Dspec x Neotech Takes on Attack Tsukuba 2025: The Pursuit of a Sub-60 Lap
Tsukuba Circuit—a name synonymous with time attack racing. Located in the Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan, this 2.045-kilometer circuit has earned its reputation as the ultimate proving ground for drivers and engineers alike. With its tight technical corners, short straights, and high-speed sweeps, Tsukuba is a true test of a car’s balance, grip, and outright speed. The circuit’s layout, combined with its rich history in grassroots and professional motorsport, has made it a mecca for time attack teams from across the globe.
Among the many events held at Tsukuba, Attack Tsukuba stands as the pinnacle of time attack competition. The event attracts the fastest machines from Japan and beyond, with teams bringing highly specialized, aerodynamically extreme, and finely tuned vehicles in pursuit of record-breaking lap times. This year’s lineup featured some of the most recognizable names in the industry, including the HKS GR86, which continues to showcase the evolution of JDM performance, and to everyone's suprise the Hyundai Ioniq 5N TA Spec, representing the latest frontier of electric performance vehicles.
However, beyond the established titans of the sport, another team has been making waves— DSPEC, the only Korean team to enter Attack Tsukuba, proving that KDM performance is a force to be reckoned with.
DSPEC’s journey at Attack Tsukuba began just three years ago with only 3 members and a single GR Yaris. At the time, few would have predicted that a Korean team, would be competing at one of Japan’s most revered motorsport events. Yet, with relentless dedication, and a passion for pushing limits, DSPEC has grown into a serious competitor on the time attack stage.
This year, they doubled their efforts, entering two cars—the Ioniq 5N and the Avante N—both piloted by the same driver. Their mission? To break the legendary 60-second barrier at Tsukuba, a milestone that separates the truly elite from the rest.
Few numbers in motorsport carry as much weight at Tsukuba as the sub-60-second lap. Achieving such a time requires not only raw power but also precision aerodynamics, perfect suspension tuning, and a driver capable of extracting every fraction of a second from each corner.
DSPEC came heartbreakingly close to their target. The team’s Ioniq 5N clocked a blistering 60.081 seconds, while the Avante N followed closely with a 60.312-second lap. A mere 0.081 seconds stood between them and history.
Despite falling just short, the achievement was monumental. These times place DSPEC among the elite teams at Attack Tsukuba, proving that KDM vehicles can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Japan’s finest.
At Neotech, we take pride in supporting teams that push the boundaries of Korean performance and bring KDM culture to the global stage. Underdogs like DSPEC represent the spirit of innovation, perseverance, and passion that defines time attack racing. Their journey is not just about chasing lap times—it’s about proving that Korean motorsport belongs on the world stage.
We believe in elevating underdogs who are willing to challenge conventions, take on the best, and showcase Korean performance culture beyond its borders. Their success is a reflection of the progress being made, and Neotech is honored to play a role in supporting this movement.
A crucial element of DSPEC’s success at Attack Tsukuba was their finely tuned chassis and braking system, both of which played a key role in extracting every ounce of performance from their machines. Both the Ioniq 5N and Avante N were equipped with Neotech’s latest EVO-R brake calipers, engineered for superior stopping power, heat resistance, and precision braking—essential qualities for the intense demands of time attack racing.
In addition to that, the cars were also running Neotech LE suspension, a system developed to maximize grip, stability, and response on the challenging surface of Tsukuba Circuit. With the combination of EVO-R brakes and Neotech LE suspension, DSPEC was able to push the limits of their vehicles with confidence, ensuring optimal balance between cornering speed, braking efficiency, and overall drivability.
At Neotech, we are proud to see our products being used in the relentless pursuit of speed, and we remain committed to developing race-proven solutions that help teams like DSPEC achieve new milestones.
While the sub-60-second lap remains just out of reach, the takeaway from this year’s Attack Tsukuba is clear—DSPEC with the help of Neotech is on the brink of making history. With continued development, refined aerodynamics, and even more aggressive tuning, it is only a matter of time before they shatter the barrier that once seemed un-reachable.
As the motorsport world takes notice of what teams like DSPEC are achieving, one thing is certain: Korean performance is no longer in the shadows—it is standing on the front lines, ready to make its mark.
And when that historic moment finally comes, Neotech will be there—supporting the teams, engineering the solutions, and helping drive Korean motorsport into the future.