Subaru will return to the world-famous Isle of Man TT course with its new 2015 WRX STI performance saloon in a bit to beat its own four-wheeled lap record.
Mark Higgins, who currently holds the record, will once again be the man given the task of taking on the 37.73-mile course and hoping to beat the current record, set in 2011, of 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds – an average of 115.36mph.
As with the 2011 record attempt, the new WRX STI will be a standard Subaru production car, equipped with 300ps 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, unmodified brake callipers and road-legal tyres. The nature of the TT course, with all of its bumps and jumps, requires there to be slight modifications to the Subaru’s springs and dampers to minimise any potential damage. It will also be equipped with a roll-cage, race harness and a fire suppression system for safety purposes.
While attempting to set the record in 2011, Higgins experienced the ‘biggest moment of his life’ going down Bray Hill, which was caught on video and has gone on to become one of the most memorable videos of the Isle of Man TT course, attracting millions of views on YouTube. The video can be seen here.
“Setting the record was totally exhilarating and one of the highlights of my career – Bray Hill certainly added to the thrill,” said Higgins. “As a Manxman, I love the TT Races and I have a huge amount of respect for the TT riders and what they do. It will be a real honour to attempt a new fastest car lap.”
Higgins will attempt to break the record in three timed runs under closed road conditions on Saturday May 31st, Monday June 2nd and Wednesday June 4th.
