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 strategy to Tsukuba Circuit for an occasion I wasn’t totally aware of.
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 by way of the tuning big’s home Efficiency Seller community, which advertises the Hiper Challenges to its loyal buyer base. That’s why you’ll discover most vehicles at these occasions working HKS elements.
My most important cause for being at Tsukuba on this explicit 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 couple 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 much more more likely to have pushed their automobile to the circuit somewhat than have despatched it on the again of a transporter. That stated, calling the HKS Hiper Problem an ‘novice’ occasion can be an understatement – there have been nonetheless loads of purpose-built, sub-one-minute vehicles floating across the pits.
Take, for 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 function.
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 facets of those extra accessible occasions is a greater diversity of vehicles. 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 could be stated 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 vehicles, 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 automobile would simply crack a sub-minute lap at Tsukuba with the correct 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. Below 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 in every single place, as anticipated. The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ platform has lengthy been synonymous with HKS, and lots of of those vehicles 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 common at this occasion. I’ve to say; it was refreshing to see many contributors retaining their vehicles at manufacturing facility dimensions, serving as a strong baseline to measure what could 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 vehicles, logging essential seat time.
In comparison with their common and extremely profitable rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Imprezas haven’t had an entire lot of pull within the time assault world. Nevertheless it’s all the time cool to see a couple of out and about.
It’s straightforward 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 concerning the HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba was its relaxed, grassroots vibe. Many drivers attend with buddies, utilizing the occasion as a chance to match vehicles and occasions 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 correct steadiness for vehicles which might be as enjoyable on the road as they’re on the monitor.
Earlier than attending the 2024 HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba, I wasn’t aware of the occasion, having by no means seen it coated by Western media. This acquired me considering: I’m typically requested for recommendation on tips on 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 the event you’re on a JDM pilgrimage, I’d extremely suggest swinging by one among these circuits. You by no means know what you may come upon.
Alec Pender
Instagram:Â noplansco
