Mark, you are returning this TT to attempt to beat your
previous record of the fastest lap around around the TT
course. Any differences in the car or tactics this
time?
The car is the latest Subaru Impreza so a completely new car and
challenge. The spec is the same in terms of based around a
standard car with safety equipment, roll cage etc and suspension to
help on the bumps. Also a noisy exhaust to hear us
coming!!
As a manxie you must know the course very well. Do
you need a co-driver with pace notes on the attempt?
A co-driver would be useful but unfortunately the extra weight
does not help the speed so I have to keep learning it with
videos.
It's a very different place at 150mph plus so only real practice is
when you're able to drive at full speed with the road closed, so
I'm learning every lap and looking forward to my 4th
closed lap on Saturday.
Photo - Mark during
filming of Fast and Furious 6.
Do you have a favourite section of the
course?
Not Bray Hill!!! It's always nice coming over the mountain,
it's all amazing and a real honour to have the full course closed
for one car.
Will you be staying to take in some of the actual TT racing
and fun of the festival?
I'm here for the full two weeks with the family, the kids love it
here and it's great to be part of the TT, there is nothing like it
anywhere in the world and I have a lot of good bike
friends.
Photo - Mark "playing" on his bike.
You are best known as a rally driver but have you ever
tried racing motorbikes?
I currently have a 1000 GSX R from the TAS Suzuki
team which I do some track days on, I also have enduro
bikes.
I love my bikes and have massive respect for all the riders.
I'm definitely better and safer with 4 wheels though!!
The bikes give me a massive buzz and I will be heading to Spain
when my schedule slows down.
Photo - Mark during filming for Fast and Furious 6.
You were nominated for a Taurus World Stunt award after featuring in the amazing opening car-chase scene in the Quantum of Solace Bond movie. That must of been an amazing experience for you, how did it come about?
The films have been a great experience, I was lucky enough to win the Taurus for Skyfall and was nominated twice for Fast and Furious 6 which was a busy film for me driving most of the lead cars. It's very different to rallying as the driving part is the easiest part, it's making the rest work for the camera.
What has been the highlight of your career so
far?
I honestly must say driving around the TT course on my own, I have
had a great career so far and still very lucky to be competing in
China and Europe this year. There are many highlights, the
first British championship and the Manx ally wins are right up
there.
Video - Mark during his second practice attempt in 2011 when
he experienced "the biggest moment of my life" as he fought to
control the Subaru at the bottom of Bray Hill.
Article by Lisa Corkish with thanks to Mark Higgins.