We’re back at Tsukuba Circuit for the 11th annual Attack meet – the biggest yet. Jumping up from 2023’s record numbers, this year saw a staggering 190 entrants sign up to compete.
Some drivers were competing for the Tsukuba record, others just a personal best. That’s the beauty of time attack – everyone is welcome.
Cramming 190 competing cars into this small venue is no easy feat. Spread across all of Tsukuba’s paddocks, the atmosphere was buzzing from early on, with many people arriving to set up hours before the first session.
With so many entrants, the variety of cars was at an all-time high too. However, it was quite obvious which chassis is most popular for Japanese time attack.
Aoki-san, Attack’s organiser, still managed to squeeze a handful of laps in amongst the chaos. He’s perfected the pit-to-circuit routine, warming his brakes and tyres, then rolling straight out into a hot lap.
We’ll kick things off from the pit lane, where that chassis of choice is in no shortage. FD3S Mazda RX-7s are everywhere at Attack, but aside from their rotary hearts, all cars are completely different from one another.
There were plenty of familiar cars and faces, including the Aslan EG6 Honda Civic, which broke the NA Class record with a staggering 55.037-second lap the day prior to Attack. That time was achieved with 295/35R18 front tyres – serious rubber for a little Civic.
What do you do when you can’t decide between your Honda S2000 and your Porsche 996 Cup car? You bring both, of course. Not a bad pair to juggle between sessions.
If there’s one thing I love about Attack, it’s the innovation you see. Check out the DIY aluminium foil brake warmers and this ingenious wheel nut storage basket.
The RE Amemiya and Team Kizuna Goudabankin rotary-powered Mazda Chante was a left-of-field entry and easily the crowd favourite.
Last year’s Attack coverage sparked a conversation about the lack of EV entrants. Well, this year a Tesla Plaid made a real statement with its 59.598 lap. Love it or hate it, this will be the first of many EVs we’ll see competing in the years to come.
It wouldn’t be a good year at Attack without an abundance of Porsches. Many of these cars are no strangers to the event, but one in particular piqued my interest.
This LS-swapped T-tec 993GT was another stand-out Porsche. The team battled issues throughout the day, but still managed a 58.035-second lap.
The time-attacking Suzuki Jimnys returned once again. An unusual but welcome sight out on track, I have nothing but admiration for how far these cars have come from their over-landing roots.
As Attack Tsukuba continues to grow in size, the diversity follows. This is why Attack is always a calendar highlight for me, and by far one of the best events to check out here in Japan if you’re planning a visit.
For now though, stay tuned for a closer look at four of my favourite cars from the day.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
Credit : Source Post
