Focused on the racing track, he learned the GT-R’s greatness

He was 29 when he got his first GT-R. He started with an R33 and drove three R34s.

“I decided to do circuit racing with the GT-R because the high-powered 4WD had a big advantage on the track.” He said.

When he had more circuit customers, an R34 user came in and ordered a drag race spec.

“He knew I used to be crazy about drag racing and invited me to go with him. It made me realize something important that I had almost forgotten.”

Mr. Chiba was 39 years old when he decided to take the drag race seriously after a long absence. That was the time 12 years had passed. In addition to the customer’s R34, he also built a drag racing car for himself. The base car was an R32.

“I had been an anti-GT-R, but I had realized how great it was when I built circuit racers. I chose the R32 because it was the lightest among them.”

He has experience with tuning. He concentrated on tuning within his budget. The R32 was just a hobby for him. The HKS T51R KAI was fitted with HKS 280-degree camshafts for both IN and EX. The pistons and rods have been changed to Tomei Powered while the displacement has remained the same. The head is the result of his extensive knowledge and experience. The injectors are 1000cc and controlled by HKS V-Pro. A HKS dog clutch has also been fitted. The engine now runs with 2 kg/cm2 of boost and produces around 700 hp at 8500 rpm.

With this level of power, there have been no engine or transmission problems and there has been no hassle. He could construct a lean tuning menu that was cost-effective.

The R32 GT-R became a reliable partner after its comeback

“It had been about 10 years since I had left from drag strip, but I didn’t feel any blanks. I was strangely able to concentrate on the starting light.”

Drag racing may seem like a simple straight-line race, but it is quite profound. Warming up the tires before the start, shifting gears, etc. are simple but make a big difference in performance. The start of the race is particularly tricky. It is very important to know which driver will turn on the prestige light first.

“This tactic has a huge impact on the game. There is a preference to turn it on first or later, but I always turn it on first to set the pace.”

The value of a car cannot be judged on horsepower alone. In the end, it is all about compatibility. The R32 GT-R is Mr. Chiba’s best partner.

“I was very happy to get 9.5 to 9.6 seconds consistently. The R32 is very special to me. I have officially stepped back from the title of the anti-GT-R.”

An important car that reminds him of drag racing is his starting point.

Mr. Chiba started his drag racing career with street 0-400 at Sendai Shinko. The R32 recalls him of that street 0-400 was his starting point.

“Some people love street 0-400s, but I prefer drag racing where the odds are clearly against me,” he said.

However, the Sendai Highland dragstrip was closed in 2013 due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Street 0-400 is no longer held, so the R32 has lost the strip anymore.

“But I still won’t let go of this BNR32. I’m waiting for the dragstrip to return. There are a surprisingly large number of people who want to do it.”

The R32 is surely waiting to be driven by Mr. Chiba again.