Breaking Records The Battle Evome Way
Time attack mode engaged

Short, but to the point. That’s probably the best way I can describe the Battle Evome series. Like the drivers and cars that participate in it, these series of soukoukai events couldn’t possibly be more focused. They’re only held in January and February because the best possible time to extract a fast time from a car at Tsukuba is during these two months: the coldest of the year. The best time to do this is very early in the morning so the session only runs for one hour, from 9am to 10am. Drivers flock into the Tsukuba paddock in complete darkness and begin the process of getting their cars ready. They only have a few chances to unleash the full potential of their often home-built machines, and making sure everything works as it should is half of the job.

Battle-Evome-Jan-17

There are only four Battle Evome sessions and as ever, I always try to make one each month. For 2014 the organizers have decided to move the event to Wednesdays, rather than Sundays, and while the turnout was a little on the light side this time, as ever it was all about quality.

Battle-Evome-Jan-01

It was great seeing familiar cars like this yellow Top Fuel-prepped FD3S, but more specifically checking out if any changes or upgrades have been made in the year we haven’t seen them.

Battle-Evome-Jan-18

What caught my eye on this particular RX-7 was the rather beefy strut tower bar which connects the suspension turrets on two points but also extended onto the pipe frame that has been cut and welded between the firewall and turrets. It then triangulates to a single point where it attaches to additional bars that connect to the front subframe. Under the hood it’s business all the way; nothing is for show so you won’t find meticulously polished piping and miscellaneous gear, just to-the-point upgrades like a big capacity intake elbow and an even bigger single turbo conversion.

Battle-Evome-Jan-26

Mated to the ever-improving aero, its driver was able to put down a very solid 56.398 sec lap which was the second fastest time of the day. Right in front of it with a 56.044 was 0,1t orange FD which was usually always surrounded by lots of guys working on it in the paddock so hard to get a clear picture of.

Battle-Evome-Jan-08

While a lot of the cars present we’ve been seeing for years now, it’s always cool when new ones drop by, much like this TS Factory N2 AE86 Levin.

Battle-Evome-Jan-02

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this car is a serious piece of work. There’s obviously been lots of thought and testing put into that front end aero package as well as lots and lots of weight reduction; two aspects that are always especially important on ‘power-challenged’ vehicles like the little hachiroku. But hats off to these guys because they obviously know what they were doing; posting a 58.254 sec lap in an AE86 is one massive achievement, and it’s also the new Tsukuba record for hachis! Congrats to the team!

Battle-Evome-Jan-03

I really think we’ve been ignoring the Lancer Evo as of late, and after seeing some impressive builds at TAS this year, I do plan on featuring more (I hear Suzy cheering), and this is definitely one car that deserves a proper in depth-look – the Totomaru Evo 8.

Battle-Evome-Jan-20

Like a lot of the privateer time attack racers that participate in this event, the car is driven to the track, abused and then driven right back home.

Battle-Evome-Jan-21

That makes it all the more special if you ask me. I mean, can you imagine seeing a car with a crazy wing like that out on the street? If it was driven on the roads of any other country, the owner would probably get his car confiscated and put in jail! One reason Japan is Japan I guess.

Battle-Evome-Jan-33

58.114 sec was the best time the owner put down, and it will be cool to see if he manages to improve this in the remaining two sessions in February.

Functionalism at its best
Battle-Evome-Jan-24

These events are all about the variety of cars and while there are always quite a few GT-Rs to look at, this Auto-Gallery-Yokohama-built BNR32 was the only Skyline there.

Battle-Evome-Jan-19

For the hour that I shot the paddock prior to the track being opened at 9am, the car was slowly warmed up, which included lifting it with a pair of axle stands and a jack and letting out the clutch in second gear to put some heat into driveline components as well.

Battle-Evome-Jan-04

My love for the Skyline grows stronger every year I think, the san-ni and san-yon in particular really hitting the mark (sorry R33 owners!). And I blame it on these events. I mean look at the stance of this thing! Just sitting there, almost a completely stock body, but equipped with massive 295-semis all round and big front and rear aero additions. It’s the pure definition of badass if you ask me!

Battle-Evome-Jan-07

As a GT-R owner you can’t help yourself and squat down around the car, checking out all those details; the little things that owners do to their cars due to a need to test out an idea or because they know that it makes a difference.

Battle-Evome-Jan-29

This is especially true when it comes to the engine and it’s interesting to see how – as turbo technology as well as engine tuning knowhow continues to improve – more and more people go for the big single conversion. Back when my interest in time attack started, I remember a lot of big tuning names stating that for small circuits like Tsukuba and for use on tight and technical touge, the twin set on an RB26 will always be best. Whether you agree with this or not, it’s just great to see things evolve; I mean, these are twenty-year-old cars for crying out loud! And people are still loving them so much that tuner and parts makers continue to push themselves to come up with new and exciting parts and solutions.

Battle-Evome-Jan-28

This 32 recorded the third fastest time of the day: a 57.371. This is the sort of time the legendary Mine’s demo car used to run!

Battle-Evome-Jan-06

Right behind it was this TCP Magic kitted Rems Redtree FD3S, a menacing addition to the line-up in the paddock.

Battle-Evome-Jan-05

These are some of the coolest front fenders around for the FD, a car that even more so than the GT-R, still has an incredible following with an ever-growing list of parts being churned out for it. Plus the black on black look with those Yokohama RGIIs was to die for. 57.886 sec was its best time.

FF attack
Battle-Evome-Jan-09

I love seeing how the development of the Garage Work EG6 Civic never ceases to stop. For the 2014 season, the car now sports an all-new front spoiler/canard/splitter assembly which is supposed to generate a bigger amount of front downforce as well as improving high speed stability and turn-in.

Battle-Evome-Jan-12

A new pair of side skirts have also been added, along with a three-piece lip spoiler attached onto the carbon rear hatch. This all joins the rear diffuser/extractor that we have seen in the past.

Battle-Evome-Jan-30

Their goal was to get into the 58-second bracket and they’ve achieved that beautifully, posting a 58.421 sec lap! That’s almost a second off the time we saw them get last year, and with two more Evome sessions to go, this stands a pretty good chance of being improved upon.

Battle-Evome-Jan-10

The TFH Evo 6.5 hasn’t really changed since the last time we saw it, but when your street-registered time attack car looks as wild as this there isn’t much you need to change. Best on the day for its driver was a 58.594 sec. In fact half of the cars present were running in the 58-seconds, and that my friends is just insane!

Battle-Evome-Jan-11

You rotary guys must really be liking this post, so I might as well show you another RX-7: this time, the RE-Amemiya kitted Tatsukuro FD3S, seen here sitting wheel-less in one of the pits.

Battle-Evome-Jan-32

The best it managed on the day was a 59.210 sec, and I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on this car at the last event of the year next month as I know it’s capable of a 58-sec lap!

Battle-Evome-Jan-16

What the heck, I might as well show you one more. A more narrow and simple interpretation of an FD courtesy of Wild Heart. 59.311 sec was its best time.

Battle-Evome-Jan-14

And so we move onto another welcome new addition: this orange on orange 997 GT3 RS. There’s no hiding the fact that the Japanese love their Porsches, especially the GT3s, but it’s not that often I see them hitting Tsukuba, most preferring the faster and wider track at Fuji Speedway.

Battle-Evome-Jan-13

I have a very soft spot for these cars. Much like the Battle Evome event itself, they’re extremely focused, built for the sole purpose of offering the most undiluted, direct and satisfying driving experience possible all mixed with plenty of reliability. This is a car you buy and you enjoy, not needing to worry about a long list of modifications you must do to render it perfect. Of course, this being Japan, even the most complete sort of track cars surely can’t be left untouched, so the owner fitted a color-matched set of Advan RSs and a single-exit exhaust system which redefines the term ‘not for road use’.

Battle-Evome-Jan-31

1’00″759 was its top time, and it sounded absolutely glorious achieving that minute-flat lap!

Battle-Evome-Jan-15

Sadly there aren’t that many vintage cars that participate at this event – mind you, R32s and FDs should probably be considered vintage by now – except for the Wood Village S30. Over the years, the car has been improved, mainly with aerodynamic additions like the slightly longer lip and the carbon canards to help balance that massive GT wing it’s always ran.

Battle-Evome-Jan-22

With a fully built, and superb-sounding L28 on carburetors, this old Z was able to keep recording 1-minute flat laps, the fastest of which was a 1’00″371. Not bad for a car that’s forty years older than the orange thing sitting next it!

Battle-Evome-Jan-23

This widebody Varis CT9A may well be one of the nicest street spec Evos I’ve ever come across, mixing such a great combination of aggression and functionality. Unfortunately, the owner only took it out for a couple of laps before retiring it and calling a flatbed to take it home. Play hard and stuff will break I suppose.

Battle-Evome-Jan-25

An hour literally went by in the blink of an eye, but I hope this first Battle Evome coverage of the year gets you in the mood for more. I’ll be attending the fourth and last session of 2014 next month when Under Suzuki will return with his once again improved and possibly more powerful S15 for a crack at that Tsukuba record he well and truly owns! 

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1

Eye candy!

2
Speedhunters_Bryn

Such purpose. Much awesome!

3

Speedhunters_Bryn  So scare, very driving

4
Speedhunters_Bryn

RBJKT

5

"Woo!" There it is... ;)

6

What was the fastest time of the day? Am I blind and missed it?

7

Speedhunters_Bryn  So scare! Much Fast! Such Turbine!

8

Ehm... is it just me... or why do i have to constantly think about Wangan Midnight when I see a S30 ^^ ,  and for the record, tha R32 looks like i will devour your unborn... i love it!

9

Track day in the middle of a weekday. Japan for the win! Compliments aside, nice write and yes, though little, the turnouts are definitely at high standards. Not even a single photo of that '0,1t orange FD'? Was it kitted in Veilside Fortune haha.

10

Dino, I think the rims on the Redtree FD are Advan TCs, not Rays VR. 

p.s I know you're a busy man, but just a friendly reminder, Suttons S15 feature? :)

11

That wood village s30 is probably one of my favorite cars of all time. Love seeing it evolve over the years and keep up with the new stuff.

12
Gianluca FairladyZ

To me it's almost something unbelievable that older cars like the FD and the R32 can achieve such fast laptimes. Everyone know's that GTR's have huge potential, but this Shows  that the FD is a real good base to build a serious race car. Does someone know why they never tried to race in GT500 (despite the proven potential of it) ? I think FD's raced in GT300 with Amemiya-San. Even if my dream's to own a GTR one day, Mazda please revive the RX-7........  And please make it Turbo...:)

13

@miketrix Those are Advan RGII, not Advan TC or Volk G2.

14

aussieANON  Yeah, you missed it: it was 56.044 from 0,1t's FD

15

Great story Dino!  I'd love to see a feature on the R32 or the '86.

16

I agree with you.  The gray R32 was amazing as is.  Loving all the highlights and snap shots of the RX-7's.  Beautiful machines captured well.

17

Nice, heaps of purposeful and good looking FD's, lots of inspiration for mine there... and I'm guessing that the 0,1t orange FD is getting it's own feature? Please Dino? :)

18

For more info on the black FD, check out his youtube channel ##masayanrx7. Great post !

19

It's about time as I was wondering when/where Dino's BE coverage was!

Any images of "oku maru" Spa Yellow AP1? This n/a S2000 was doing low 59 sec laps.

20

Your coverage of the Battle Evome events has always been one of my favourites, Dino. Keep it up!
That Varis Evo really does have the whole hardcore street car thing done perfectly.

21
speedhunters_dino

Hotcakes  Thanks!  There are 2 more to go, just trying to figure out which one Under Suzuki is gonna pick!

22
speedhunters_dino

ITRbroham  It wasn't there this round :)

23
speedhunters_dino

c22tch  Cool thanks for that!

24
speedhunters_dino

Brett Allen  Could do I suppose :)

25
speedhunters_dino

Jaemcius  Thanks!

26
speedhunters_dino

Jeremiahori  Hope that AE86 shows up again and gets a 57 next time, that will be nuts!

27
speedhunters_dino

Gianluca FairladyZ  Probably lack of funds. And yes, Mazda really would be silly if they didn't come up with a successor to the 7

28
speedhunters_dino

Hanma  It sure is an amazing creation isn't it

29
speedhunters_dino

RamblerCody  Thanks for that guys, fixed it up :)

30
speedhunters_dino

yanesnyawai  Haha no Veilside kit. You'll see more of it in the next Battle Evome meet :)

31
speedhunters_dino

Onecton  I know what you mean :)

32
speedhunters_dino

@Def aussieANON  There you go:)

33

That R32 looks strong and that black FD looks evil. LOLs! Great pics! Thanks!

34

Man, you really need to start explaining some of these Japanese words you use... "Hachi-roku" and "san-ni" are easy enough, but Google translate tells me that "soukoukai" means "run club"/"run meeting". I assume it's a similar concept to a track day (or "track morning" in this case)?

Can't wait to see what Under Suzuki's cooked up for the fourth event...

35

speedhunters_dino Jeremiahori  Any idea of the engine set-up?

37

speedhunters_dino Excellent! Speedhunters, pleasing one fan at a time since 2008 (?)

38

God dammit Dino! Show some love for the R33!!!

39
speedhunters_dino

JasonVlahos  Haha, well I would have shown it if any were entered! But yeah, not one of my favorites, sorry ;)

40
speedhunters_dino

MikeYee  Yeah crazy isn't it!!  And that was one clean lap, almost makes it look easy. Love the 4th to 2nd downshifts

41
speedhunters_dino

@B  Hehe, sorry but we've been using the word soukoukai for years now, it's basically a track day, pay up and race on track kind of deal :)

42
speedhunters_dino

meal stub  Thanks!

43
speedhunters_dino

Brett Allen speedhunters_dino  Yes 2008. I try to do what I can, I still have to go out and shoot Outerplus/TiRacing, I know there are a few out there that will end up lynching me if I don't hold up my promise haha

44
speedhunters_dino

Jeremiahori speedhunters_dino  No, sorry, with 1 hour to cover the event there is a lot I didn't have time to shoot.

45

speedhunters_dino JasonVlahos  
How can you not like the fat, round, rear-end of the 33GTR?! I do like your 34GTR though. By the way, when you are making time and coming down to Perth?

46

Awesome photos Dino!

47
FrankCastiglione

LOVE the Battle Evome coverage.  Keep it coming Dino

48
speedhunters_dino

bradjh  Thanks mate!

49
speedhunters_dino

FrankCastiglione  I should cover both rounds this month....uhmmmm

50
speedhunters_dino

JasonVlahos speedhunters_dino  I do like big butts and I cannot lie (hihi) but the 33s rump is just a bit much:) Would love to visit Perth! Anything cool to shoot out there?

51

I'm loving that Auto Gallery Yokohama R32. I think me fancy in all the right places. I absolutely LOVE your time attack coverage Dino. Can't get enough. I NEED MORE!

52

When Speed Hunters covers a event such as this...They do a damn good job. I wish most auto mags had pics like this...

53

speedhunters_dino JasonVlahos  
Once per month we have a meeting in the southern suburb/port of Fremantle; Cars and Coffee - Basically the same as the event in Irvine California. Perth has an extremely rich/diverse/unique car culture (see link for photos of a recent meet). You could cover one of these meets, and I promise you would not be disappointed! We also have drift events @ Collie Motorplex at the V8 Supercars @ Barbagallo Raceway. On a serious note Dino, if you do come to Perth (and please do!), please contact me as we have a fair bit of car culture in the family too :)

54
speedhunters_dino

fairlady432  Glad you like the images :)

55
speedhunters_dino

KRaZyAmmo  More coming this month:)

56
speedhunters_dino

JasonVlahos speedhunters_dino  V8 Supercars uhmmm, yes please! Will do if I ever come over, thanks!

57

Love the FD shout outs! Might sound a bit greedy but please cover more on the next TA event! Helps me inspire my FD build :)

58
speedhunters_dino

Jason0110  It's hard to avoid them so you can definitely expect to see more!

59

Just simply wow. Hopefully we can see a car feature on the N2 AE86 Levin, I personally would like to see what makes it tick. Since these events are held in the winter, they obviously support/favor turbo cars right? I bet there's other factors as well. But on a side note, this event is definitely on my bucket list, after reading this write up (Very nice Dino). Maybe we can see a new course record from some of these cars.

60
speedhunters_dino

AlexBailey  Yeah it's a good event, definitely worth a visit once, but keep in mind it's all over very quickly. Still, awesomeness-to-time ratio is very high hehe And yes we will definitely continue to see improvements in times, it's sometimes shocking how some drivers keep shaving off tenths off their lap times, especially now that aero continues to be an ever bigger part of it all

61

speedhunters_dino JasonVlahos  
Hope you come down to Perth Dino - if you do, please email me at vlahos88@gmail.com

62

Perfect article :)
Do you have more info on the 240Z ?

63
speedhunters_dino

Ealoken  Not much other than what I've posted in the past :)

64

I just started watching the Initial D anime yesterday, so it was nice to see a yellow FD and a white/black AE86. But that 240z is perfection.

65

Ealoken  wouldn't the 280z? because is the L28E Engine!
neverthless, is a amazing car!

66
speedhunters_dino

JasonVlahos speedhunters_dino  Will do :)

67

is it just me, or did this article change?  i thought there were more FD's originally....

68

Please please please do a feature on that Z!

69

Please please please do a feature on that Z!

70

Great coverage! Fantastic.

71

Seems kind of odd that they select the coldest weeks for these events.
Sure, motors love cooler air, especially forced induction, but traction is
vital for these type of cars. More power & less traction equals slower
times. You would think they’d have sufficiently cool ambient temps in warmer
months to get the best of both worlds?

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