|PIC1|Top Gear is the world's leading motoring show and the top rating show in the United Kingdom.
The string of 10 performances in Sydney reach an estimated live audience of 78,000 people.
Adding a bit of Aussie content to the British production, which is hosted by motoring enigma Jeremy Clarkson, the Utes formed the basis of the 'Cool Wall' segment.
The Jesus Ute, driven by a stunt-driver, hit the arena in a huge power-slide before coming to a sliding stop centre stage, as Clarkson questions whether it's Jesus himself behind the wheel.
The Jesus Ute is a Ford. It was followed by the Glenn Mc Nally Holden also from the Yokohama V8 Ute Series, so the audience was asked to vote on which Ute is coolest.
Sadly for the 'Jesus. All about life' team, the Holdens won hands down every time!
Jesus Racing Team Driver Andrew Fisher is wrapped the British motoring legends used the 'Jesus. All about life' Ute, which is sponsored by the Bible Society.
"The producers felt the show lacked enthusiasm from the crowd during the Thursday night show, so felt they needed more Australian content.
"What better Aussie Icon is there than a Ute?"
"It was an unbelievable opportunity," says Andrew. "Out of all the racing cars in Australia, the world's leading motoring show has chosen to highlight the V8 Utes to motoring enthusiasts.
"It's an amazing opportunity to take the name of Jesus where it has never been before, to an audience who are least expecting to see it.
"Jesus Racing continues to challenge the perceptions most people have of Christianity.
"The Top Gear guys were so happy to have us involved they allowed us to take video footage of the Jesus Ute during the show," Andrew says, "so Jesus Racing can use it when we visit the 50,000 students we present to each year as part of our School program."
Fisher says the Top Gear appearance is going to be a hit with young people. "Also, the Jesus Ute has received a new paint scheme for 2009. It looks amazing and we can't wait to hit the track!"
The Jesus Racing Team will now turn it's focus to it's 2009 campaign with it's first shake down next Monday at Wakefield Park.
Source: Lindsay Fisher, Jesus Racing