Idris Elba managed to persuade the BBC to do a show for them on fast cars, as the Top Gear boys could not deliver a Christmas Special on time again.
Elba who started out as tyre fitter in London, saved up enough money to buy a souped up Ford Fiesta at the age of 14 in the late 1980s.
Elba does not explain how he managed to get a driving licence and insurance at that age. Also in those days, surely any self respecting teenager would want to own a Ford Escort XR3!
Elba in this two part series looks at some of the world's most popular motorsports in the USA and Europe and the speed culture from its underground beginnings.
Elba tries out various cars and motor bikes. He goes NASCAR racing, rallying and drifting. He talks to underground street racers.
Elba's enthusiasm is infectious and is a likable enough personality to make this series work. It is light and frothy but enjoyable and Elba did work up a sweat with his rallying antics.
