Chris Evans has quit Top Gear, but insisted it is ‘full steam ahead’ with CarFest.
The BBC Radio 2 broadcaster stepped down from the popular show after just one series on Monday (June 4).
He had faced criticism for his presenting style and seen viewing figures drop to just 1.9m for the final episode.
Evans is the driving force behind CarFest North, a three-day motoring festival which will be held at Bolesworth Castle in just a few weeks’ time from July 29-31.
The presenter wrote on Twitter: “Stepping down from Top Gear. Gave it my best shot but sometimes that’s not enough. The team are beyond brilliant, I wish them all the best.
“Full steam ahead then with Radio 2, CarFest, Children In Need, 500 Words and whatever else we can dream up in the future.”
There are just a few day tickets remaining for CarFest North, which raises money for BBC Children in Need, with weekend passes sold out.
Evans is sure to be at Bolesworth later this month for the celebration of motoring, which also features live music from big names such as Will Young, Bryan Adams and The Coors.
His now-former colleague The Stig will also be there performing power laps as part of the Top Gear Live Stunt Team.
The 50-year-old had been entrusted with leading Top Gear after Jeremy Clarkson , Richard Hammond and James May all left the show in 2015.
In a statement, Evans added: “I have never worked with a more committed and driven team than the team I have worked with over the last twelve months.
“I feel like standing aside is the single best thing I can now do to help the cause.
“I remain a huge fan of the show, always have been, always will be. I will continue to focus on my radio show and the allied events it encompasses.”
For much of the series Top Gear has faced a scheduling clash with Euro 2016 matches, viewing figures steadily dropped from 4.3m gained for the relaunch show.
An insider told our sister paper the Daily Mirror that Evans will not be directly replaced with other members of the presenting team, who include former Friends star Matt LeBlanc, taking on bigger roles.
Mark Linsey, director of BBC Studios on Top Gear said: “Chris is stepping down from his duties on Top Gear. He says he gave it his best shot doing everything he could to make the show a success.
“He firmly believes that he right people remain, on both the production team and presenting team to take the show forward and make it the hit we want it to be.
“The new series has so far notched up over 30m views in the UK alone and has already been sold to 130 territories worldwide. (sic)”
Tickets for the Friday are priced at £64 for adults and £12 for children aged between six and 16-years-old and are available via the official
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