Mark Higgins broke the Isle of Man TT Course lap record driving a new 2015 Subaru WRX STI on the treacherous 37-mile course with an average lap speed of 117.510 MPH and a time of 19 minutes and 15 seconds.

This new lap record breaks the previous record of 115.36 MPH that was set in 2011 in a 2011 WRX STI.

Mark Higgins said: “The build up to the lap is very intense and it is a fight the whole way around. I learn more every lap I take. The final run I was able to do a much cleaner lap. Just an amazing experience and I hope everyone enjoys the video.”

The car Higgins drove is a stock U.S.-spec 2015 WRX STI, with the exception of an FIA-spec roll-cage, racing seat and harness, fire suppression system and modified springs and dampers to handle the sustained high speeds and changing conditions of the course. The Subaru WRX STI also featured Dunlop Direzza tires and a high decibel straight exhaust for crowd safety. The speed limiter was also removed from the car.

The event, which has been comprehensively risk assessed by both Subaru and the ACU, including consultation with all relevant parties, took place under full, closed road race conditions.