Ep 3. Budget Racing

In Top Gear season 8 episode 3, titled "Budget Racing," the hosts take a break from testing expensive supercars and instead focus on affordable racing. The episode starts off with a budget car race around a circuit, where each host has to buy a car for less than £1000 and then compete against each other. The cars they come up with are not exactly impressive, and some are truly questionable, making for a hilarious and unpredictable race.

After the race, the hosts try their hands at building their own electric car, with a budget of only £5,000. This task proves to be much more challenging than they expected, as they are faced with numerous technical difficulties along the way. However, they persist and eventually manage to build three functional electric cars that they race against each other. The results are surprising, and the hosts are amazed by the potential of this new technology.

Later on, the show shifts gears and explores the world of budget rally driving. The hosts meet up with a group of enthusiasts who have converted old road cars into rally cars, all for less than £500. They take part in a rally themselves, and the competition is fierce, with the cars being pushed to their limits on the muddy, twisty tracks. The rally proves to be an exciting and exhilarating experience, showcasing the passion and creativity of the budget racing community.

In the final segment of the episode, the hosts take part in a budget endurance race. They each have to buy a car for less than £1,500 and then race it for eight hours straight at a popular race track. The cars they choose are not exactly designed for endurance racing, and they struggle with numerous issues along the way. However, they persevere and push their cars to the limit, resulting in a gripping and entertaining race.

Overall, Top Gear season 8 episode 3 is a refreshing change from the usual supercar-focused episodes. The hosts demonstrate that budget cars can be just as exciting and engaging as their more expensive counterparts, and their adventures in budget racing are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the automotive community. The episode is filled with thrilling racing action, hilarious moments, and insightful commentary, making it a must-watch for any Top Gear fan.