Idris Elba is best known for his intense acting performances, but that’s not why he’s joining the record books. Instead, the actor has set the U.K. land speed record, breaking the previous mark set in 1927.
The Luther star teamed up with Bentley to break the record Sir Malcolm Campbell set 88 years ago. According to Bentley, Elba drove a Continental GT Speed on Pendine Sands in Wales, reaching 180.391 mph on Thursday, as verified by the U.K. Timing Association. Campbell’s record was 174.8 mph.
“I'm absolutely elated to have broken the 'Flying Mile' at Pendine Sands,” Elba said in a statement. “It’s an honour to have taken on the challenge, and to successfully follow in the footsteps of the illustrious Sir Malcolm Campbell.”
Elba’s record-setting “Flying Mile” trip will be chronicled in a four-part Discovery Channel series called Idris Elba: No Limits. It is set to air in July.
Elba, who had a small cameo in Avengers: Age of Ultron, is also working on a new Luther series, which will air on BBC America. The actor’s other credits include Thor, Prometheus, Pacific Rim and The Wire.
image courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com