Mark Higgins wasn't satisfied with his previous record set on Wednesday, so he took out his 2015 Subaru Impreza WRX STI again around the 37 mile TT course and set a new one at 117,5 mph.
Apparently, several errors during this week's earlier runs slowed Higgins down and the team was determined to go for a last push getting everything plus more out of that WRX STI.
The car was a US-spec model with the exception of an FIA-spec roll-cage, racing seat and harness, fire suppression system and modified springs and dampers. It also featured Dunlop Direzza tires and a high decibel straight exhaust for crowd safety. The speed limiter was also removed for obvious reasons.
Here's what Higgins had to say after completing a lap at an average speed of 117.510 and a time of 19 minutes and 15 second:
This was a great run when everything came together and I was able to do a much cleaner lap as I am still learning where I can go flat in this car. I am really happy to beat the lap records set by John McGuiness in the Zero Bikes and the sidecar lap record as John was riding me about that! I can't say enough about the new WRX STI and how much abuse it has taken as we have really ridden it hard over this course for three very fast runs and this is definitely not an easy course. The chassis on this new car is just night and day.
A big thanks to all the organizers and marshals who volunteer their time here and who made this drive happen and also made it a safe run!
Stay tuned for the video...