Thousands of enthusiasts from around the world come here to participate and watch these races.
Bike riders have been risking everything for more than a century while traversing this 37.5-mile loop at the maximum speed possible. The TT (Tourist Trophy) is the most important event that is organized here for sure as it attracts tourists from all over world.
Subaru enters the picture
While most tracks around the world are meant for both cars and motorbikes, the IoM (Isle of Man) is exclusively for two-wheelers. Or at least it used to be. In 2011, Subaru was a sponsor for one race and used a stock 2011 WRX STi to finish the loop in less than 20 minutes which broke the record for the fastest lap time. They got a mixed response for this with some enjoying the effort and others not so much.
Well you cannot satisfy everyone. Even some people do not like the movies Braveheart or Transformers. What can you say?!
Despite how much Subaru has done for the TT, it is still resisted by certain officials and fans for some reasons. Subaru has set even faster records on the track in recent years, but it has always been nothing more than an afterthought. This year, Subaru came back with a rally car that set a new 17:35 minute record. This is only 31 seconds shy of the fastest lap ever on the track set by a two-wheeler which is pretty impressive for any car.
Operation super Subaru
The latest STi is one quick car. With a 2.5 L turbocharged four cylinder boxer engine and 305 hp, it can go from 0-60 in less than 5 seconds. It also has a maximum speed of 159 mph. While these numbers are quite impressive, most of the TT circuit is flat meaning that there were just a few minutes on the table without any high output changes made to the powertrain of the STi.
Instead of just increasing the turbochargers diameter, Subaru went for the Prodrive. The Japanese Automobile giant has designed vehicles for a number of segments and have been delivering a very consistent line of products. They recently transformed the stock WRX STi into a car that looked and performed like made especially for the Isle of Man circuit.
When they were done modifying the engine, the WRX STi had 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque through a 2 L turbocharged engine. The curb weight was reduced to 2,600 lbs and the engine was mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The car topped out at 180 mph. The car’s suspension had been overhauled to mimic WRC specifications, and an FIA spec roll cage was added too. Six piston ventilated discs with huge 355 mm calipers were also added.
Ultimately, the TT is a bike race and no one, including Subaru, is going to try and change that. Sadly, any efforts by auto brands to support the event and expand its fan base has not received equal backing from TT enthusiasts or officials.
The door is open, but it will take a very long time for cars to actually be able to step through this portal. It takes time to change some mindsets but Subaru is doing a good job. Hey, there are still some people who believe FDR did not make the Great Depression worse and last as long as it did, what can you say? Some people are set in their ways.
