Mark Higgins smashes own Isle of Man lap record

He achieves feat in 305-hp 2015 Subaru WRX STI

2015 Subaru WRX STI at Isle of Man Photo by Subaru.


He achieves feat in 305-hp 2015 Subaru WRX STI

Subaru factory driver Mark Higgins smashed his own 2011 record lap on the Isle of Man TT road course this week by a stout 30.7 seconds. His weapon of choice was a U.S.-spec 2015 WRX STI, which averaged a full mile per hour more than the last model. His total time was 19 minutes, 26 seconds.

“It was quite a lap we did today, and I am really happy to have another record in the bank. The chassis on this new car is so much better, it really allowed me to pick up time in each sector in the more technical parts of the course,” Higgins said. “I think there is definitely time that we left on the course. I lost time on the second part of the track, overshooting my braking point at Signpost Corner. I actually hand-braked the turn in the end, so I feel we can definitely do better.”

The 2015 STI was in stock form except for the addition of an FIA roll cage, racing seat and harness; fire-suppression system; and modified springs and shocks. OK, so it wasn't a “stock” WRX, but it did run the stock amount of 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. It also featured Dunlop Direzza tires and a straight exhaust -- for the fans, of course.

“There is nothing like the TT course in all of racing; it's just an amazing circuit,” said Higgins. “Not just because of its length, but the elevation changes, constant surface variations as you shift from town to country roads and the fact that we run roughly 30 mph and then up to 160 plus for much of the race.”

We haven't seen the video yet, but after 2011's epic run, we're sure it'll be online soon.