Although the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is best known for challenging the wits and skills of sports bike riders, Subaru and rally driver Mark Higgins have returned and set another record.
With an average speed of 116.470 miles per hour, Higgins completed the Isle of Man TT’s Mountain Course in 19 minutes and 26 seconds in a 2015 WRX STI sedan. The kicker? The WRX STI used was largely stock, except for a handful of required modifications, including a FIA-spec roll cage, racing seats and harnesses, a fire suppression system, stickier Dunlop Direzza tires, uprated suspension components and a removed speed limiter.
Higgins also held the previous record, which was completed with a 2010 WRX STI with similar modifications. That particular record was set on the Snaefell Mountain Circuit, averaging 115.36 miles per hour and clocking a time of 19 minutes and 56.7 seconds. Perhaps the most memorable part of that run was Higgins’ “moment” where he nearly lost control of the WRX STI, but saved with some admittedly impressive driving skills. Catch it in the video below:
