For almost two decades, the annual Nismo (Nissan Motorsport) Festival in Japan has always been one of the highly anticipated motoring events. And the recently concluded 19th series brought together superstars and fascinating race cars of the historical era and contemporary from Nissan’s global motorsport activities.
With the 50th anniversary celebration of Fuji Speedway (the event’s official venue), legendary Nissan race cars didn’t end up solely for display but also did several hot laps. Moreover, current active Nissan race-car drivers from Japan and abroad, team principals and legendary drivers were united and treated thousands of motorsports fanatics and visitors with exhilarating race actions. As part of the Philippine contingent, motoring scribes from six other countries in Asia and Oceania regions were flown to Yokohama City for the #NissanA2Z Media Tour 2016 to witness this high-octane occasion.
“The Nismo Festival is just an incredible event. Fans not only get the chance to see these amazing cars up close but see them run on track, as well. From a driver’s perspective, we get the chance to sample some amazing pieces of Nissan motorsport history on a brilliant circuit. Last year we had drivers from Japan, the US, Europe and Australia all coming together to put on a great show for the fans,” Nismo’s Blancpain GT Series ace Alex Buncombe said.
Racing retrospective
A multitude of Nismo edition GTR, 370Z and NOTE made the initial parade run showcased in uniform colors and standard forms. This was then followed by the riveting showcase of GTR and 370Z race cars doing numerous hot laps. What made it more interesting were the integrated circuit safari and taxi rides. It was fascinating to see several tourist buses and luxury minivans doing circuit run-throughs in a slower pace for the passengers to feel the track while watching race cars pass through them. And every time these race machines hit the stretch in the bleacher’s area, a heart-pounding reverberation from the engine and exhaust were more than apparent for the fans to enjoy.
Perhaps, the most awaited was the momentous Nissan motorsports heritage run, wherein iconic race cars paraded at the circuit. You can just imagine the level of excitement from the crowd seeing all these marvels in a single grid. These are the champions from the 1960s Japanese GP, namely, the Prince R380 (Type A-1), R381, R282, and the Skyline 2000GT-R. Representing the 1970s era were the Sunny Excellent Coupe 1400GX, Cherry Coupe 1200-1 and the Fairlady 240ZG. As for the 1990s, there’s the Calsonic Skyline from the 1990 JTC, Calsonic R92CP from the1992 JSPC and finally, the R39, which competed in the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours. The finale ended with the Grid Walk, where everyone got the chance to meet and greet the celebrity drivers for the last race exhibition—the Nismo GP 2016.
Aftermarket exhibit
Of course, the entire festival was not only about motorsports. In fact, myriad of Nissan exotic cars of different generations flooded the open grounds. Known aftermarket distributors and car groups flaunted their masterpieces for the crowd to appreciate. A vast array of GTR from R35, the renowned R34, R33, R32 and even 370Zwere among the favorites showcased in modified forms. From souped-up engines, aerodynamic add-ons, to racing rims, to name a few, Nissan fanatics and gearheads feasted on these mean machines. But there were two cars on display that won the hearts of the many. Immaculately restored with numerous modifications, these two race-tuned classic Skyline 2000GT “Hakosuka” were displayed side by side. The level of detail in terms of its well-dressed and souped-up engine bay, car-show paint finish and interior reformations, among others, made these duo more than worthy of a second look.
Aside from the exciting cars and aftermarket parts on display, there were also novelty items shops. From scale model cars and Nismo gears, apparels, visitors flocked at every booth to purchase their favorite items. Interestingly, those items are so in-demand that people willingly waited in long lines just to get them. With a weather temperature of 10 degree Celsius, the exhilaration from the race exhibition, pleasure from cars on display and the merchandise on sale was more than enough to warm the cold atmosphere.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino