As 4:00pm sunsets settle in and celsius temperatures dip into the one digits, the time attack season across Japan begins. Earlier within the month, I made my method to Tsukuba Circuit for an event I wasn’t entirely conversant in.
The HKS Hiper Challenge is under no circumstances recent, though. Dating back to the ’90s, it’s been a daily fixture, with events held at various circuits all across Japan. Being an HKS event, word is predominantly spread via the tuning giant’s domestic Performance Dealer network, which advertises the Hiper Challenges to its loyal customer base. That’s why you’ll find most cars at these events running HKS parts.
My essential reason for being at Tsukuba on this particular day was to capture Jacky Tse, a Recent Zealand-based tuner and part-time track driving instructor, as he took his brand recent HKS-built GR86 out for its inaugural shakedown – and potentially a couple of timed laps. I’ve got a full story on that coming soon, so look out for it.
While the HKS Hiper Challenge isn’t as well-known as other time attack-based events like Attack and the Rev Speed Super Battle, it still draws its share of dedicated drivers.
In comparison with those events, the common participant here was much more prone to have driven their automotive to the circuit moderately than have sent it on the back of a transporter. That said, calling the HKS Hiper Challenge an ‘amateur’ event could be an understatement – there have been still loads of purpose-built, sub-one-minute cars floating across the pits.
Take, as an example, this kouki Nissan Silvia S14. While it may appear a more restrained approach to time attack in comparison with the aero monsters you’d find at other events, there’s no mistaking its purpose.
Yashio Factory’s Oka-chan was also in attendance together with his S15, adding to the combo of Tsukuba-seasoned machines.
Among the best facets of those more accessible events is a greater variety of cars. This Revolfe-built Toyota Aristo – little doubt hiding an enormous single turbo and external wastegate – was a singular presence within the Tsukuba paddock.
The identical could be said for this Toyota Chaser/Mark II. While Toyota never had time attack in mind once they designed these JXZ land barges, if there’s one thing a Japanese track day will teach you, it’s that anything is feasible.
In a sea of JDM performance cars, it was hard to miss this Porsche GT3 RS. Though the owner didn’t have much luck on the day, there’s little doubt this automotive would easily crack a sub-minute lap at Tsukuba with the fitting conditions.
This MkIV Toyota Supra stood out due to some unconventional downforce – trunk-mounted and chassis-mounted wings stacked on top of each other.
There was just one lone AE86 in attendance, which was a bit surprising given the grassroots nature of the event. Under the hood, it had a 4A-GE 16-valve engine with its fuel injection swapped for an open Keihin CR carburettor setup – easily winning my unofficial ‘Best Noise of the Day’ award.
GT and GR86s were in all places, as expected. The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ platform has long been synonymous with HKS, and plenty of of those cars run either the HKS bolt-on turbocharger or supercharger kit to inject some much-needed spice into the usual boxer engine.
Stock bodywork was surprisingly popular at this event. I even have to say; it was refreshing to see many participants keeping their cars at factory dimensions, serving as a solid baseline to measure what could be achieved mechanically before diving into more extreme modifications.
R35 Nissan GT-Rs were out in numbers on the HKS Hiper Challenge. With massive aftermarket support and costs now sitting at a sweet spot for a mid-level second-hand supercar, it’s no surprise in any respect.
For a lot of, the HKS Hiper Challenge serves as a stepping stone to the more competitive time attack events. As February’s Attack Tsukuba approaches, many entrants use this event to hone their cars, logging crucial seat time.
In comparison with their popular and highly successful rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Imprezas haven’t had an entire lot of pull within the time attack world. But it surely’s all the time cool to see a couple of out and about.
It’s easy to see why many select the Evo path – the 4G63 engine is difficult to beat by way of power potential and reliability.
What I loved most concerning the HKS Hiper Challenge Tsukuba was its relaxed, grassroots vibe. Many drivers attend with friends, using the event as a possibility to check cars and times around the long-lasting TC2000 course. It’s a far less competitive atmosphere than the likes of Attack and even an Idlers Club event.
My personal favourite of the day? This pair of yellow Nissan S14s. Not over-the-top, SR20-powered, with full interiors – just the fitting balance for cars which might be as fun on the road as they’re on the track.
Before attending the 2024 HKS Hiper Challenge Tsukuba, I wasn’t conversant in the event, having never seen it covered by Western media. This got me pondering: I’m often asked for advice on easy methods to find events just like the Hiper Challenge when visiting Japan. While there’s no definitive answer – some events are advertised in magazines, others on circuit calendars, and a few are only tweeted about – there’s all the time something happening on the tracks. So, if you happen to’re on a JDM pilgrimage, I’d highly recommend swinging by one among these circuits. You never know what you would possibly bump into.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
