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by Alex Eckford

A leading stuntman has hit out at Top Gear bosses – claiming they never should have allowed star Richard Hammond to drive the jet-powered dragster which nearly claimed his life.

Hammond is still recovering from the 288mph crash which occurred in September during filming of the petrolheads' favourite TV show.

But action man Steve Truglia – who has performed stunts for two James Bond blockbusters and Channel 5 motoring show Fifth Gear – claims organisers should have banned the British Landspeed Record attempt due to adverse conditions.

Truglia, who also performed stunts for movie smash Saving Private Ryan said: "I would never have let him do that stunt on that airfield in that car."

"From what I hear, there were strong cross-winds on the day.

"They should have known that the dragster, travelling at 300mph, would stick its roll cage straight into the ground if it rolled off the tarmac onto the grass.

"As far as I'm concerned it was dangerous."

Truglia made the comments during an interview for Auto Trader's Auto Talk section.

Read the interview now for the full story which also reveals why Truglia beat up Pub Landlord star Al Murray.

The makers of Top Gear were unavailable for comment.

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