As sunset begins at 4:00 PM and temperatures drop below zero, time attack season begins across Japan. Earlier this month I went to the Tsukuba Circuit for an event I wasn’t entirely familiar with.
However, the HKS Hiper Challenge is certainly not new. Dating back to the 1990s, it has been a mainstay, with events at various tracks across Japan. Being an HKS event, the message is being spread mainly through the tuning giant’s domestic Performance Dealer network, which promotes the Hiper Challenges to its loyal customer base. That is why you will find most cars with HKS parts at these events.
My main reason for being at Tsukuba on this particular day was to capture Jacky Tse, a New Zealand-based tuner and part-time track driving instructor, taking his brand new HKS-built GR86 for its inaugural shakedown – and possibly a few timed laps. I’ll have a full story on that soon, so stay tuned.
Although the HKS Hiper Challenge is not as well known as other time attack based events such as Attack and the Speed Super Battle still attracts its share of dedicated drivers.
Compared to those events, the average competitor here was far more likely to have driven his car to the track than sent it onto the back of a transporter. That said, to call the HKS Hiper Challenge an ‘amateur event’ would be an understatement – there were still plenty of purpose-built sub-minute cars floating around the pits.
Take this for example Kouki Nissan Silvia S14. While it may seem like a more subdued approach to time attacks compared to the aero monsters found at other events, there’s no mistaking its purpose.
Yashio Factory’s Oka-chan was also present with his S15, adding to the mix of Tsukuba-seasoned machines.
One of the best aspects of these more accessible events is a greater variety of cars. This Revolfe-built Toyota Aristo – undoubtedly hiding a gigantic single turbo and an external wastegate – was a unique presence in the Tsukuba paddock.
The same can be said for this Toyota Chaser/Mark II. While Toyota never had a time attack in mind when they designed these JXZ landships, if there’s one thing a Japanese track day will teach you: something is possible.
In a sea of JDM performance cars, it was hard to miss this Porsche GT3 RS. Although the owner didn’t have much luck that day, there is no doubt that under the right conditions this car could easily complete a sub-minute lap at Tsukuba.
This MkIV Toyota Supra stood out thanks to an unconventional downforce: trunk- and chassis-mounted wings stacked on top of each other.
There was only one AE86 in attendance, which was a bit surprising given the nature of the event. Under the hood was a 16-valve 4A-GE engine, with the fuel injection replaced by an open Keihin CR carburetor, easily winning my unofficial ‘Best Sound of the Day’ award.
GT and GR86s were everywhere as expected. The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ platform has long been synonymous with HKS, and many of these cars feature the HKS bolt-on turbocharger or supercharger kit to inject some much-needed punch into the standard boxer engine.
Stock bodies were surprisingly popular at this event. I have to say; it was refreshing to see that many participants kept their cars at factory dimensions, which served as a solid foundation to gauge what can be achieved mechanically before diving into more extreme modifications.
R35 Nissan GT-Rs were present in numbers at the HKS Hiper Challenge. With huge aftermarket support and prices now in a good place for a mid-range used supercar, that’s no surprise at all.
For many, the HKS Hiper Challenge serves as a stepping stone to the more competitive time attack events. As February’s attack on Tsukuba approaches, many competitors are using this event to sharpen their cars and log crucial seat time.
Compared to their popular and highly successful rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Imprezas haven’t had much appeal in the time attack world. But it’s always nice to see some.
It’s easy to see why many choose the Evo path: the 4G63 engine is hard to beat in terms of power potential and reliability.
What I liked most about the HKS Hiper Challenge Tsukuba was the relaxed atmosphere of the base. Many drivers gather with friends and use the event as an opportunity to compare cars and times around the iconic TC2000 course. It’s a much less competitive atmosphere than Attack or even an Idlers Club event.
My personal favorite of the day? This pair of yellow Nissan S14s. Not over the top, SR20 powered, with full interior – just the right balance for cars that are as fun on the street as they are on the track.
Before attending the 2024 HKS Hiper Challenge Tsukuba, I was unfamiliar with the event, having never seen it covered in Western media. This got me thinking: I’m often asked for advice on how to find events like the Hiper Challenge when I visit Japan. While there is no definitive answer – some events are advertised in magazines, others on track calendars, and some are merely tweeted about – there is always something happens on the tracks. So if you’re on a JDM pilgrimage, I highly recommend swinging by one of these circuits. You never know what you’ll encounter.
Alec Pender
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