Subaru Sets Record Lap at the Isle of Man TT Circuit
Subaru driver Mark Higgins set an all-time fastest lap of averaging 115.356 MPH Friday on the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course driving a US specification 2011 Subaru WRX STI.
The previous record of 100 MPH stood for 21 years. The lap took 19 minutes 37 seconds and the WRX STI hit speeds in excess of 162 MPH.
“This was the most thrilling and frightening thing I have ever done,” said Higgins, a Manx native. “It has been my dream to drive this course since I was a little boy and I am just elated that we were able to hit the speeds we did. The Subaru was just rock solid through the mountain section and took an amazing amount of punishment on the course.”
On his first practice run of the demanding TT circuit, Higgins averaged 113 MPH on the 37-mile course.
[ ADVERTISEMENT: Raman Media Network: Connecting Communities ]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 an open exhaust to warn spectators of the on-coming car.
The speed limiter was turned off to allow a higher maximum speed; springs and dampers were changed 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.
“We could not be more pleased with the result of this week’s drive,” said Dominick Infante, national manager, Product Communications, Subaru of America, Inc.
“The WRX STI performed incredibly well at near flat out speeds and Mark drove impeccably. His save at Bray Hill at 150 MPH was some of the best driving any of us have ever seen.”
Subaru is the official car partner of the Isle of Man TT Races.
