As 4:00pm sunsets settle in and celsius temperatures dip into the one digits, the time assault season throughout Japan begins. Earlier within the month, I made my solution to Tsukuba Circuit for an occasion I wasn’t solely conversant in.
The HKS Hiper Problem is on no account new, although. Courting again to the ’90s, it’s been a daily fixture, with occasions held at numerous circuits all throughout Japan. Being an HKS occasion, phrase is predominantly unfold through the tuning large’s home Efficiency Seller community, which advertises the Hiper Challenges to its loyal buyer base. That’s why you’ll discover most automobiles at these occasions working HKS elements.
My primary motive for being at Tsukuba on this specific day was to seize Jacky Tse, a New Zealand-based tuner and part-time monitor driving teacher, as he took his model new HKS-built GR86 out for its inaugural shakedown – and probably a number of timed laps. I’ve acquired a full story on that coming quickly, so look out for it.
Whereas the HKS Hiper Problem isn’t as well-known as different time attack-based occasions like Assault and the Rev Pace Tremendous Battle, it nonetheless attracts its share of devoted drivers.
In comparison with these occasions, the common participant right here was way more more likely to have pushed their automobile to the circuit slightly than have despatched it on the again of a transporter. That mentioned, calling the HKS Hiper Problem an ‘beginner’ occasion can be an understatement – there have been nonetheless loads of purpose-built, sub-one-minute automobiles floating across the pits.
Take, as an example, this kouki Nissan Silvia S14. Whereas it may appear a extra restrained method to time assault in comparison with the aero monsters you’d discover at different occasions, there’s no mistaking its goal.
Yashio Manufacturing facility’s Oka-chan was additionally in attendance along with his S15, including to the combination of Tsukuba-seasoned machines.
Among the finest elements of those extra accessible occasions is a greater variety of automobiles. This Revolfe-built Toyota Aristo – little question hiding a large single turbo and exterior wastegate – was a novel presence within the Tsukuba paddock.
The identical will be mentioned for this Toyota Chaser/Mark II. Whereas Toyota by no means had time assault in thoughts after they designed these JXZ land barges, if there’s one factor a Japanese monitor day will educate you, it’s that something is feasible.
In a sea of JDM efficiency automobiles, it was exhausting to overlook this Porsche GT3 RS. Although the proprietor didn’t have a lot luck on the day, there’s little question this automobile would simply crack a sub-minute lap at Tsukuba with the suitable circumstances.
This MkIV Toyota Supra stood out due to some unconventional downforce – trunk-mounted and chassis-mounted wings stacked on prime of each other.
There was just one lone AE86 in attendance, which was a bit shocking given the grassroots nature of the occasion. Underneath the hood, it had a 4A-GE 16-valve engine with its gas injection swapped for an open Keihin CR carburettor setup – simply successful my unofficial ‘Greatest Noise of the Day’ award.
GT and GR86s have been in every single place, as anticipated. The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ platform has lengthy been synonymous with HKS, and plenty of of those automobiles run both the HKS bolt-on turbocharger or supercharger package to inject some much-needed spice into the usual boxer engine.
Inventory bodywork was surprisingly in style at this occasion. I’ve to say; it was refreshing to see many contributors preserving their automobiles at manufacturing facility dimensions, serving as a strong baseline to measure what will be achieved mechanically earlier than diving into extra excessive modifications.
R35 Nissan GT-Rs have been out in numbers on the HKS Hiper Problem. With large aftermarket help and costs now sitting at a candy spot for a mid-level second-hand supercar, it’s no shock in any respect.
For a lot of, the HKS Hiper Problem serves as a stepping stone to the extra aggressive time assault occasions. As February’s Assault Tsukuba approaches, many entrants use this occasion to hone their automobiles, logging essential seat time.
In comparison with their in style and extremely profitable rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Imprezas haven’t had a complete lot of pull within the time assault world. However it’s at all times cool to see a number of out and about.
It’s straightforward to see why many select the Evo path – the 4G63 engine is tough to beat by way of energy potential and reliability.
What I beloved most concerning the HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba was its relaxed, grassroots vibe. Many drivers attend with associates, utilizing the occasion as a chance to match automobiles and instances across the iconic TC2000 course. It’s a far much less aggressive environment than the likes of Assault and even an Idlers Membership occasion.
My private favorite of the day? This pair of yellow Nissan S14s. Not over-the-top, SR20-powered, with full interiors – simply the suitable steadiness for automobiles which are as enjoyable on the road as they’re on the monitor.
Earlier than attending the 2024 HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba, I wasn’t conversant in the occasion, having by no means seen it coated by Western media. This acquired me pondering: I’m usually requested for recommendation on the right way to discover occasions just like the Hiper Problem when visiting Japan. Whereas there’s no definitive reply – some occasions are marketed in magazines, others on circuit calendars, and a few are simply tweeted about – there’s at all times one thing occurring on the tracks. So, for those who’re on a JDM pilgrimage, I’d extremely advocate swinging by considered one of these circuits. You by no means know what you may encounter.
Alec Pender
Instagram:Â noplansco
