James May, affectionately known as “Captain Slow,” built his reputation on caution and composure behind the wheel. Yet, throughout his career on Top Gear and beyond, May has repeatedly surprised audiences by pushing himself—and his machines—to the limit. Here are 10 fact-checked moments when James May truly shocked the world by going fast, with details on the platform and year each feat occurred.
1. Breaking 253 mph in the Bugatti Veyron (Top Gear, 2007)
In Series 9, Episode 2 of Top Gear (BBC, 2007), May took the Bugatti Veyron to its top speed at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test track. Despite his cautious persona, he reached an astonishing 253 mph, making him briefly the fastest man on television and proving that even Captain Slow could go supersonic.
2. Setting a New Record in the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (Top Gear, 2010)
May returned to Ehra-Lessien in 2010 (BBC, Top Gear, Series 15) to drive the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. He hit 259 mph, breaking his own previous record before Bugatti’s test driver took it even further. This second run cemented May’s unlikely status as a high-speed legend.
3. Driving the Ariel Atom V8 (Top Gear, 2011)
On Top Gear (BBC, Series 16), May tested the Ariel Atom V8, a car famed for its brutal acceleration. He pushed the Atom to its limits on the test track, hitting 0–60 mph in under three seconds and leaving even his co-presenters impressed with his newfound speed demon credentials.
4. Blasting Up an Active Volcano in Iceland (Top Gear, 2010)
In one of Top Gear’s most daring stunts (BBC, Series 15), May drove a modified Toyota Hilux up the erupting Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland. Braving lava flows and treacherous terrain, he powered up the slopes at speed, showing nerves of steel and a surprising taste for danger.
5. Learning Rallying from Mika Häkkinen (Top Gear, 2009)
During a Finnish rally challenge (BBC, Top Gear, Series 13), May was coached by F1 champion Mika Häkkinen. He surprised everyone by not only keeping pace but overtaking local competitors on a snowy rally stage, showing a rare aggressive side behind the wheel.
6. Racing a Bentley Continental GT Speed in a Rally (Top Gear, 2013)
On Top Gear (BBC, Series 19), May took the Bentley Continental GT Speed through a rally stage, pushing the heavy luxury coupe to speeds and slides that stunned viewers and co-hosts alike. His performance proved he could handle both power and peril.
7. Power Laps in the Pagani Zonda F (Top Gear, 2005)
May piloted the Pagani Zonda F around the Top Gear test track (BBC, Series 7), managing a fast lap that defied his “slow” reputation. The Zonda’s raw speed and May’s smooth driving delivered a lap time that left the audience and even The Stig impressed.
8. Drag Racing in the Ford GT (Top Gear, 2004)
In Series 4 of Top Gear (BBC, 2004), May took the Ford GT for a high-speed drag race, pushing the American supercar to its limits. His willingness to go flat-out in a notoriously tricky machine surprised fans and cemented his place among the show’s bravest drivers.
9. Racing a Caravan Airship (Top Gear, 2007)
In one of the show’s more bizarre speed challenges (BBC, Series 9), May piloted a caravan attached to a blimp in a race against his co-hosts. Despite the unconventional vehicle, he showed determination and a surprising competitive streak, racing at speeds that left the ground crew nervous.
10. Driving the Lunar Rover Replica (Top Gear, 2015)
On Top Gear (BBC, Series 22), May drove a replica of the Apollo lunar rover at speed across rough terrain, demonstrating both technical skill and a willingness to push the boundaries of what “fast” means—even on the Moon.
Conclusion
While James May may always be “Captain Slow” in spirit, these ten moments prove he’s more than capable of shocking the world by going fast. Whether behind the wheel of a hypercar or scaling a volcano, May’s high-speed exploits have become legendary, adding a thrilling twist to his careful, considered persona.
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