Subaru WRX STi blitzes TT Course Record

The long-standing road-car lap record for the Isle of Man TT circuit has been comprehensively smashed – in a Subaru WRX STI saloon, driven by former British Rally Champion Mark Higgins. It blitzed the record on the 37.8-mile course on its very first run, posting a lap time of 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds, translating to an average speed of 113mph. Higgins topped a peak speed of 162mph on the mad Manx lap. Higgins’ time is more than two minutes faster than the previous record, set by the late, great Tony Pond 21 years ago to the day (on 6 June 1990), at the wheel of a Rover 827 Vitesse. Pond was the first to break the average 100mph barrier in a road car, and his lap record has stood ever since. The TT event organisers gave Higgins just one lap to conduct his record attempt in the car, and there was no opportunity to carry out high speed practice runs – in an almost off-the-shelf, 300PS WRX STi. It was fitted with a roll cage, harnesses and fire extinguisher for safety and ran road-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres, while the springs and dampers were "adjusted to minimise any potential damage when the car encountering the various bumps and jumps at high speed along the course." It also has a "high-decibel exhaust" - allegedly to warn folk watching it was coming (more likely for serious power gains!).
“Setting the record was both the most exhilarating and the most frightening thing I have ever done,” explains Higgins. “The lap was simply fantastic, and the WRX STI behaved impeccably. That we managed to set such an impressive time at our first attempt is a great tribute to the Subaru, especially given that so few modifications have been made. The engine pulled incredibly strongly throughout and the cornering capability proved crucial on such a twisty, unforgiving course.”
The TT crowds got fully behind the record attempt, reports Higgins: “The atmosphere out on the circuit was incredible, especially once the spectators heard over the PA system that we were in the process of setting a new record. I could hear the cheers in the car and it really added to the experience.”
The WRX STI is currently available from all Subaru dealers with free satellite navigation and a free power upgrade, taking the power output to a blistering 320PS – more than enough, no doubt, to break the Isle of Man record yet again. The outright lap record on the TT course was set in 2009 by John McGuinness on a Honda CBR1000RR ‘Fireblade’ motorcycle.  McGuinness posted a time of 17 minutes and 12.3 seconds, equivalent to an average speed of 131mph. Deeply impressive stuff Subaru, and Mark – especially "the catch of the season" at Bray Hill! Wowzers. Video up next!