Scott Speed Shatters Mount Washington Record in Subaru's Project Midnight WRX

Scott Speed has set a new record up Mount Washington, completing the climb in 5 minutes and 11.89 seconds behind the wheel of Subaru's Project Midnight WRX. The time beats Travis Pastrana's previous record by more than 16 seconds.

67. That older car was originally built for Gymkhana and rallycross, making it suited for jumps but not ideal for Mount Washington's paved surface. Project Midnight weighs about 300 pounds less than the Airslayer STI, coming in under 2,500 pounds, though its 670 horsepower is significantly lower than the Airslayer's 862 hp.

Speed, known for Global Rallycross but with roots in NASCAR and Formula 1, had already set track records in both cars at Virginia International Raceway. He also took second overall and won fastest internal combustion car at Goodwood in 2024 and 2025.

A key factor in the record was the mountain itself: the final dirt section of the Mount Washington Auto Road was paved in 2022, guaranteeing faster times for everyone and removing the need for dirt capability.

Practice showed Speed's pace early. On the first day, his second run of 2:21.5 was fastest, more than five seconds ahead of Pastrana. The second day started rainy, but conditions dried for a 3:07.3 run, six seconds faster than Pastrana.

Race day brought weather delays and poor visibility, with the first run only going halfway up. The summit cleared at the last minute, giving Speed one full run. He took it, setting the new record.

This was Speed's first time competing at Mount Washington, and he only got one full run. His practice times improved each run, suggesting more time could be dropped. A return to the next Climb to the Clouds, possibly with upgrades, might see him break the five-minute mark.