Subaru Isle of Man TT Record Attempt

Subaru of America, Inc. has released a new YouTube video of the 2011 Subaru WRX STI setting an all-time course record for the historic Isle of Man TT Mountain Course. The 5 minute 25 second video highlights in graphic detail the speed and drama surrounding rally driver Mark Higgins' lap that averaged 115.356 MPH. After the run, Higgins talks through the "moment" at Brey Hill when he momentarily loses, and then regains, control of the WRX STI at more than 150 MPH.




Driving a US specification 2011 Subaru WRX STI, Higgins achieved speeds of 162 MPH and a lapped time of 19 minutes 37 seconds over the 37-mile track, navigating more than 200 corners.

"This is one of the most daunting tracks I have ever driven, and the most terrifying," said Higgins, a Manx native. "We were only able to get two practice runs and on our second practice I had the biggest "moment" of my career. We had a passenger on the run and so coming into Bray Hill at more than 150 MPH, the extra weight compressed the suspension more than on previous runs and shifted the Subaru to the left and then right as I corrected--it was a real tank slapper. The whole thing went by so quickly that we never slowed below 110 MPH, and then we were back on the power. It was amazing and the helicopter shots really show just how hairy it really was."

The WRX STI was a production US spec car running a standard 305 HP turbocharged boxer engine. Some safety modifications were made. The Subaru was equipped with a Lifeline fire suppression system, Hockley Motorsports roll cage, motordrive competition seats, Mintex brake pads (but stock calipers and rotors), and a louder open exhaust to warn spectators of the on-coming car. The speed limiter was turned off to allow a higher maximum speed; off-the shelf Tien springs and dampers were added to accommodate the numerous high-speed jumps on the circuit, sending the WRX STI almost four feet off the ground. The car ran on street legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires.

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[lienjwardx]

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[mrwezg]

I was there watching it in person and I can say this guy can drive.

[itsnotfairmate]

Great control on that hairy 150mph moment. Argue all you like about bikes or cars you have to respect the skill , bravery and reactions. If you don't your just an idiot.

[moonshinepz]

I was there as well. But went for the bikes. If I wanted to watch a chav in a subaru being chased by a helicopter I could have stayed in Liverpool and not rode onto the ferry ;) 

[craighold2001]

Well Daniel I am a shit pointless fool what's your point? Be a man then and explain to me why we should be so exited about a dude lapping the Isle of Man significantly slower on 4 wheels than most rookies do on 2?? I think my grandad could do it faster if he wasn't dead.

[Daniel Hampson]

And you're a shit pointless fool! Comments on here really do piss me off sometimes!!

[craighold2001]

He had a moment !!! What's he going to do, bang his head on the sun visor ??? Try going round on a supper bike with the big boys then I'm sure you'd know what a moment was. What a shit pointless video that was

[John Smith]

Subaru cars and Honda motorbikes....nuff said....those who know...understand...

[stackator]

You know what? This nowhere as exciting as the superbikes at IOM TT, in fact it feels slow in comparison. zzzzzzzzzzz

[Scott May]

Huge F1 fan in the states, drinks miller beer and drives a dodge charger..snooty? Truck driver here, wrench my own cars and trucks. Driver respecting drivers. Nothing like drifting 80,000lbs in a big rig.

[Scott May]

I used to watch Nascar...boring as hell. Grand Am, Baja, World Rally racing is so much better. F1 is the tops because of the technical, engineering, left n right turns, Respect for anyone who can race these. That takes skill.