The Nismo Festival, probably the most iconic events on Japan’s automotive calendar, is a must-attend for any Nissan otaku.
But, this yr, the event appeared to reflect a turning point – one where the industry’s growing give attention to EVs and modernity could have marked the start of the festival’s decline.
For a lot of, the actual draw of the annual Nismo Festival isn’t testing the most recent hybrid and EV models already on display at your local dealership but witnessing a select few of Nissan’s incredible Heritage Collection cars hitting the track and making some noise.
Last weekend’s event was more subdued than previous Nismo Festivals, with just 16 non-EV race cars lapping Fuji Speedway throughout the day.
But moderately than dwell on the inevitable shift toward an electrified automotive future, let’s give attention to the legends that did take to the track this yr.
2024 marks the fortieth anniversary of Nismo, and 28,500 fans turned as much as have a good time that milestone with Nissan.
And what higher technique to kick things 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 ceaselessly linked with Nismo’s legacy.
After which there’s the sound from its 550hp RB26 – just incredible!
One other standout this yr was the Calsonic-liveried R390 GT1. With its 3.5L V8, once utilized in Group C racing, the R390 GT1 was Nissan’s entry into the 1997 and 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans races. While only two road-going chassis were ever made, one was recently restored and remains to be driven by former F1 and Nissan works driver Erik Comas.
For a lot of, the highlight of the Nismo Festival is the Historic Automobile Exhibition Race, and this yr’s edition actually didn’t disappoint. Dozens of classics from the Seventies raced wheel-to-wheel around Fuji Speedway, providing 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 start. The sound of their engines screaming off the important straight grid was amazing.
Away from the important paddock, the Historic Automobile Exhibition Race pit offered a more relaxed experience.
Small wheels, open carbs, and raw interiors – you may have to like old-school race cars.
As Tokyo’s notorious Sunday traffic began to construct, many attendees made their technique to Fuji Speedway’s exits at around 3:00pm. That left the Historic paddock nearly empty, all set against the stunning backdrop of a classic Fuji sunset.
On the fourth floor of the Fuji Speedway stand, tucked away from the crowds, sat more iconic machines, including 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 touch to the lineup.
Back within the important paddock, the Heritage cars lined up for his or her final laps.
The R33 Skyline GT-R LM was basking within the late afternoon sun. While the LM didn’t enjoy success at Le Mans, it’s an absolute stunner. What a sight!
One of the exciting moments was seeing the R91CP – a automotive that made history as the primary Japanese-driven and Japanese-made vehicle to win outright on the Daytona 24 Hours in 1992.
Equally impressive was the 1989 Reebok Skyline GTS-R, which dominated the All-Japan Touring Automobile Championship in ’89.
After all, Nissan’s give attention to current racing technology is at all times evident on the Nismo Festival, and the automaker’s current lineup of Super GT cars took centre stage.
While these newer machines don’t make much noise, they still commanded attention as they flew across the track.
With rumours of an S16 Silvia circulating online, I’m holding onto hope for a rear-wheel-drive Toyota GR86 competitor. But with Nissan’s growing emphasis on EVs and front-wheel-drive platforms, let alone its current financial woes, that optimism feels a bit strained.
With a rather less intense on-track schedule this yr, I had more time to explore the huge spectator automotive park, which had changed into an unofficial meet of its own. The sheer variety of GT-Rs was impressive.
The truth is, the automotive park deserves a standalone feature – stay tuned for that!
Walking away from the 2024 Nismo Festival, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. As an event, I’d still recommend it to any Nissan enthusiast who happens to be in Japan throughout the first weekend of December. But because the once-thriving Heritage lineup of running cars shrinks and EVs proceed their dominance, it appears like the Nismo Festival is hanging within the balance. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
