British rally champion Mark Higgins called it ‘The biggest moment of my life’ – a sixth gear, 150mph (241km/h) lose – and miraculous save – on one of the Isle of Man TT course’s many treacherous corners. It happened in 2011 when Higgins was recruited by Subaru of America to attempt to reset the road car lap record on the iconic – yet infamous – British Isles street course. The previous long-standing record was well and truly smashed too, with the largely production-spec Impreza WRX STI the talented driver was behind the wheel of, lapping the 37.8-mile TT Mountain road circuit in 19 minutes and 56 seconds. That translates to an average speed of 113mph (182km/h), with an achieved top speed of 162mph (260km/h)! As the clip above shows, it was on the Bray Hill section – not long after the flying start – where Higgins came just a little bit unstuck. But like his passenger – who amazingly didn’t even seem to flinch while armfuls of corrective steering were being skillfully applied – Higgins lived to tell the tale of the unforgettable moment.
Not content though, he’s now headed back at the end of this month, and with a new-model, US specification STI at the ready will attempt to go even quicker. Hats off to that man!
Brad Lord
brad@speedhunters.com
Photo: Subaru
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This video has become a classic. I love how the passenger seems like he has no idea he just dodged a massive crash. Higgins is a serious wheelman.
BCisreallybored Of course it is. On the other hand, it seems that SH is running out of content...
Still a ways to go to catch up with the bikes. Superstock record stands at 17:15
wheatgodHave you ever seen the movie TT3D Closer to the edge? It will change your perspective on bikes. I am a car guy, but I am pretty sure there is no event greater than the TT Isle of Man with bikes.http://www.google.gr/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt1698010%2F&ei=4wdtU6itMsXF7AaygoCoDA&usg=AFQjCNFrtw23qh4C7z8uAyguKtWWoCWKlw&bvm=bv.66330100,d.ZGU
@Seeking Perfection wheatgodComplete agreement here. Rally drives are not of this earth and neither are F1 drivers....but Isle of Mann TT on a bike is just a whole other level of insanity. Getting wiggly at 190+ over a crest on 2 wheels..........YOWZA
I could've sworn I saw this posted here previously?
The bikes still reign supreme. This is a must watch if you haven't already...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWZG1nhgwgg
I hate subarus so much but yet I still read these posts
markivdx I will add those 2 incredibly popular videos that will convince almost everyone that is this the greatest race in the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRWp9rhfS_0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXR8Df_Bml0
Hope his return doesn't yield another squirrely vid - what a wheelman!
He lives his life 37 & 3/4s of a mile at a time...
Now I'm stuck watching TT POV bikes rip - different breed man - Moto GP ain't got nothing on them.
Keep in mind that was done with a largely stock vehicle. Put a F1 car into the equation and the bikes will look like they are standing still.
It was only a month ago people kept asking for video content. Now they are delivering on that request they've run out of content?
After seeing the Irish road racing series, these guys have the biggest pair of cajones, same thing as the TT, but with a grid start....just insanity,
Since a few people have shown interest on bikes at TT...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRWp9rhfS_0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXR8Df_Bml0
@Sam @Seeking Perfection This video is old. It's been posted by SH on SH before. Sure people have been asking for more video content, but this kind of video (along with thousands more) are available on youtube. I have to agree that the content has been somewhat scarce as of late. Lots of videos like this and manufacturer updates (normal "auto blog" type stuff), not enough core SH articles.
Lol, "biggest moment of my life there...". I've seen this clip several times and it never gets old. Thanks for posting
Some incredible skill on display there!
Anyone notice that trailer on the back carrying his balls?
Oh gee! The lap record I posted was by a largely stock bike as well!
Interestingly it's only a few seconds off the outright record. Which is amazing, and shows how close to full-on race-prepped superbikes modern production bikes are.
Also I would love to see the repair bill for whomever sends an F1 car round the Isle. I'd imagine the car would be rather chewed up.
@Kenny it was done before https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlxuzLGqT7U
wheatgod cool story bro.
Adrenalin + Skills = What a wonderful combination of fantastic driving!
Man, I nearly broke my mouse when I first saw this clip and still cringe at how the nearly bought it.
Godly reflexes!
Such rally, very drive... Wow.
Why does it have a number plate from Cleveland, Ohio?
Balls to the wall. Nice save!
wheatgod robzor I just have fun troll-trolling
Subaru USA once again doing the marketing that Subaru UK should be doing.
Loved the first attempt, look forward to watching them try again this year.
@Sam Okay sure. Getting an F1 to do half a lap without losing the front wing or rubbing a hole through the sump would be a feat in itself. This isn't like Macau or singapore streets
You're obviously missing the point of this article, point being: the man who dodged a massive crash is comming back to try again... That video never get's old!
Here's a http://youtu.be/0xvth-rKFgA showing more of the car and that crazy moment.
And the http://youtu.be/jFlSG9_Ue4A.