My late father was one of the area engineers who ran the department that were responsible for the blue three-wheeler invalid trikes. Some were made by AC - the sports car company (the Shelby Cobra was originally an AC) some were made by Greeves, who also made Motocross bikes.
Both companies produced "special" versions for the Ministry engineers- using 380cc MX motors instead of the 200cc versions.
My dad and his colleagues used to play at pulling wheelies and doing traffic light drag races on Blackpool Prom.
Some people only become engineers because of the thrill of speed.
The problem with Top Gear is the wilfull ignorance about any of the technical stuff - except of course the "nearly FOUR HUNDRED brake horsepower" phrase which come into every car review.
Having said all that, I wish Richard Hammmonds a full recovery- because I know full well that if I'd been there, and I'd been offered a run, I'd have gone for the record.
Cheers
Darowyn