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Mark Higgins smashes TT Car Record

Mon, 06 Jun 2011

Dave Kneen's picture of Higgins at Ballaugh Bridge
Dave Kneen's picture of Higgins at Ballaugh Bridge

Manxman Mark Higgins blew away all expectations with a sensational opening run this afternoon of the Subaru USA Demonstration lap.

The multiple British Rally Champion was aiming to emulate the late Tony Pond's famous 100mph lap from 1990.

Before the lap, Mark told Chris Boyde that he was uncertain about achieving the 'ton'.

[Play first clip, listed below to hear pre-lap interview]

Higgins was given a flying start from Governor's Bridge and was expected to reach Glen Helen in 6 minutes to be on the 100mph schedule. However he blitzed that and passed the famous checkpoint in 4min 59.75sec. (Average speed 116.3mph)

3½ minutes later he was at Ballaugh as all 4 wheels left the ground giving fans a real treat.

Only 12 minutes after leaving the Capital, the rally ace was in Ramsey and despite admitting missing a few gears he was averaging over 124mph.

It was then on to the long climb from the Hairpin to the Mountain mile where the average speed dropped, but he then checked in at the Bungalow in 16 minutes, 10 seconds. (120.87mph)

That left the rapid descent down the Mountain and the run via Cronk Ny Mona (18m51.12sec) where Mark admitted he was struggling with brake fade.

To an amazed Grandstand, he crossed line just 19 minutes 56.67seconds after starting. That's an average speed of 113.505mph.

Mark spoke to Chris Boyde just after the lap [Play second interview].

Media

  • Mark Higgins before the Lap

  • Mark Higgins after the record breaking Lap

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