Thursday, June 30, 2011

Subaru Isle of Man TT Record Attempt - A must watch!

If you guys haven't watched this, you seriously have to. Especially the last bit where the driver, Mark Higgins (Isle of Mann native and multiple rally champion), talks through the "moment" at Brey Hill when he momentarily loses, and then regains, control of the WRX STI at more than 250 kph!

The in-car and out-car footages weren't sped up and the video comes complete with overhead helicopter shots. You can actually see the heli from the out-car video feed, as it flies ahead of the Subby, throughout the attempt. Lastly, watch it all in glorious 1080p HD. You won't regret it!
 


Subaru of America, Inc. has released a new YouTube video of the 2011 Subaru WRX STI setting an all-time course record for the historic Isle of Man TT Mountain Course. The 5 minute 25 second video highlights in graphic detail the speed and drama surrounding rally driver Mark Higgins' lap that averaged 115.356 MPH. After the run, Higgins talks through the "moment" at Brey Hill when he momentarily loses, and then regains, control of the WRX STI at more than 150 MPH.

Driving a US specification 2011 Subaru WRX STI, Higgins achieved speeds of 162 MPH and a lapped time of 19 minutes 37 seconds over the 37-mile track, navigating more than 200 corners.

"This is one of the most daunting tracks I have ever driven, and the most terrifying," said Higgins, a Manx native. "We were only able to get two practice runs and on our second practice I had the biggest "moment" of my career. We had a passenger on the run and so coming into Bray Hill at more than 150 MPH, the extra weight compressed the suspension more than on previous runs and shifted the Subaru to the left and then right as I corrected--it was a real tank slapper. The whole thing went by so quickly that we never slowed below 110 MPH, and then we were back on the power. It was amazing and the helicopter shots really show just how hairy it really was."

The WRX STI was a production US spec car running a standard 305 HP turbocharged boxer engine. Some safety modifications were made. The Subaru was equipped with a Lifeline fire suppression system, Hockley Motorsports roll cage, motordrive competition seats, Mintex brake pads (but stock calipers and rotors), and a louder open exhaust to warn spectators of the on-coming car. The speed limiter was turned off to allow a higher maximum speed; off-the shelf Tien springs and dampers were added to accommodate the numerous high-speed jumps on the circuit, sending the WRX STI almost four feet off the ground. The car ran on street legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires.

Spare Engine Rebuild Update: Installation

Its been awhile since my last post but never fear, the car is in the final phase of the rebuild. The RB26 block that originally came with the car has been taken out, allowing for the engine bay to be resprayed and the rebuilt engine installed, along with a few new goodies.

Tomei Oversized Oil Pump and Trust Extended Sump

The RB26 head being prepped

 The head installed

The RB26 that was in the car - it will now assume the role of the spare engine

The engine bay without a RB26

The engine bay repainted in stunning silver - very clean and a much nicer than dull primer!

The HKS GT-SS twin turbos installed along with the ceramic coated HKS turbo elbows

 The Exedy Twin Plate Racing Clutch installed

 The Nismo Intake Collector along with the HKS fuel rail as well as R34 GT-R cover emblem

 
The rebuilt RB26 has finally be installed into the engine bay :)