Fire Ando Sets Record 49.897 Lap Time At TC2000! New Tuning Car Record!

On Friday, January 27th, on his second session on track, Yoshiki 'Fire' Ando broke the 50-second barrier at Tsukuba Circuit with a record 49.897 second lap time set on Advan 295/35/18 A050 GS - the first ever tuning car to do so. A truly incredible moment for motorsport enthusiasts world wide and a massive breakthrough in Japanese time attack.
It was just a few months ago that, after Ando had taken the record at Motegi, we had finished writing an in-depth recap of Team Escort's campaign of taking every international circuit record in Japan. Remaining on that list was Hokkaido's Tokachi International Speedway full course, and of course the goal of breaking the 50 second barrier at Tsukuba's TC2000. Although not an international circuit, TC2000 has always been considered the home of time attack, and as of the past decade, the sub-50 lap has been observed as a goal of the elite.
When we last spoke to the head of Escort, Shiobara, we were in the engine room of Escort's first shop. In the conversing about the motor that was being built for this season, he said:
「今年は筑波49秒に必ず入れます。」
"THIS YEAR, WE WILL DEFINITELY ACHIEVE 49 AT TSUKUBA."
A man of his word, on the morning of the 27th, we saw that statement come true as Ando crossed the line with an incredible 49.897 second lap around TC2000; leaving no doubts about what the team is capable of. This wasn't something that happened overnight, however, as Ando and the Escort team have spent an enormous amount of time and money to achieve what was once thought to be unreachable. In a sense, it sort of makes the 50.366 second lap time that Under Suzuki clocked in 2017 that much more impressive. It also gives us an idea of just how difficult it is to shave tenths, even hundredths, of seconds off of times this fast.
Enjoy the in-car video of the record lap, as well as some video of the morning leading up to the super lap and the celebration. Thank you to Ando for the in-car video.
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[@HokageHD]

i remember 20 years ago when breaking the 1 minute barrier seemed impossible. This is amazing congrats to this team!

[@JDMEVOVIGSR]

10 years? Maybe 25 years ago...

[@bk13na]

10years ago there were PLENTY of cars that were under 1min... At that time the HKS Evo held the record at 53s

[@G_Ozare]

Same here!

[@jameslucas3161]

Dude, you're gonna have to edit your comment AGAIN as the Jun Hyper Lemon Evo ran a 55.9 in 2002. You don't remember diddly!

[@Desert_Spec]

@@jameslucas3161 tbf, 10 years ago does seem like 2002 😥

[@amp888]

Fantastic lap, and it's great to see the whole team ecstatic at the achievement. I also like the casual hand stretching at 6:02 down the back straight with the car accelerating at warp speed on the warm-up lap.

[@MrJessegsx]

Being a 4G63 fanatic, I take great pride in this accomplishment. Congrats to Ando and the entire Team Escort.

[@RSADYNAMICS]

I thought it had a 4G64 Destroked so not a Evo engine

[@MrJessegsx]

@@RSADYNAMICS same architecture. I run a stroker 4G 2.3liter with a 100mm crank. It would be in the same ballpark as LS stuff. Same same, but different. So I still look on this with great pride being a Mitsu guy.

[@RSADYNAMICS]

@@MrJessegsx I am a Mitsubishi guy too ever since my father had a Sapporo as a kid

[@killacam197.]

Absolutely incredible. The power and grip is like something out of a video game! The lap looked almost effortless!

[@dougrippe33]

Come to say the same thing, it looks like there’s so much left in that car and he was just getting warmed up……extraordinarily impressive!!!!!

[@tegboy]

Strange how you can feel such joy for a team of people and a car. What an achievement. Was always a case of if rather than then. Congratulations all!

[@justaformer11b95]

I was thinking the other day how sub 50s will soon be the new 1 minute benchmark that the top cars will start to shoot for. Ando proving it’s possible is going to spark a CRAZY level of competition now. Well deserved and hard fought. Congratulations Ando and team! So damn cool. Definitely one for the history books! I would have printed another and had Ando sign it on the spot! I’d have framed it and it would take the place of honor on my wall. LOL

[@Shadowboost]

Sub 50s on non-slicks will be very difficult still. I'm very impressed that the Arvou supercharged S2k can even do a 53 with ~500 hp. Production cars are getting heavier and heavier, so the challenge of tuning to get to sub 50 will get harder and harder. To compensate, billet blocks and well over 1000 hp will be needed to compensate. Or potentially, start with a very lightweight chassis (like a Gordon Murray T.50?) and make an all out racer from that? Not many in Japan will even get an opportunity to get one

[@hillclimbracingfan5821]

@@Shadowboost There's another solution which is using lightweight components to shave weight.

[@NaritaDogfight]

I did actually have him sign a time sheet!

[@NaritaDogfight]

@Shadowboost that wouldn't be considered a tuning car

[@justaformer11b95]

@@NaritaDogfight I’m so jealous! Lol 🤯

[@simplementelluc]

Time attack is the best thing on earth and these people are making me love it even more. Congrats to the entire team man that's a hell of an achievement!!

[@Where_is_Waldo]

Congrats to Ando and the Escort team, a new standard for time attack. It would be a dream to even drive on that beautiful track, I can't imagine what it must have been like to be there to see this happen. The feeling must be surreal. 👏

[@themechanicslab]

These guys have been developing this car for years now and their hard work and dedication has payed back. Congrats to the team for setting a new milestone and raising the bar for the sport. And also for being so humble about the achievements

[@lucusc4002]

This what the sport needed, congrats to the team this is a win for everyone!

[@alecrx]

What an achievement for all time attack enthusiasts!! Congrats to Ando and the Team Escort!!

[@EVOFans]

Once again, congrats to Ando-san and Escort team!! It make me feel proud as an EVO/time attack enthusiast. I teared up the moment he crosses the line, it's incredible.

[@toddxhiggins]

What a lap! Amazing to finally see him in the 49s. Wasn't just scraping in either, absolutely smashed it!

[@NaritaDogfight]

Yeah made sure he was in it haha

[@icedtea5143]

Beautiful machine, it sings through the corners flawlessly

[@andrereaves2712]

Yeah, that was amazing! That car looked so settled, driver looked relaxed, no wasted motion. To beat GT3's around the track is most impressive

[@bigmrd27]

8:15 seeing these oji-san tachi with pure childlike smile on their face. finally they're breaking the 50s barrier. Congratulation!!

[@erkkyy]

I absolutely love the quality of these videos. Thanks for providing this content!

[@NaritaDogfight]

Thanks!

[@DwiAgungPambudi]

Crazy achievement!!! gave me goosebump watching this. Congrats!

[@DannoAviation]

That hand-stretching @ 6:00 was brilliant… like the driver was saying “Okay funs over… let’s go”, I love motorsport… incredibly lap my friends!

[@NaritaDogfight]

haha yeah! he does it every attack lap

[@DJDANGER2411]

I remember HKS Evo going 53 and was like, damn, no way anyone beats that. Congratulations Ando and Team!

[@gunterfreeman4768]

Congratulations to Ando and the team!!! They have worked so hard over the years to produce such a fast car and lap time! Wow!

[@hyp36rmax]

AMAZING! I felt the chills as he Anddo crossed that line. Love this!

[@Bones12x2]

I've ben a fan of time attack for a long time and made the decision this year to prep a car to start participating in 2024. Stuff like this is so inspiring!

[@hillclimbracingfan5821]

I already dropped congratulations on Ando's onboard footage but i'll say it again.Well done and congrats on result.Honestly,this was a long time coming. New production based car record.Crazy fast on semi slicks.Also,thanks for sharing this as well.

[@loicmedia7362]

Well done! Congrats to Ando and Team Escort ! Now we wait to see if the record will be broken !

[@Scrildo1]

That car is violently fast I’m so glad this video popped up on my feed I’ll be watching it all night. Congrats to them.

[@Robert1187]

Fuuuuuh!!! The confidence hes built around that car is insane! His braking points are ridiculous! So siiick!

[@7omBurrows]

They must all be so happy, what an achievement! Congratulations guys, into the 48's next!

[@jordanau.130]

gave me goose bumps, congrats to the team, truly an amazing accomplishment.

[@UguisuAnko12]

Another new raw footage of time attack racing scene/culture which is really awesome!!! We do need this kind of culture in this modern car meets regardless of what motorsports you like (drifting, rallying, autocross, gymkhana, etc.) Hopefully that this will continue to spread world wide and many people would be inspired and join into this kind of racing competition!!! Thanks man!!!!

[@nirvana-soul]

Congratulation to this Team!

[@theVth_Will]

Congrats to the Escort Team! What a awesome day for Japanese time attack!

[@S1ckbg]

What a crazy lap. Lap a crazy car, stopping power and driver. Amazing!

[@ozstrider]

I got goosebumps when the car crossed the line. Congratulations to Ando & Escort on their achievements!

[@melvinbrumski1446]

Congratulations Mr. Ando! I likely won’t ever have the chance to visit that track much less drive on it, cherish your blessings!

[@koukilfs7814]

49!! this is the new TA legend, respect to under suzuki and everyone before

[@HuntersMoon]

Congratulations! What an incredible moment to be a part of - thanks for sharing!

[@snexjk]

That is insanely fast. Good job on filming this for us dude!

[@zero9EK9]

Congratulations to the entire team. This is a historical achievement that will be in the books forever.

[@richardbossman9875]

Crazy run and just as crazy is that a 53.xx run is only in 9th on the top 50 list. To me it seems like only a few years ago the HKS Evo running in the 53’s was insane and now that’s not even podium worthy.

[@NaritaDogfight]

Yeah, pretty soon the top 50 will be 55 and under

[@StephanBuchin]

Wow, the acceleration after corner exit is insane 😎

[@febykar]

Absolute 'monster' both driver and machine. As for Escort team they are maestros

[@FDCALI]

Congratulations FIRE Ando & TEAM! Jezzz that thing accelerates so fast and stays flat around the corners! The video is excellent for some more details! XRP hoses. Of course! 🔥

[@rhysrhysrhys]

Great video of a historical moment in time attack! I'm hyped you were there to witness it, Sean!

[@lightmetalinc.6488]

Going sub 50s is next level. I hope to see them compete in Australia for the world time attack challenge.

[@aeroron]

Congratulations!!!

[@s.lacasse8337]

That is really something special here. Congradulation!!

[@gafrers]

Fantastic. Congratulations to Ando and the Escort Team

[@komamix]

Daaaaamn. Remembering when 1min was insane

[@xXCoolHandLukeXx1]

The sound and video do an awesome job of giving the feel of how fast that is.

[@911CARRILLO]

Congratulations to the team! What a milestone.. Very happy to see

[@Mtonmok]

おめでとう thanks for the great coverage

[@eternalme0w]

Love doesn't make me shiver anymore, sub-50 does.

[@NaritaDogfight]

hahaha

[@Horomatto]

What a moment for Time Attack lovers, such a clean and beautiful lap! Can’t wait for the day someone gets low 40s! ⚡️

[@HarryG98]

will be an electric car, for sure

[@RSFuture]

So good! Thanks for sharing, Sean!

[@faizalmohd9536]

No understeer, no oversteer. Nothing. Just on rail. Damn that evo. Congrats!

[@MojiiOkay]

Awesome video! So incredible to be in the cockpit of the most iconic Evo on the planet as it gets thrown through corners and ignores time and space down straights. You can feel the speed though the screen.

[@bobdobbs69]

Any blunt rectangular object moving through the air is going to spawn twin vortex streams. It's the change in the vortex shape that we want to focus on. Can we spawn these vortex tubes ourselves? (And run behind it like a shadow.) Or, are we forced to deal with what the body generates? In this case, they are using multiple vortex tubes from the body to generate downforce, but the ideal object would minimize drag by focusing on optimizing for two vortex tubes that the body naturally generates. The better aero solution for Tsukuba as you go faster, the more you need to worry about drag. So, this car needs to start thinking about the overall shape to find the best solution. Right now, the parts are essentially tacked onto a unoptimized body. Those front wings on the fenders could be much more radius and scalloped and blended with the bluff body. This car should look more like a fish, essentially. Lol.

[@divecolosio4988]

Like how to turn the body of a Lan Evo into a Porsche 908

[@shitsandwich1983]

awesome. that onboard lap footage is mind bending. 🔥

[@sullyroams]

that in car footage is violent!

[@gabrielkim2301]

What an insane time, those guys are remarkable

[@vojtas009]

Huge congratulations! Amazing work!

[@floww2953]

Congratulations! Incredible, what a beastly machine

[@psnachtmuzik]

CONGRATULATIONS FIRE ANDO AND ESCORT!

[@c4se]

Congrats! It was a truly remarkable day.

[@Ricobonito1]

Massive congratulations to the team!

[@garagespooky8193]

Congratulations from Hawaii. Aloha

[@simewood2040]

Sensational!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@yvon_iizuka]

I don’t think he left anything on the table. Absolutely flawless!!

[@fukushinindcom]

ファイヤーさんおめでとうございます！！！

[@StreetComp]

Congrats! Good ol Evo8/9 still pushing boundaries and breaking records 😎 love it

[@MarcusSlater]

Whoooaa big accomplishment!! Congrats to going sub 50!

[@MrShadowofthewind]

What a space shuttle, and on semi slicks right ? That is insane.

[@NaritaDogfight]

yeah, Advan A050 GS

[@tiestor34]

Congratulations to Ando and the team!!!

[@matthew_mage2363]

Car Audio is 10/10

[@defusionus]

Congratulations Ando and Team... Much Respect!!

[@hendrihendri3939]

6:12 for the flying start Be prepared, its a *FAST* one

[@SterkRacing]

Holy shit Tsukuba looks like a different track at that speed.

[@Cody_BMX]

parents: “what do you want for christmas?” me: “ all these cars” them: “ no” me: dies inside 😁

[@MorbidEmpireRD]

Congratulations to the team, what a achievement!

[@automotiveobsession7265]

Congratulations and nice video from the outside footage of the car to the inside view of the record breaking lap.

[@mugshotmarley]

Damn fellas, we are getting old. Remember when under suzuki first broke the min/60 sec barrier in his Sylvia? It was a huge deal and iirc, he was the first private team to do so. His runs looked super quick and couldn't fathom another production based car beating it by 10 seconds, on a super short and windy track like Tsukuba. Plus, this beast looked super tame and in total control the entire time. Didn't even look wild or on the limit. Looks like it still can go quicker, and by a lot!

[@aplong1911]

Absolutely incredible!👍🏼

[@GreatAsaf]

Congrats to the team!

[@ocean8930]

Congrats🎉

[@nutchunder]

What a stonking lap, congratulations to the team! One of my favorite tracks in ride4, really cool to see what the cars throw down with some aero and a bottle (maybe "some" is a little bit of an understatement). 👍

[@RS2KR]

The footage looks sped up how quick the car accelerated. Congrats to the whole team. Amazing achievement.

[@iLLWiLLeM]

What a cool thing to see in person

[@NaritaDogfight]

wish you were there man - would be unreal if he matched it at Attack on the 18th

[@veronicabaddie3596]

CONGRATULATIONS 👏

[@driftindan]

That run was absolutely insane

[@rene-paisitlaniel2340]

Amazing, what an achievement! Congratulations Ando and Escort!

[@Nemisisxdd]

Truly a historic day for Tsukuba time attack

[@universeofdm]

Amazing result guys!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

[@bushidobrown9857]

Thay was absolutely insane!! Fire indeed

[@diordelacruz4160]

Congratulations Ando and Team Escort!!!

[@cyberiusrex2343]

A stunning drive in a stunning car, congrats to the whole team!

[@Maksim_Khasanov]

Congrats! Thank you for video! Amazing car, amazing ride)

[@SkylineRacer13]

Congratulations Ando & Team!!!

[@kevinAPapaof2]

Awesome. Respect and Great job

[@FreshYoungDude]

Congratulations to all involved. Incredible.