Nissan Nismo History!

Nissan began their motorsport journey at the Round Australia Trial. The series boasted a 16,250 km circuit circumnavigating the Australian continent. Nissan claimed their maiden victory through the Datsun 210.

1963 heralded the first Japanese Grand Prix, being hosted initially as a Sportscar race, in which Nissan entered the Datsun Fairlady 1500 into the B-11 event. The car qualified third on the grid and was driven to victory by Genichiro Tahara who rose through the field while also setting the fastest lap of the race.

With the aim to win the Japanese Grand Prix, the Prince Skyline 2000GT was placed into production. Though the car was unsuccessful in securing victory, it was extremely competitive, with second through sixth place being taken by a Skyline. The success of the model led to its later production as a consumer model, giving birth to the legendary Nissan Skyline and now GT-R.

Following its success in the Round Australia Trial in 1958, the Datsun Bluebird was entered into the Monte Carlo Rally for the first time.

The Datsun Bluebird competed in South Africa’s Grand Rally de Angola. The Bluebird outclassed its competitors on the 720km circuit to finish first. The car saw further success with victory in the Sportsman Class of the 4^th National Stock Car Race, and a podium finish at the Macau Grand Prix.

The Prince R380 was built specifically to compete in the Japanese Grand Prix. The new body had strong aerodynamics with alloy panels that exposed buttresses over the rear. During the Grand Prix, four R380s were entered to rival Porsche’s 906. Nissan emerged victorious, with Yoshikazu Sunako taking first place.

At the East African Safari Rally, the Datsun Bluebird became the first Japanese car to win the under 1300cc class. The Bluebird then set further records, becoming the first Japanese car to win an international automobile rally, as well as claiming triumph at the Kenyan Rally.

The celebrated R380, renamed as the Nissan R380-II, set out to break multiple international speed records. The captain of the Nissan Racing Team, T. Yokohama, drove the R380-II to seven new international speed records in seven events across numerous distances.

Bob Sharp, a former salesman, won the Sports Car Club of America National Championship in the car. This proved to be the first of many, with Nissan claiming more than 100 SCCA Run-off titles since.

After the success of the Nissan R380, Nissan announced the prototype R381 which improved in every way in comparison to the previous model.

Following the announcement of the high-speed prototype R381, the car completed the Japanese Grand Prix with Moto Kitano behind the wheel. The model proved to be as successful as its predecessor, claiming Nissan’s second Grand Prix victory.

Nissan developed a third model, the R382, to house their new V12 engine. The car was a complete change from the R381, sporting a wide rectangular front head and was without an

adjustable rear wing following regulation changes. These modifications were a resounding success, as Nissan claimed a third victory at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Datsun 1600 SSS enjoyed a strong year. Edgar Herrmann and Hans Schüller finished first in the East Safari Rally, as well as claiming joint victory in the Round Australia Trial.

Nissan took the Canadian National Rally Championship crown with Walter Boyce and co-driver Doug Woods in the Datsun Bluebird.

Edgar Herrmann and Hans Schüller once again tasted success, with a second consecutive win at the East Safari Rally, this time driving the Datsun 240Z.

John Morton’s six out of twelve race wins helped bring home the manufacturer’s title at the 1971 SCCA Trans AM 2.5 Championship, achieved in the Datsun BRE 510.

The Skyline GT-R made history as it was driven to a 50th victory in less than 3 years. Kunimitsu Takahashi achieved the feat with his win at the Fuji 300km Speed Race, the first round of the Fuji Grand Champion Series.

The Datsun 240Z was indomitable in the East African Safari Rally, securing the championship with drivers Shekhar Mehta and Lofty Drews. During late May, Nissan added another trophy to their collection at the Suzuka 1000km with the Fairlady Z432R.

The Datsun 240Z was introduced as the first Japanese entry to compete in the IMSA GT Challenge. Driven by Walt Maas, the car won the GTU championship, and earned the nickname “Giant Killer” for its ability to outperform larger and higher classed competitors.

After winning the SCCA National Championship six times, Bob Sharp went on to take the IMSA GTU title, racing in the Datsun 260Z.

Brad Friselle won Nissan’s third consecutive IMSA GTU Championship, winning eight out of eleven races in the Datsun 260Z.

During the tenth season of the Australian Rally Championship, George Fury and navigator Monty Suffern won Nissan’s third championship in the series driving the Datsun 710.

The Datsun 280ZX gave Nissan a trophy-laden 1979.

Kenyan duo Shekhar Mehta and Mike Doughty had their debut season in the East African Safari Rally. Even as rookies, they claimed the championship crown. Once again, Nissan was victorious in the IMSA GTU Championship, this time with driver Don Devendorf who took nine wins out of fifteen during the season.

Nissan began the 1980s with two rally car championship wins. The first, the Australian Rally Championship, was won by George Fury in the Datsun Stanza. This was followed in April by Shekhar Mehta and Mike Doughty winning the Safari Rally Championship, driving the Datsun 160J.

Nissan continued their success in rallying, with Shekhar Mehta and Mike Doughty winning their second consecutive Safari Rally, this time in the Nissan Violet GT. The car went on to win the Triple Crown at the Ivory Coast Rally, winning Class F, Group 2 and Group 4.

Nissan’s domination in rallying was sustained into 1982, as Shekar Mehta and Mike Doughty took a third consecutive Safari Rally. Nissan’s honors list grew further with Haruhito Yanagida’s victory in the Super Silhouette class of the Japanese Touring Car Championship, powered by the Bluebird Super Silhouette. Don Devendorf capped off a successful year with the IMSA GT0 Championship trophy, in the Datsun 280ZX Turbo.

Nissan introduced the 240 RS as its top-flight rally entry for the iconic Group B era of regulations. It would go on to win multiple national championships, as well as taking second place at the New Zealand Rally in the WRC. The car remains highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts to this day.

A milestone for Nissan as Nissan Motorsports International, or Nismo, began operation in Japan after the merging of the Publication Division 3 based in Oppama and the Special Car Testing Division in Ōmori.

During round 4 of the 1984 Australian Endurance Championship, George Fury secured pole position at Mount Panorama Circuit in the Datsun Bluebird.

Nismo’s second year of operation included the release of vehicles to compete in both the All-Japan Endurance Championship and the All-Japan Touring Car Championship.

Nissan entered seven 240RS into the Acropolis Rally, one of the roughest rounds of the World Rally Championship. Of these, six finished the event, and four claimed top 10 finishes.

Nissan entered the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for the first time with the Nissan R85V.

Aguri Suzuki won the Japanese Touring Car Championship in the Skyline RS.

Nissan made history, becoming the first manufacturer to complete the Paris-Dakar Rally with a diesel engine in the Nissan Patrol. The model performed strongly, claiming a top-10 finish.

Nissan broke IMSA GTP Series records with the GTP ZX-Turbo driven by Geoff Brabham, winning eight consecutive races, and taking first place in the championship. Elsewhere, Nissan topped the standings in the Safari Rally A4 Category. In endurance racing, Nissan returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, entering two cars.

The Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo was dominant for a second year. Geoff Brabham won his second consecutive IMSA Championship, while also triumphing in the 12 Hours of Sebring alongside Arie Luyendyk and Chip Robinson. Further silverware was earned in the Japanese Touring Car Series and the IMSA GTU Championship with Masahiro Hasemi and Bob Leitzinger respectively.

Nissan added to their illustrious achievements at the Safari Rally, this time with the Manufacturer’s Team prize.

Nissan began the 1990s as they meant to go on, securing three championships and multiple race wins.  

In Japan, Nissan claimed triumph in the All-Japan Sports Prototype Series and the Japanese Touring Car Championship, while further South the Nissan Skyline HR31 GTS-R and R32 GT-R won the Australian Touring Car Championship.

In Europe, Mark Blundell and the Nissan R90CK took pole position at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while the R32 GT-R saw further success, locking out the podium places at the Spa 24 Hours.

Geoff Brabham extended his consecutive run of IMSA championships to three, while Nissan also tasted victory at the Suzuka 1000 kilometers and 12 Hours of Sebring.

Nissan enjoyed a second year of endurance dominance with the Skyline R32 GT-R, topping Group A at 24 Hours of Spa, as well as Group N at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The GTP ZX-Turbo took victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring while the Nissan R90CK scored a podium finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

The Skyline R32 GT-R replicated its touring car championship success of the previous year, claiming the Japanese and Australian Touring Car Championships with Masahiro Hasemi and Jim Richards respectively, while also winning at the Bathurst 1000.

Geoff Brabham claimed his final IMSA Championship, setting a record of four consecutive titles.

Nissan built upon their 1991 24 Hours of Daytona podium and stood on the top step with the N91CP, while the Skyline R32 GT-R made it six touring car championships in three years, claiming a back-to-back-to-back set of Japanese and Australian Touring Car Championships, while once again winning the Bathurst 1000 and topping Group N at the 24 Hours of Spa.

Nissan’s IMSA Championship success continued, this time in the GTS category, as Steve Millen claimed the title in the 300ZX.

Nissan’s Skyline R32 GT-R took its seventh touring car crown at the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship with Masahiko Kageyama behind the wheel. Butch Leitzinger and his 240XS won Nissan another title at the IMSA Championship, in the GTU category.  

The 1994 24 Hours Daytona served as the opening round of the IMSA GT Championship. Victory was taken by Cunningham Racing in the Nissan 300ZX Turbo. The car enjoyed a strong season, taking six more victories, including at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This led Steve Millen to claim the Drivers’ Championship in the GTS class, making it Nissan’s seventh consecutive IMSA title.

The All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship was successful for Nissan as they brought home two championships in different classes. The Skyline R32 GT-R won its eighth touring car title in the GT1 class with Masahiko Kageyama, while Japanese duo Kaoru Hoshino and Yoshimi Ishibashi in the Skyline GTS-R topped the GT2 class.

Nissan announced its commitment to supply engines for the 1997 Indianapolis 500. This heralded Nissan’s entry into major open-wheel racing in America.

Success in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship continued, as Nissan took victory at Round 4 in Fuji, and appeared on the podium throughout the campaign.

Team Bandoh entered the Japanese Grand Touring Championship, with the Nissan Silvia S14. After a run of five consecutive podiums they secured the GT300 class title.

The new Nissan R390 GTI earned a second-place start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, before converting this into a podium finish.

1998 marked the beginning of the World Series by Nissan, contested over nine race weekends. All drivers competed using the same chassis and the Nissan VQ engine. The inaugural championship was won by Spanish driver Marc Gené. 

Nissan continued their touring car success at the Japanese Grand Touring Car Championship with the R390 GT1, while also earning a second consecutive podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

French driver Laurent Aïello drove the Nissan Primera to British Touring Car Championship glory. Érik Comas brought home Nissan’s third consecutive Japanese Grand Touring Championship in the Skyline GT-R R34.

The World Series continued under the name “The Euro Open” in 1999. Contested over eight race weekends with sixteen rounds, it was won by now two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso driving for Campos Motorsport, who won six out of sixteen races.

Campos Motorsport furthered their success in Nissan’s World Series with driver Antonio García claiming the team’s third consecutive championship.

The Skyline GT-R won the first overseas race in Japanese Grand Touring Car Championship history, in Malaysia.

Nissan’s run in the Japanese Grand Touring Car Championship continued as they claimed another championship with the Nissan Silvia S15.

Nissan hosted another World Series, with Ricardo Zonta taking the championship and becoming the 4th driver to secure such a title.

The year saw the release of the Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33), which would go on to achieve numerous victories across motorsport.

In the 2003 All Japan Grand Touring Championship, Nissan took victory in both classes. The Skyline GT-R won the GT500 class title driven by Satoshi Motoyama and Michael Krumm, while GT300 glory was claimed by Mitsuhiro Kinoshita and Masataka Yanagida in the Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33).

Franck Montagny enjoyed a dominant season at the World Series by Nissan, winning the championship with a lead of over 100 points.

In the last season of the World Series by Nissan, Heikki Kovalainen topped the standings with Pons Racing.

Nissan were crowned victorious again at The Japan Grand Touring Car Championship with drivers Satoshi Motoyama and Richard Lyons in the Fairlady Z(Z33).

Nissan won the Japan Grand Touring Car Championship, now renamed the Super GT Series, with an adapted Fairlady Z model, the GT500.

The Fairlady Z GT500 continued its success, winning at the Suzuka 1000km.

Nissan made their debut in the China Circuit Championship with the Tilda. Driver Guo Shen began Nissan’s foray into the series in style, taking both constructors’ and drivers’ titles with the Dongfeng Nissan Ghiasports Team.

A new era for Nissan began with the unveiling of the R35 GTR at the Tokyo Motor Show. The car would go on to unprecedented commercial and sporting success.

In the Super GT Series, Nissan introduced the new GT-R in the GT500 class. The car enjoyed a stellar start to its motorsport career, winning 7 out of 9 races to take the GT500 championship.

With the aim of turning Gran Turismo gamers into professional racing drivers, the launch of the award-winning PlayStation GT Academy was announced.

Nissan showed itself to be a pioneer of electric vehicles by announcing the world’s first mass-market electric car, the Nissan LEAF.

The Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33) showed its longevity by topping the GT300 category in the Super GT series, six years after winning the Japanese Grand Touring Car Championship in 2004.

Nissan made their debut in the European Le Mans Series, with their 4.5 litre VK45DEV8 engine powering five race wins in eight races in the season.

The LMP2 category in the 79^th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was dominated by Greaves motorsport’s Nissan-powered car, as they led the last 137 laps, claiming a first-class class win and Nissan’s first since 2000.

The Nissan GT-R GT500 won the Super GT Series, while the GT-R Nismo GT1 won the FIA GT1 World Championship.

Due to an increased interest in electric cars, Nissan introduced their all-electric Nissan Leaf NISMO RC to the world at the New York Auto Show. One of the world’s first electric cars geared towards racing, it featured an 80kW electric motor, carbon fiber monocoque chassis and body panels.

The GT-R GT500 won a second consecutive Super GT Series in the fifth round at Suzuka, with drivers Ronnie Quintarelli and Masataka Yanagida.

The Nissan DeltaWing made its racing debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With a design unlike any other on the grid, the car filled the 56th garage at the race, which was reserved for experimental vehicles. Driven by Marino Franchitti, Michael Krumm and Satoshi Motoyama, it qualified within the LMP2 pack but was forced to retire following an incident, having completed 75 laps.

After years of research and development, Nissan unveiled the world’s fastest hybrid electric racing car to date, the ZEOD RC. The car sported a hybrid electric drivetrain with lithium-ion battery packs.

Nissan became champions in the FIA WEC LMP2 class, with OAK Racing’s Nissan-powered Morgan LMP2 topping the standings.

Nissan continued their involvement in the Super GT series, introducing the GT-R Nismo into the GT500 class. The car claimed the championship on debut, making it Nissan’s fifth title in the series.

Using the Nissan VK45DE engine, SMP Racing secured the FIA WEC LMP2 championship, becoming the second Nissan-powered car in a row to take the LMP2 crown. The same engine propelled JOTA Sport’s Zytek Z11SN to victory at 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 class.

2015 was a strong year for Nissan, featuring multiple trophies.

The GT-R Nismo GT3 claimed the Blancpain Endurance Series Pro Cup with a strong season including victory at the Bathurst 12 Hours. Nissan-powered G-Drive Racing won a third consecutive WEC LMP2 crown for Nissan as an engine supplier, while KCMG, also using a Nissan powertrain, took LMP2 victory at Le Mans.

Signatech Alpine became the fourth consecutive Nissan-powered team to win the WEC LMP2 championship, while also ensuring Nissan engines topped the LMP2 category at Le Mans for a third season running. After years of prolonged excellence, Nissan announced their departure from the FIA WEC, having won four LMP2 championships and six ELMS championships.

Using Nissan engines, Extreme Speed Motorsport clinched a dramatic Petit Le Mans victory with drivers Brendon Hartley, Scott Sharp and Ryan Dalziel. Nissan began a new era by announcing their entrance into the FIA Formula E Championship, debuting the following year in Season 5.

Nissan began their participation in Formula E in the 2018/19 campaign, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer in the series, unveiling their livery at the Geneva Auto Show. Nissan-powered Extreme Speed Motorsport won at 12 Hours of Sebring, with drivers Pipo Derani, Johannes van Overbeek and Nico Lapierre.

In their debut season in Formula E (2018/19), Nissan scored six podiums, one of which was a race win by Sébastien Buemi at the New York E-Prix. They showed strong single-lap pace too, qualifying on pole five times. Buemi finished second in the Drivers’ Championship while the squad took fourth in the Teams’ Championship, just one point behind third place.

Nissan built on their strong debut season in Formula E, finishing second in the Team’s Championship. In the Super GT Series, Kondo Racing took the championship by nine points in the GT300 class using the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3.

In 2021, Nissan announced their long-term commitment to the FIA Formula E Championship, signing until the end of the Gen3 era in 2026. In North America, the Micra Cup series was renamed the Sentra Cup due to the launch of Nissan’s new road cars in Canada. The Sentra Cup is a one-make racing series exclusive to Canada which offers one of the most affordable ways to participate in motorsport.

In a successful year for the GT-R NISMO GT3, HELM Motorsport brought home the Super Taikyu ST-X/GT3 championship while Kondo Racing were crowned Super GT champions in the GT300 category, with both teams using the car.

Nissan also took full control of Nissan e.dams ahead of Season 8, the final campaign of the Gen2 era.

2023 saw Nissan Formula E Team race into Season 9, the debut season of the Gen3 regulations, with a new team name, nationality and two new drivers. Showing encouraging pace throughout the season, Sacha Fenestraz took pole position at the Cape Town E-Prix, while Norman Nato secured an excellent second-placed finish in Rome.

Nissan revealed their vision for the next-generation all-electric high-performance supercar, the Nissan Hyper Force concept car. Developed by NISMO, the exterior chassis generates strong downforce and high levels of cooling, while the dual lever rear diffuser optimally controls airflow.