the grid. He believes that people should have the freedom to choose their vehicles and criticizes the religious ideology surrounding climate change. Harris shares his experience with the Tesla Model S Plaid and his dislike for the yoke steering wheel, arguing that the technology is not yet ready for fully automated driving. He also discusses the restomod scene and his love for classic cars that have been modernized, believing that restomods offer a more personalized and engaging experience than mass-produced EVs. The conversation shifts to Harris's experience with the accident on Top Gear that led to the show's cancellation. He provides details about the accident involving his friend Andrew Flintoff, who was driving a Morgan Three Wheeler, and expresses his feelings of responsibility for not being able to warn Flintoff about the dangers of the vehicle. Harris criticizes the pressure to push limits on shows like Top Gear and the dangers of stunts, emphasizing the importance of experience and risk assessment in ensuring the safety of everyone involved. He discusses the red flags of rushed shoots and the importance of prioritizing safety over deadlines. Harris then contrasts traditional television car shows with online car content on platforms like YouTube, arguing that YouTube offers a more authentic and less-scripted experience for car enthusiasts. He discusses the challenges of navigating the YouTube algorithm and the ethical considerations involved in creating car content, particularly in the context of television shows. The conversation concludes with Harris's reflections on the future of car content, the changing landscape of the automotive industry, and the importance of passion and authenticity in creating engaging and informative content.
Outlines
The Challenges of Following Jeremy Clarkson
Chris Harris discusses his decision to join Top Gear, despite his initial reservations, and the challenges he faced following in Jeremy Clarkson's footsteps. He reflects on the intense pressure and constant comparisons to Clarkson's legacy, admitting that he made the wrong decision.
The EV Mandate and the Future of Internal Combustion Engines
Chris Harris delves into his views on the EV mandate and the future of internal combustion engines, expressing concerns about the forced transition to EVs and the lack of preparedness in the grid. He believes that people should have the freedom to choose their vehicles and criticizes the religious ideology surrounding climate change.
The Tesla Model S Plaid and the Restomod Scene
Chris Harris shares his experience with the Tesla Model S Plaid and his dislike for the yoke steering wheel, arguing that the technology is not yet ready for fully automated driving. He also discusses the restomod scene and his love for classic cars that have been modernized, believing that restomods offer a more personalized and engaging experience than mass-produced EVs.
The Top Gear Accident and its Aftermath
The conversation shifts to Harris's experience with the accident on Top Gear that led to the show's cancellation. He provides details about the accident involving his friend Andrew Flintoff, who was driving a Morgan Three Wheeler, and expresses his feelings of responsibility for not being able to warn Flintoff about the dangers of the vehicle.
The Dangers of Pushing Limits in Entertainment
Chris Harris criticizes the pressure to push limits on shows like Top Gear and the dangers of stunts, emphasizing the importance of experience and risk assessment in ensuring the safety of everyone involved. He discusses the red flags of rushed shoots and the importance of prioritizing safety over deadlines.
Traditional Television vs. Online Car Content
Chris Harris then contrasts traditional television car shows with online car content on platforms like YouTube, arguing that YouTube offers a more authentic and less-scripted experience for car enthusiasts. He discusses the challenges of navigating the YouTube algorithm and the ethical considerations involved in creating car content, particularly in the context of television shows.
The Future of Car Content and the Automotive Industry
The conversation concludes with Harris's reflections on the future of car content, the changing landscape of the automotive industry, and the importance of passion and authenticity in creating engaging and informative content.
Keywords
Restomod
A restored classic car that incorporates modern technology and performance upgrades. Examples include the Ineos Grenadier, which combines the look of a Land Rover Defender with modern engineering.
EV Mandate
A government policy that requires a certain percentage of new car sales to be electric vehicles. This policy is intended to promote the adoption of EVs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Energy Business
The green energy business encompasses companies and industries involved in the production, distribution, and use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power. This sector is growing rapidly as governments and consumers seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Stunt Driving
Stunt driving is a specialized form of driving that involves performing dangerous maneuvers for film, television, and other entertainment purposes. Stunt drivers require extensive training and experience to safely execute these maneuvers.
Health and Safety
Health and safety refers to the measures taken to protect the well-being of individuals in the workplace and other environments. This includes identifying and mitigating risks, providing training, and enforcing regulations.
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is a process used to identify and evaluate potential hazards and risks in a particular activity or environment. This assessment helps to determine the likelihood and severity of potential harm and to develop appropriate safety measures.
Production Pressure
Production pressure refers to the stress and demands placed on individuals involved in the production of film, television, and other media. This pressure can lead to rushed decisions, compromises on safety, and a focus on meeting deadlines over quality.
Disruptor
An individual or company that challenges the status quo and introduces significant changes to an industry. Elon Musk is a prime example of a disruptor, having revolutionized the electric car market with Tesla and made significant advancements in space exploration with SpaceX.
Audience Capture
The phenomenon where individuals become overly influenced by positive feedback from their audience, leading to a distorted sense of self-importance and a loss of objectivity. This can be particularly prevalent in online spaces, where individuals can be easily swayed by the opinions of their followers.
Q&A
What were the main challenges Chris Harris faced while being on Top Gear?
Chris Harris faced the challenge of following Jeremy Clarkson's legacy, which led to intense pressure and constant comparisons. He also received negative feedback from some UK viewers who felt he wasn't a suitable replacement for Clarkson.
Why did Chris Harris decide to join Top Gear despite his initial reservations?
Chris Harris was motivated by the financial opportunity and the desire to fulfill his childhood dream of being on Top Gear. He also felt that saying no to the opportunity would be a missed chance.
What is Chris Harris's opinion on the EV mandate and the future of internal combustion engines?
Chris Harris is concerned about the forced transition to EVs, believing that the grid isn't ready and that a more nuanced approach is needed. He also believes that people should be allowed to make their own choices about their vehicles.
What is Chris Harris's experience with the Tesla Model S Plaid and the yoke steering wheel?
Chris Harris enjoys the performance of the Tesla Model S Plaid but dislikes the yoke steering wheel. He believes that the technology is not yet ready for fully automated driving and that people should be able to enjoy the experience of driving.
What is Chris Harris's opinion on the restomod scene and the future of classic cars?
Chris Harris loves restomods and believes that they offer a way to enjoy the best of both worlds: classic styling with modern performance and safety features. He also believes that the restomod movement is a sign that car manufacturers are not meeting the needs of enthusiasts.
What is Chris Harris's experience with the accident on Top Gear and the aftermath?
Chris Harris was present during the accident involving his friend Andrew Flintoff, who was driving a Morgan Three Wheeler. He describes the scene and the severity of Flintoff's injuries, emphasizing his remarkable survival. He also shares his feelings of responsibility for not being able to warn Flintoff about the dangers of the Morgan Three Wheeler.
What is Chris Harris's opinion on the pressure to push limits on shows like Top Gear and the dangers of stunts?
Chris Harris believes that producers often prioritize spectacle over safety on shows like Top Gear, which can lead to dangerous decisions. He emphasizes the importance of experience and risk assessment in ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
What is Chris Harris's advice for those involved in stunt driving and other high-risk activities?
Chris Harris emphasizes the importance of saying no to dangerous stunts, particularly when people are tired or under pressure. He believes that the end of the day is when accidents are most likely to occur and that prioritizing safety over deadlines is crucial.
What are some of the key differences between traditional television car shows and online car content on platforms like YouTube?
Harris argues that YouTube offers a more authentic and less-scripted experience for car enthusiasts, allowing creators to express their genuine passion for vehicles without the pressure to appeal to the masses. Traditional television shows, on the other hand, often prioritize comedic stunts and contrived narratives over genuine car reviews.
Show Notes
Chris Harris is an automotive journalist, racing driver, and television presenter. He's also the author of "Variable Valve Timings: Memoirs of a Car Tragic."
www.youtube.com/c/chrisharrisoncars
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