Over four years ago, AMS shocked the world taking a Mitsubishi EVO VIII and setting all sorts of new records with it. Back then it eclipsed the mid-to-low 9-second mark on the drag strip and a couple of years later they bested all the marks with a new world record at 8.42 @ 168.7 mph. The car then went on to break horsepower records dropping 1,181 all wheel horsepower. So everyone had to ask, what was left for this straight-line bullet to achieve in the record books? Well, why not the world’s fastest standing mile for a four-cylinder? And that’s exactly what AMS did with their EVO at The Texas Mile a few weeks back, breaking yet another world record and going 228 mph.

It wasn’t all that happened that fateful run however. It seemed as if the car itself knew that there was very little left it could achieve after four years of dominating all sorts of records. The car unfortunately catches fire and driver Eric Jones wisely bails himself out of a vehicle that had just gone close to 230 mph. While it seems very tragic that AMS’ EVO VIII was on fire, we’re sure deep down the boys over there are looking forward to building something new. We know we all are, after four years of watching this one succeed.

Make sure to check out the in-car video of this record-setting Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII after the jump:

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The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School is launching a new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution driving experience. Participants will be able to get behind the wheel of Mitsu’s amazing new EVO X on one of America’s best race tracks, Infineon.

Along with a classroom component, drivers will be able to pilot the track-ready EVO while they develop their racing technique, car control skills and get some serious speed out on the track.

“Deciding to work with Mitsubishi Motors for The Lancer Evolution program was an easy choice,” said Chip Pankow, president of Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. “We have been using the 4G63 engines in our Lola-built school cars and found them to be exceptionally reliable. The launch of The Jim Russell Lancer Evolution Experience strengthens our position as the leader in delivering new concepts and deliverables for automotive manufacturers seeking to broaden their customer base.”

Mitsubishi will officially announce the new school program on July 11 at the annual Mitsubishi Owners Day (M.O.D.), held at the Japanese automaker’s Cypress, Ca offices. There will even be a draw for the first seat in the Jim Russell Lancer Evolution Experience. Jim Russell puts the value at $1,000, but thrashing an EVO X at Infineon is practically priceless.

Official release after the jump:

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