The auto industry was turned upside its head a few weeks ago when, from out of nowhere, the land speed record was eviscerated by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sports after it posted a record time of 267.81 mph.

Shortly after the breaking news, reports began circulating that Top Gear->ke1860 may have been involved in the Veyron Super Sports’ record-breaking achievement. And while a lot of people shrugged at the notion of Top Gear playing a part in the whole spectacle, it turns out that while they weren’t directly involved in the land speed record attempt, one member of the show’s triumvirate got his chance behind the wheel of the supercar and set his own personal land speed record.

And wouldn’t you know it, that host turned out to be none other than ‘Captain Slow’ himself, James May. Ironic as the nickname sounds – and it’s a justifiable tag considering May’s not exactly known as a speed demon – James’ personal record of 259.11 mph, which he set at the Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany, is most definitely need for speed material.

Details behind May’s time with the Veyron Super Sports are still being kept under wraps although you can expect it to be featured prominently in the August issue of Top Gear’s magazine, which is expected to hit news stands in the coming days.

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