Tiger Racing Civic Type R: The Tsukuba Time Attack Specialist

Tiger Racing's heavily-modified Honda Civic Type R DC2 (Integra Type R) is one of the most successful FWD time attack cars in Japanese history. Built by Tiger Racing — a small Japanese tuning shop specializing in Honda performance — the car held multiple Tsukuba Super Lap class records throughout the early 2000s. Its combination of lightweight construction, naturally aspirated B18C engine tuning, and aerodynamic refinement made it the reference point for FWD time attack builds.

Tiger Racing Background

Tiger Racing was founded as a small Honda specialty tuning shop in Tokyo in the late 1990s. The shop focused exclusively on Honda B-series and K-series engines, becoming one of Japan's most respected NA Honda tuning specialists. Their work on the Integra Type R DC2 platform was particularly influential.

The Build

The Tiger Racing DC2 included:

• Engine: Heavily blueprinted B18C with race-spec internals
• Output: 220+ hp naturally aspirated (impressive for a stock-block 1.8L)
• Transmission: Close-ratio gearbox
• Suspension: Custom Tiger Racing coilovers
• Aerodynamics: Custom front splitter, rear wing, side skirts
• Brakes: Race-spec components
• Weight: Reduced to ~950 kg through stripping and lightweight body panels
• Wheels: Lightweight 16-inch (smaller than typical for time attack to reduce unsprung weight)

Tsukuba Records

Tiger Racing's DC2 held multiple Tsukuba Super Lap records:

• FWD class records: Best FWD lap times ever recorded at Tsukuba
• Various competition seasons: Consistent top-3 finishes in FWD class
• Magazine coverage: Featured in Option, Tuner, and other Japanese publications

Cultural Impact

The Tiger Racing DC2 demonstrated:

• The Integra Type R's ceiling as a pure track car
• That FWD platforms could achieve serious time attack results
• The viability of small Japanese tuning shops at the highest level
• The B18C engine's potential when properly developed

Legacy

Tiger Racing's DC2 is one of the most successful purpose-built FWD time attack cars in history. It's the FWD reference build that other time attack DC2s aspire to match. For Honda enthusiasts and time attack fans, the Tiger Racing DC2 is essential reference material.