Carolla, Stromer to star in 'Top Gear'

BURBANK, Calif., June 17 (UPI) -- Television and radio personality Adam Carolla is to star in the new U.S. version of the British reality series "Top Gear," NBC has announced.

Carolla will share co-host duties with champion rally and drift racer Tanner Foust and "Clean Sweep" construction guru Eric Stromer.

Production is to begin later this week on the show, which will feature irreverent humor, "camaraderie between the three presenters, epic races, outrageous stunts and challenges, unique celebrity guest participation and eccentric methods of testing cars," the network said.

"This franchise is a proven winner worldwide and the hosting team of Adam, Tanner and Eric that we have brought together for the U.S. version offers a perfect match of humor, insider know-how and priceless track experience," NBC's Craig Plestis said in a statement. "We are going to create a high-powered show that, like the original, will keep viewers in every demographic clutching the edge of their seats."

"These three guys will get to drive the world's most amazing cars, go on incredible road trips and blow stuff up. It's a dirty old job but someone has to do it ... why didn't I get the job?" said Paul Telegdy from BBC Worldwide America, which is producing the show.