Pass Time

Pass Time is an entertaining and action-packed reality television game show that aired on the SPEED Network back in 2008. The show was noticeably popular among car and motorsports enthusiasts because of its unique content and concept about racing and automobiles. The show is more than just about car racing; it is the confluence of car racing, trivia, and game show elements, creating a platform that appeals to both competitive folks and car aficionados.

Ken Herring, a drag racing analyst and expert, hosted Pass Time. His knowledge about cars, experience in racing, and charisma significantly contributed to the delivery of an engaging car trivia competition. Brett Wagner, an actor and television personality, also hosted the program. Known for his work in the automotive television industry, Wagner brought a hefty sense of humor to the show, making each episode hilarious and engaging.

Pass Time's formula is relatively simple but highly engaging. The groundwork of the show was laid on a drag strip, where a pair of contestants were tasked with predicting the quarter-mile times of cars from different categories - classic, muscle, or modern cars, you name it. The array of cars that appeared on the show was vast, effectively showcasing the diversity and history of automobiles. From hot rods, tuners, street cars, muscle cars, to dragsters, Pass Time brings a fantastic repertoire of vehicles that offer variety and entertainment.

In the game, two contestants per episode face off, and a car runs down a quarter-mile drag strip. Before the car takes off, the contestants must guess how long it will take for the vehicle to reach the finish line. This is where the catch lies, as they’re not just basing their guesses on the type of vehicle or its appearance. They also take into account the interviews with the drivers, where personal modifications and car specifics are shared. This information, along with their personal judgement and car knowledge, helps contestants to make their educated guesses.

The contestant whose guess is closest to the car's actual run time earns the point. Ken Herring often threw in trivia questions and extra challenges that could avail the contestant extra points or even salvage points to bounce back from a deficit.

Pass Time significantly contrasts with other automotive TV shows because of its focus on individuals' strategy over a holistic review of the cars. The series is not only about raw horsepower; it's also about everything from precision tuning, driver skill, tire grip, and of course, the contestant's car knowledge and guessing accuracy. All these aspects have a direct bearing on the outcome of each quarter-mile run in the game.

The atmosphere at the drag strip was always lively. The dynamic interactions between the hosts, contestants, and occasionally the crowd were entertaining and kept the viewers glued to the screen. The banter between Ken and Brett, balanced by their shared love for cars, brought lighthearted humor while keeping the competition intense and enjoyable.

Each episode was a rollercoaster of emotions for viewers and contestants alike. Pass Time delivers suspense with each vehicle crossing the finish line and making the split-second differences a matter of triumph or loss. There's always the thrill of competition, the joy of winning, and of course, the shared love of cars that ties it all together.

Though aired over a decade ago on SPEED Network, Pass Time left a lasting imprint among the car enthusiast community. It was more than furniture in the backdrop of primetime television. It was a unique show that celebrated automobile culture and love for drag racing, all in a fun, engaging, and trivia-filled manner. The show effortlessly weaved together elements of car culture, human psychology, competition, and trivia, serving a blend that's both enlightening and entertaining. It sure was, in its truest essence, a "pass time."