The Nismo Competition, some of the iconic occasions on Japan’s automotive calendar, is a must-attend for any Nissan otaku.
However, this yr, the occasion appeared to mirror a turning level – one the place the business’s rising deal with EVs and modernity might have marked the start of the competition’s decline.
For a lot of, the true draw of the annual Nismo Competition isn’t testing the newest hybrid and EV fashions already on show at your native dealership however witnessing a choose few of Nissan’s unbelievable Heritage Assortment automobiles hitting the monitor and making some noise.
Final weekend’s occasion was extra subdued than earlier Nismo Festivals, with simply 16 non-EV race automobiles lapping Fuji Speedway all through the day.
However reasonably than dwell on the inevitable shift towards an electrified automotive future, let’s deal with the legends that did take to the monitor this yr.
2024 marks the fortieth anniversary of Nismo, and 28,500 followers turned as much as rejoice that milestone with Nissan.
And what higher method to kick issues off than with Nissan’s most legendary race automobile – the Group A Calsonic R32 Skyline GT-R? For a lot of in attendance, this was their childhood poster automobile, and its unmistakable blue and white livery is eternally linked with Nismo’s legacy.
After which there’s the sound from its 550hp RB26 – simply unbelievable!
One other standout this yr was the Calsonic-liveried R390 GT1. With its 3.5L V8, as soon as utilized in Group C racing, the R390 GT1 was Nissan’s entry into the 1997 and 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans races. Whereas solely two road-going chassis have been ever made, one was just lately restored and continues to be pushed by former F1 and Nissan works driver Erik Comas.
For a lot of, the spotlight of the Nismo Competition is the Historic Automobile Exhibition Race, and this yr’s version definitely didn’t disappoint. Dozens of classics from the Seventies raced wheel-to-wheel round Fuji Speedway, offering a glimpse into Nissan’s wealthy motorsports heritage.
Then there was the all-Sunny race, with at least 22 B110s and B310s lining up for a standing begin. The sound of their engines screaming off the primary straight grid was superb.
Away from the primary paddock, the Historic Automobile Exhibition Race pit supplied a extra relaxed expertise.
Small wheels, open carbs, and uncooked interiors – it’s a must to love old-school race automobiles.
As Tokyo’s infamous Sunday site visitors started to construct, many attendees made their method to Fuji Speedway’s exits at round 3:00pm. That left the Historic paddock practically empty, all set towards the beautiful backdrop of a basic Fuji sundown.
On the fourth ground of the Fuji Speedway stand, tucked away from the crowds, sat extra iconic machines, together with the JGTC Motul Skyline GT-R.
Powered by the VQ30DETT, this automobile marked the ultimate chapter for the R34 within the JGTC, as Nissan switched to the Z33 Fairlady Z the next season.
Alongside the Skyline, the 1996 JTCC Sunny, with its naturally aspirated SR20 engine pumping out 300hp, added one other historic contact to the lineup.
Again in the primary paddock, the Heritage automobiles lined up for his or her ultimate laps.
The R33 Skyline GT-R LM was basking within the late afternoon solar. Whereas the LM didn’t get pleasure from success at Le Mans, it’s an absolute stunner. What a sight!
Probably the most thrilling moments was seeing the R91CP – a automobile that made historical past as the primary Japanese-driven and Japanese-made automobile to win outright on the Daytona 24 Hours in 1992.
Equally spectacular was the 1989 Reebok Skyline GTS-R, which dominated the All-Japan Touring Automobile Championship in ’89.
In fact, Nissan’s deal with present racing expertise is all the time evident on the Nismo Competition, and the automaker’s present lineup of Tremendous GT automobiles took centre stage.
Whereas these newer machines don’t make a lot noise, they nonetheless commanded consideration as they flew across the monitor.
With rumours of an S16 Silvia circulating on-line, I’m holding onto hope for a rear-wheel-drive Toyota GR86 competitor. However with Nissan’s rising emphasis on EVs and front-wheel-drive platforms, not to mention its present monetary woes, that optimism feels a bit strained.
With a barely much less intense on-track schedule this yr, I had extra time to discover the huge spectator automobile park, which had was an unofficial meet of its personal. The sheer variety of GT-Rs was spectacular.
Actually, the automobile park deserves a standalone characteristic – keep tuned for that!
Strolling away from the 2024 Nismo Competition, I couldn’t assist however really feel conflicted. As an occasion, I’d nonetheless suggest it to any Nissan fanatic who occurs to be in Japan throughout the first weekend of December. However because the once-thriving Heritage lineup of operating automobiles shrinks and EVs proceed their dominance, it feels just like the Nismo Competition is hanging within the steadiness. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
