A couple of episodes of Top Gear season 19 have already aired in the UK. But when the season’s first episode airs in South Africa tonight, the BBC will be rewarding its fans for using Twitter during the show.
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More precisely, the “Beeb” — in consultation with digital agency Retroviral — will try to increase engagement by leveraging off the trend of IPP (in-programme pointers) hashtags. During each episode of the new series, a new question will appear and viewers will have the opportunity to answer using the hashtag #TopGearSA, on Twitter.
After the series has concluded, a winner will be drawn, randomly, from those who answered correctly and they will receive flights, tickets and accommodation for two to Top Gear Live in Durban in June this year.
While the questions will obviously be specific to the show, it’s not yet clear whether they’ll require specific answers or will just generate conversation.
Series 19 sees Jeremy, Richard and James engaging in another collection of incredible adventures, absurd stunts and dream drives, ably assisted by their tame racing driver, The Stig. Topped off by another stunning international special.