As 4:00pm sunsets settle in and celsius temperatures dip into the single digits, the time attack season across Japan begins. Earlier in the month, I made my way to Tsukuba Circuit for an event I wasn’t entirely familiar with.
The HKS Hiper Challenge is by no means new, though. Dating back to the ’90s, it’s been a regular 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 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, as he took his brand new HKS-built GR86 out for its inaugural shakedown – and potentially a few 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.
Compared to those events, the average participant here was far more likely to have driven their car to the circuit rather than have sent it on the back of a transporter. That said, calling the HKS Hiper Challenge an ‘amateur’ event would be an understatement – there were still plenty of purpose-built, sub-one-minute cars floating around the pits.
Take, for instance, this kouki Nissan Silvia S14. While it might seem a more restrained approach to time attack compared to the aero monsters you’d find at other events, there’s no mistaking its purpose.
Yashio Factory’s Oka-chan was also in attendance with his S15, adding to the mix of Tsukuba-seasoned machines.
One of the best aspects of these more accessible events is a wider variety of cars. This Revolfe-built Toyota Aristo – no doubt hiding a giant single turbo and 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 time attack in mind when they designed these JXZ land barges, if there’s one thing a Japanese track day will teach you, it’s that anything is possible.
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 no doubt this car would easily crack a sub-minute lap at Tsukuba with the right conditions.
This MkIV Toyota Supra stood out thanks to some unconventional downforce – trunk-mounted and chassis-mounted wings stacked on top of one another.
There was only 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 everywhere, as expected. The Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ platform has long been synonymous with HKS, and many of these cars run either the HKS bolt-on turbocharger or supercharger kit to inject some much-needed spice into the standard boxer engine.
Stock bodywork was surprisingly popular at this event. I have to say; it was refreshing to see many participants keeping their cars at factory dimensions, serving as a solid baseline to measure what can be achieved mechanically before diving into more extreme modifications.
R35 Nissan GT-Rs were out in numbers at the HKS Hiper Challenge. With massive aftermarket support and prices now sitting at a sweet spot for a mid-level second-hand supercar, it’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 Tsukuba approaches, many entrants use this event to hone their cars, logging crucial seat time.
Compared to their popular and highly successful rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Imprezas have not had a whole lot of pull in the time attack world. But it’s always cool to see a few out and about.
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 loved most about the HKS Hiper Challenge Tsukuba was its relaxed, grassroots vibe. Many drivers attend with friends, using the event as an opportunity to compare cars and times around the iconic TC2000 course. It’s a far less competitive atmosphere than the likes of Attack or 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 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 wasn’t familiar with the event, having never seen it covered by Western media. This got me thinking: I’m often asked for advice on how to find events like the Hiper Challenge when visiting Japan. While there’s no definitive answer – some events are advertised in magazines, others on circuit calendars, and some are just tweeted about – there’s always something happening at the tracks. So, if you’re on a JDM pilgrimage, I’d highly recommend swinging by one of these circuits. You never know what you might stumble upon.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
