As 4:00pm sunsets settle in and celsius temperatures dip into the only digits, the time assault season throughout Japan begins. Earlier within the month, I made my approach to Tsukuba Circuit for an occasion I wasn’t fully conversant in.
The HKS Hiper Problem is under no circumstances new, although. Courting again to the ’90s, it’s been a daily fixture, with occasions held at varied circuits all throughout Japan. Being an HKS occasion, phrase is predominantly unfold through the tuning large’s home Efficiency Supplier community, which advertises the Hiper Challenges to its loyal buyer base. That’s why you’ll discover most automobiles at these occasions operating HKS elements.
My essential motive for being at Tsukuba on this explicit day was to seize Jacky Tse, a New Zealand-based tuner and part-time observe driving teacher, as he took his model new HKS-built GR86 out for its inaugural shakedown – and doubtlessly a number of timed laps. I’ve obtained 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 Velocity Tremendous Battle, it nonetheless attracts its share of devoted drivers.
In comparison with these occasions, the common participant right here was much more more likely to have pushed their automotive to the circuit slightly than have despatched it on the again of a transporter. That mentioned, calling the HKS Hiper Problem an ‘novice’ occasion can be an understatement – there have been nonetheless loads of purpose-built, sub-one-minute automobiles floating across the pits.
Take, for example, this kouki Nissan Silvia S14. Whereas it might sound a extra restrained strategy to time assault in comparison with the aero monsters you’d discover at different occasions, there’s no mistaking its goal.
Yashio Manufacturing unit’s Oka-chan was additionally in attendance along with his S15, including to the combination of Tsukuba-seasoned machines.
Among the best elements of those extra accessible occasions is a greater diversity of automobiles. This Revolfe-built Toyota Aristo – little question hiding a large single turbo and exterior wastegate – was a singular presence within the Tsukuba paddock.
The identical may 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 observe day will educate you, it’s that something is feasible.
In a sea of JDM efficiency automobiles, it was onerous to overlook this Porsche GT3 RS. Although the proprietor didn’t have a lot luck on the day, there’s little question this automotive would simply crack a sub-minute lap at Tsukuba with the best circumstances.
This MkIV Toyota Supra stood out because of some unconventional downforce – trunk-mounted and chassis-mounted wings stacked on high 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 gasoline injection swapped for an open Keihin CR carburettor setup – simply profitable my unofficial ‘Finest Noise of the Day’ award.
GT and GR86s have been all over the place, as anticipated. The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ platform has lengthy been synonymous with HKS, and lots 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 standard at this occasion. I’ve to say; it was refreshing to see many members retaining their automobiles at manufacturing facility dimensions, serving as a stable baseline to measure what may 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 assist 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 standard and extremely profitable rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Imprezas haven’t had an entire lot of pull within the time assault world. But it surely’s all the time cool to see a number of out and about.
It’s simple to see why many select the Evo path – the 4G63 engine is tough to beat when it comes to energy potential and reliability.
What I cherished most in regards to the HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba was its relaxed, grassroots vibe. Many drivers attend with buddies, utilizing the occasion as a possibility to match automobiles and instances across the iconic TC2000 course. It’s a far much less aggressive ambiance 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 best steadiness for automobiles which can be as enjoyable on the road as they’re on the observe.
Earlier than attending the 2024 HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba, I wasn’t conversant in the occasion, having by no means seen it lined by Western media. This obtained me considering: I’m usually requested for recommendation on learn how 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 all the time one thing occurring on the tracks. So, in case you’re on a JDM pilgrimage, I’d extremely suggest swinging by one in every of these circuits. You by no means know what you may come across.
Alec Pender
Instagram:Â noplansco
