As 4pm sunsets descend and celsius temperatures drop into the one digits, time assault season begins throughout Japan. Earlier within the month I went to the Tsukuba Circuit for an occasion I wasn’t completely acquainted with.

Nevertheless, the HKS Hiper Problem is under no circumstances new. Relationship again to the 90s, it has been an everyday fixture, with occasions held at numerous circuits throughout Japan. As that is an HKS occasion, the phrase is especially unfold through the tuning large’s native Efficiency Vendor community, which advertises the Hyper Challenges to its loyal buyer base. For this reason you will discover most automobiles at these occasions utilizing HKS elements.

My foremost purpose for being at Tsukuba on this specific day was to catch Jacky Tse, a New Zealand-based receiver and part-time monitor driving teacher, as he took his model new HKS-built GR86 out for its first shake – and presumably some timed laps. I’ve a full story on that coming quickly, so look out for that.

Whereas the HKS Hyper Problem just isn’t as properly referred to as different time assault primarily based occasions comparable to Assault and the Rev Pace Tremendous Battle, it nonetheless attracts its share of devoted drivers.

In comparison with these occasions, the common competitor right here was more likely to drive their automobile to the circuit moderately than ship it on the again of a transporter. That stated, to name the HKS Hyper Problem an ‘beginner’ occasion could be an understatement – there have been nonetheless loads of purpose-built, sub-one-minute automobiles drifting across the pits.

Take this for instance cookie Nissan Silvia S14. Whereas this may increasingly appear to be a extra restricted strategy to time assault in comparison with the aero monsters you may discover at different occasions, there is no mistaking its objective.

Yashio Manufacturing unit’s Oka-chan was additionally current along with his S15, including to the combo of Tsukuba-seasoned machines.

Among the finest features 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 wastegates – was a novel presence within the Tsukuba paddock.

The identical may be stated for this Toyota Chaser/Mark II. Whereas Toyota by no means had time assault in thoughts once they designed this JXZ land cruiser, if there’s one factor a Japanese monitor day will train you, it is that something is feasible.

In a sea of ​​JDM efficiency automobiles, this Porsche GT3 RS was exhausting to overlook. Though the proprietor did not have a lot luck on the day, there is no doubt that this automobile would simply full a sub-minute lap at Tsukuba in the fitting situations.

This MkIV Toyota Supra stood out because of some unconventional downforce – trunk and chassis-mounted wings stacked on prime of one another.

There was just one lone AE86 in attendance, which was just a little 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 carburetor setup – simply profitable my unofficial ‘Greatest Noise of the Day’ award .

GT and GR86s had 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 use both the HKS bolt-on turbocharger or supercharger package to inject some much-needed spice into the usual boxer engine.

Inventory baking was surprisingly widespread at this occasion. I’ve to say; it was refreshing to see many contributors preserve their automobiles to manufacturing unit dimensions, which function a stable baseline to gauge what may 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 pricing now in a candy spot for a mid-level pre-owned supercar, it is in no way shocking.

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 rivals are taking this chance to hone their automobiles, scoring essential seat time.

In comparison with their widespread and extremely profitable rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Imprezas did not have a lot attraction within the time assault world. However it’s at all times good to see a number of out and about.

It is simple to see why many go the Evo route – the 4G63 engine is difficult to beat when it comes to energy potential and reliability.

What I appreciated most in regards to the HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba was its relaxed, grassroots ambiance. Many drivers attend with associates and use the occasion as a possibility to match automobiles and occasions across the iconic TC2000 circuit. It is a a lot much less aggressive ambiance than the likes of Assault and even an Idlers Membership occasion.

My private favourite of the day? This pair of yellow Nissan S14s. Not excessive, SR20 powered, with full interiors – simply the fitting steadiness for automobiles which can be simply as enjoyable on the road as they’re on the monitor.

Earlier than attending the 2024 HKS Hiper Problem Tsukuba, I used to be not acquainted with the occasion, having by no means seen it by means of Western media. This received me pondering: I am typically requested for recommendation on learn how to discover occasions just like the Hyper Problem after I go to Japan. Whereas there isn’t a definitive reply – some occasions are marketed in magazines, others on circuit calendars, and a few are solely tweeted about – there’s at all times one thing occurs on the tracks. So, should you’re on a JDM pilgrimage, I would extremely advocate swinging by considered one of these circuits. You by no means know what you would possibly come across.

Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco