The Nismo Festival, one of the most iconic events on Japan’s automotive calendar, is a must-attend for any Nissan otaku.
But, this year, the event seemed to reflect a turning point – one where the industry’s growing focus on EVs and modernity may 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 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 rather than dwell on the inevitable shift toward an electrified automotive future, let’s focus on the legends that did take to the track this year.
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Nismo, and 28,500 fans turned up to celebrate that milestone with Nissan.
And what better way to kick things off than with Nissan’s most legendary race car – the Group A Calsonic R32 Skyline GT-R? For many in attendance, this was their childhood poster car, and its unmistakable blue and white livery is forever linked with Nismo’s legacy.
And then there’s the sound from its 550hp RB26 – just incredible!
Another standout this year was the Calsonic-liveried R390 GT1. With its 3.5L V8, once used 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 is still driven by former F1 and Nissan works driver Erik Comas.
For many, the highlight of the Nismo Festival is the Historic Car Exhibition Race, and this year’s edition certainly didn’t disappoint. Dozens of classics from the 1970s raced wheel-to-wheel around Fuji Speedway, providing a glimpse into Nissan’s rich motorsports heritage.
Then there was the all-Sunny race, with no less than 22 B110s and B310s lining up for a standing start. The sound of their engines screaming off the main straight 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 have to love old-school race cars.
As Tokyo’s notorious Sunday traffic began to build, many attendees made their way 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 car marked the final chapter for the R34 in the JGTC, as Nissan switched to the Z33 Fairlady Z the following season.
Alongside the Skyline, the 1996 JTCC Sunny, with its naturally aspirated SR20 engine pumping out 300hp, added another historic touch to the lineup.
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. While the LM didn’t enjoy success at Le Mans, it’s 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-driven and Japanese-made vehicle to win outright at the Daytona 24 Hours 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 lineup of Super GT cars took centre stage.
While these newer machines don’t make much noise, they still commanded attention as they flew around 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 slightly less intense on-track schedule this year, I had more time to explore the massive spectator car park, which had turned into an unofficial meet of its own. The sheer number of GT-Rs was impressive.
In fact, the car 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 during the first weekend of December. But as the once-thriving Heritage lineup of running cars shrinks and EVs continue their dominance, it feels like the Nismo Festival is hanging in the balance. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
