Subaru WRX STI Isle of Man Record

For those of you who don’t know about Isle of Man, this magical place at the top of England has some of the greatest driving roads in the worlds and a world famous TT course which is home to the the world’s greatest superbike challenge. The narrow roads and tight bends are suitable for bikes, but not cars. That’s why not many have done a full lap of the course. 21 years ago a Rover 827 set a lap record around the 37.8-mile track which remains unchanged, until now. A standard Subaru WRX STI driven by former rally champ Mark Higgins jut smashed the previosu record by lapping the course in 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds, translating to an average speed of 113mph.  The peak speed achieved during the lap was 162mph. That’s over 2 minutes faster than the previous record. Subaru press release: 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. The WRX STI used for the record breaking run was a standard Subaru production car, equipped with a 300PS Horizontally-Opposed Boxer engine, unmodified brake callipers and with road-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres.  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. In recognition of the speeds involved, and the fact that there are little or no crash barriers around most of the TT road circuit, the WRX STI was fitted with some essential safety enhancements.  These included an MSA-specification T45 integrated roll cage, TRS race harnesses and a Lifeline extinguisher system.  To help forewarn spectators of the presence of the oncoming car, the Subaru team also fitted the WRX STI with a high-decibel exhaust. “Setting the record was both the most exhilarating and the most frightening thing I have ever done,” explains Higgins, whose career as a driver in the British and World Rally Championships hasn’t exactly been short of excitement.  “The rules allow for a flying start, so I crossed the line at 125mph.  I then went down through the Bray Hill junction – normally taken at around 20mph – at over 150mph.  Once that tricky section was out of the way I settled into the lap and quickly got used to the balance and sheer pace of the car. “In the end the lap was simply fantastic, and the WRX STI behaved impeccably,” explains Higgins.  “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.