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 replicate a turning level – one the place the business’s rising concentrate on EVs and modernity could have marked the start of the pageant’s decline.
For a lot of, the actual draw of the annual Nismo Competition isn’t trying out the newest hybrid and EV fashions already on show at your native dealership however witnessing a choose few of Nissan’s unimaginable Heritage Assortment vehicles hitting the monitor and making some noise.
Final weekend’s occasion was extra subdued than earlier Nismo Festivals, with simply 16 non-EV race vehicles lapping Fuji Speedway all through the day.
However slightly than dwell on the inevitable shift towards an electrified automotive future, let’s concentrate on 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 have fun that milestone with Nissan.
And what higher solution to kick issues off than with Nissan’s most legendary race automotive – the Group A Calsonic R32 Skyline GT-R? For a lot of in attendance, this was their childhood poster automotive, and its unmistakable blue and white livery is perpetually linked with Nismo’s legacy.
After which there’s the sound from its 550hp RB26 – simply unimaginable!
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 had been ever made, one was 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 Nineteen 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 a minimum of 22 B110s and B310s lining up for a standing begin. The sound of their engines screaming off the primary straight grid was wonderful.
Away from the primary paddock, the Historic Automobile Exhibition Race pit provided a extra relaxed expertise.
Small wheels, open carbs, and uncooked interiors – you must love old-school race vehicles.
As Tokyo’s infamous Sunday site visitors started to construct, many attendees made their solution to Fuji Speedway’s exits at round 3:00pm. That left the Historic paddock practically empty, all set in opposition to the beautiful backdrop of a traditional Fuji sundown.
On the fourth flooring 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 automotive 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 vehicles lined up for his or her remaining laps.
The R33 Skyline GT-R LM was basking within the late afternoon solar. Whereas the LM didn’t take pleasure in success at Le Mans, it’s an absolute stunner. What a sight!
Probably the most thrilling moments was seeing the R91CP – a automotive that made historical past as the primary Japanese-driven and Japanese-made car 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 concentrate on present racing expertise is at all times evident on the Nismo Competition, and the automaker’s present lineup of Tremendous GT vehicles 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 large spectator automotive park, which had became an unofficial meet of its personal. The sheer variety of GT-Rs was spectacular.
Actually, the automotive park deserves a standalone function – 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 advocate it to any Nissan fanatic who occurs to be in Japan in the course of the first weekend of December. However because the once-thriving Heritage lineup of working vehicles shrinks and EVs proceed their dominance, it feels just like the Nismo Competition is hanging within the stability. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
