If you had to describe Helen Mirren in a few words, “racer” or “thrill seeker” probably wouldn’t be at the top of your list. After all, this is the woman who stared in The Queen and Woman in Gold.

Helen Mirren is cultured, classy, intelligent, talented and funny. It’s just hard to imagine her racing around a track, swearing and smiling as her car screeches through corner after adrenaline pumping corner.

Well, as it Turns Out, Helen Actually Loves Cars

More than that, she’s got something of a lead foot – at least that’s how it looked when she raced around the Top Gear test track.

The following Top Gear video was shot several years ago, but, given Helen Mirren’s recent announcement that she will be appearing in Fast 8, a film about illegal street racing, it’s worth taking another look.

She raced around the Top Gear track in a respectable 1 minute 52 seconds, putting her ahead of Brian Cox, Jimmy Car and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Clearly, Helen has come a long way since her first car, which was an MG Midget. In all seriousness, it’s wonderful to see Helen Mirren following her passions and breaking aging stereotypes.

Life After 60 Should Be Whatever You Want it to Be

If you want to learn to ride a motorcycle or skydive, I say “Go for it!” If you would prefer to play chess in the park, improve your knitting skills or take up French cooking, that’s fine too.

The important thing is not to feel like there are any “rules” when it comes to aging. Helen Mirren is a wonderful example of this. She could take it easy, but, instead she is still pursuing her passions and approaching life with a sense of humor.

What is your passion in life? What is it that you always wanted to do? What did you think of Helen Mirren’s Top Gear lap? Please join the conversation.