HKS Japan Headquarters - HKS VS. The Chicken Rancher

Exhaust system manufacturing is done in older buildings at the far side of the complex. It's full of remarkably tan people using a combination of hand and machine welding. I catch a glimpse of the reject pile, but it all looks perfect to me. If I weren't so far from home, I'd stuff an N1 muffler down my pants.

The upper floor of one of the engineering buildings houses a museum of historically significant projects. Showcasing racecars above ground level gives them more prestige. It's like how cars on trailers look more important than those being driven. There are famous touring cars, like the JTCC Opel Vectra and the JGTC Mercedes-Benz CLK. It's great to see them preserved and sheltered. The project that stands out most is a V12 Formula One engine developed by HKS. While no team ever bought into the program, it's still amazing to think that the company was so close to competing at the highest level of motorsport.

On the way out, Toyoda drives me past the adjacent chicken ranch. At the very least, I'd I like to get a photo of the place, if not an interview with the owner. But the scary looking signs at the gate are enough to keep me away. I ask what they read. "Bird flu," Toyoda replies. He hits the Recirculate button and we're gone.

While I didn't get to tromp around the entire facility, I never found the alleged racetrack. If you come to HKS seeking green, blue, and red apex curbing, you aren't going to find it. But I can't really say you'll be disappointed.