One of the most iconic events on the Japanese automotive calendar, the Nismo Festival is a must for any Nissan Otaku.
But this year’s event seemed to reflect a turning point – one where the industry’s growing focus on electric vehicles and modernity could have marked the beginning of the festival’s decline.
For many, the real draw of the annual Nismo Festival isn’t checking out the latest hybrid and EV models already on display at your local dealer, but seeing a select number of Nissan’s incredible Heritage Collection cars on display at circuit appear and make some noise.
Last weekend’s event was more subdued than previous Nismo Festivals, with just 16 non-EV race cars driving around Fuji Speedway all day.
But let’s focus on the legends who did take to the track this year, rather than dwell on the inevitable shift toward an electrified automotive future.
2024 marks Nismo’s 40th anniversary and 28,500 fans showed up to celebrate that milestone with Nissan.
And what better way to get started than with Nissan’s most legendary race car: the Group A Calsonic R32 Skyline GT-R? For many attendees, this was the car of their youth, and the unmistakable blue and white livery is forever linked to Nismo’s legacy.
And then there’s the sound of the 550 hp RB26 – simply incredible!
Another highlight this year was the R390 GT1 in Calsonic livery. With its 3.5 liter V8, once used in Group C racing, the R390 GT1 was Nissan’s entry in the 1997 and 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans races. Although only two road chassis were ever made, one has recently been restored and still driven by former F1 and Nissan factory driver Erik Comas.
For many, the highlight of the Nismo Festival is the Historic Car Exhibition Race, and this year’s edition certainly did not disappoint. Dozens of classic cars from the 1970s raced wheel-to-wheel around the Fuji Speedway, offering a glimpse into Nissan’s rich motorsports heritage.
Then there was the all-sunny race, where no fewer than 22 B110s and B310s lined up for a standing start. The sound of their engines screaming from the straight main grid was amazing.
Away from the main paddock, the Historic Car Exhibition Race pit offered a more relaxed experience.
Small wheels, open carbs and raw interiors – you’ve got to love old-school race cars.
As Tokyo’s infamous Sunday traffic began to increase, many visitors headed to the Fuji Speedway exits around 3 p.m. This left the historic paddock virtually empty, all against the beautiful backdrop of a classic Fuji sunset.
Tucked away from the crowds, the fourth floor of the Fuji Speedway stand featured more iconic machines, including the JGTC Motul Skyline GT-R.
Powered by the VQ30DETT, this car marked the final chapter for the R34 in the JGTC, as Nissan switched to the Z33 Fairlady Z the following season.
In addition to the Skyline, the 1996 JTCC Sunny, with its naturally aspirated 300 hp SR20 engine, added another historic touch to the range.
Back in the main paddock, the Heritage cars lined up for their final laps.
The R33 Skyline GT-R LM was basking in the late afternoon sun. Although the LM was not successful at Le Mans, it is an absolute stunner. What a sight!
One of the most exciting moments was seeing the R91CP – a car that made history as the first Japanese-owned and built vehicle to win the 24 Hours of Daytona outright in 1992.
Equally impressive was the 1989 Reebok Skyline GTS-R, which dominated the All-Japan Touring Car Championship in ’89.
Of course, Nissan’s focus on current racing technology is always evident at the Nismo Festival, and the automaker’s current range of Super GT cars took center stage.
Although these newer machines don’t make much noise, they still turned heads as they flew around the track.
With rumors of an S16 Silvia circulating online, I continue to hope for a Toyota GR86 competitor with rear-wheel drive. But with Nissan’s growing emphasis on electric vehicles and front-wheel drive platforms, let alone its current financial woes, that optimism feels a bit strained.
With a slightly less intense schedule at the track this year, I had more time to explore the huge spectator parking lot, which had turned into an unofficial gathering in itself. The sheer number of GT-Rs was impressive.
In fact, the parking garage deserves a standalone feature – stay tuned!
As I walked away from the 2024 Nismo Festival, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. As an event, I would still recommend it to any Nissan enthusiast who happens to be in Japan during the first weekend of December. But as the once-thriving Heritage range of ride-on cars shrinks and electric cars continue their dominance, it feels like the Nismo Festival is hanging in the balance. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Alec Pender
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