As an actor, Dominic Monaghan specializes in playing characters who take part in an impossible quest ... of one kind or another. In 'The Lord of the Rings,' he starred as a hobbit engaged in a thousand-year struggle to destroy the One Ring of Power. On 'Lost,' he was a musician who tried to unravel the secrets of a tropical island (and who died in the process).

But on the racing show 'Top Gear' (Sun., 10PM ET on HIST), his job was much, much easier.

Dominic doesn't like cars very much -- he calls them his "least favorite form of transport." Nonetheless, on the new 'Top Gear,' he shattered the old celebrity racing record. In the process, he beat out a real-life hero: Astronaut Buzz Aldrin.