Acting Legend Sir Patrick Stewart Is Going Classic Car Racing

Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Professor X and the voice of the poo emoji is going classic car racing. All-round legend Sir Patrick Stewart OBE is set to take part in July’s Silverstone Classic event, racing an old track-prepared Austin A35.

The 76-year-old has passed his official ARDS racing driver test at the Silverstone Motorsport Academy. On Saturday 29 July he’ll pit his skills against a grid full of rivals including Tiff Needell, Ant Anstead, Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis, Long Way Round adventurer Charley Boorman and a clutch of British Olympic gold medallists.

Sir Patrick seems quite excited by the idea, saying:

“Speed is not a particularly big passion of mine. But when you are behind the wheel of a nice car it’s quite exhilarating to open it up, and I am looking forward to the Classic race meeting very much.

“Everybody has got a little bit of competitiveness and aggression about them, so it will certainly be entertaining.”

People might be surprised by the pensioner’s ability to pass the ARDS written and practical tests, but the actor and voice-over artist enjoyed himself. He said of his training:

“It was a lot of fun. For someone who has followed motor racing since being a teenager, to drive around Silverstone and negotiate such legendary corners as Becketts and Stowe is just such a thrill.”

We wish him all the best for his debut race, and secretly hope that just before the green light, he drops a quick: “engage.”