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 totally conversant in.
The HKS Hiper Problem is in no way new, although. Courting again to the ’90s, it’s been an everyday fixture, with occasions held at numerous circuits all throughout Japan. Being an HKS occasion, phrase is predominantly unfold by way of the tuning big’s home Efficiency Vendor 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 predominant purpose 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 doubtlessly 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 Velocity Tremendous Battle, it nonetheless attracts its share of devoted drivers.
In comparison with these occasions, the common participant right here was way more prone to have pushed their automobile to the circuit reasonably than have despatched it on the again of a transporter. That stated, calling the HKS Hiper Problem an ‘newbie’ occasion could 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 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 unit’s Oka-chan was additionally in attendance along with his S15, including to the combo of Tsukuba-seasoned machines.
Among the finest points of those extra accessible occasions is a greater variety of automobiles. This Revolfe-built Toyota Aristo – little doubt hiding an enormous single turbo and exterior wastegate – was a singular presence within the Tsukuba paddock.
The identical will 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 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 doubt this automobile would simply crack a sub-minute lap at Tsukuba with the appropriate situations.
This MkIV Toyota Supra stood out because of 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 stunning given the grassroots nature of the occasion. Beneath the hood, it had a 4A-GE 16-valve engine with its gasoline injection swapped for an open Keihin CR carburettor setup – simply successful my unofficial ‘Greatest Noise of the Day’ award.
GT and GR86s had been in all places, 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 equipment to inject some much-needed spice into the usual boxer engine.
Inventory bodywork was surprisingly fashionable at this occasion. I’ve to say; it was refreshing to see many individuals maintaining 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 had been out in numbers on the HKS Hiper Problem. With huge 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 fashionable and extremely profitable rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Imprezas haven’t had a complete lot of pull within the time assault world. But it surely’s at all times cool to see a number of out and about.
It’s simple to see why many select the Evo path – the 4G63 engine is difficult to beat when it comes to energy potential and reliability.
What I beloved most in regards to the HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba was its relaxed, grassroots vibe. Many drivers attend with buddies, utilizing the occasion as a chance to check automobiles 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 appropriate 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 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 at all times one thing taking place on the tracks. So, if you happen to’re on a JDM pilgrimage, I’d extremely suggest swinging by one in all these circuits. You by no means know what you may come across.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
