Nissan says thanks to the fans at NISMO Festival at Fuji

OYAMA, Japan – Nissan has celebrated another successful season by saying thanks to the Nissan/NISMO fans – both in Japan and across the world at last weekend's NISMO Festival at Fuji Speedway.

More than 30,000 fans attended yesterday's event, which brought together the stars and cars of Nissan's past and present motorsport activities from around the world.

Super GT fans are used to seeing the incredible support of the "Nissan Supporter's Association" who can be seen waving Nissan flags in support of our teams at every event.

Throughout the festival, an exhibition was on display that detailed the 20 years of history of the cheering squad. NISMO CEO Takao Katagiri presented squad leader Takeshi Kurosawa with a certificate of appreciation along with a DVD containing messages from the drivers and team directors.

As part of the event's closing ceremony, the championship-winning effort of the Threebond Nissan Technical College GT-R team in Super Taikyu was highlighted along with Nissan and Super GT driver Ronnie Quintarelli's fundraising efforts for the "Pray for Italy" earthquake relief fund.

Nissan enjoyed another successful 2016 on the world motorsport stage winning five out eight races in Super GT in Japan, saying farewell to LM P2 prototype racing with championship wins in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series as well as taking racing wins in major championships in both Australia and the US.

"We have shared many ups and downs this year," said Katagiri. "We would like to thank you all, our fans, for your unwavering support and will continue to strive to ensure that next year you continue to think that Nissan is No. 1 in motorsports and road cars."

The final event of the day – the NISMO Grand Prix – was won by the GT500 No.12 Calsonic Impul GT-R of JP de Oliveira and Hironobu Yasuda with Kazuki Hoshino the first GT300 machine across the line.

NISMO also recognized its international fans at the festival with the event streamed live with English commentary on NISMO.TV for the first time on YouTube.

Mardenborough Thrilled with First Year of Japanese Racing

Former GT Academy winner Jann Mardenborough headed home to Wales in the UK today and completing his final laps of his debut season in Japan at yesterday's NISMO Festival.

The young ex-gamer enjoyed a stunning debut season in Japanese racing finishing second in the Formula 3 championship and becoming a race-winning, GT300 class championship-contender with Kazuki Hoshino in Super GT.

To complete his first season in Japan at the NISMO Festival, Mardenborough yesterday got to drive a wide variety of machines including Michael Krumm's 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship-winning GT-R, the 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour-winning GT-R GT3 NISMO and the Calsonic Nissan R92CP Group C sportscar.

"I've loved my first year in Japan, not only just racing out here but from a life experience perspective," said Mardenborough. "To get the chance to come over here and live in Japan for six months has been really interesting. I've learned a lot about the Japanese culture, and it is nice to get the chance to travel the world and race in different countries as well. This was something that I never believed would be possible and get to drive such amazing cars like I have this weekend. It is work for me, but it doesn't feel like it when I get to drive and go racing with few friends. I've really loved the whole experience in Super GT and Formula 3."

After an incredible #NISMOfest16, @NISMO's @nismo_mike says thanks to all our fans both at Fuji and around the world. #NISMOnation pic.twitter.com/qqfCIXqYEF

— Nissan NISMO (@NISMO) December 12, 2016

NISMO Calendar

January 12-14
Dubai 24 Hours, Dubai Autodrome, United Arab Emirates

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Contact

Jane Johnstone
Marketing Communications Director
Global Motorsport Communications
Nissan/NISMO
Phone: +44 7979 710646
Email: jane.johnstone@nissan.co.uk

Paul Ryan
Marketing and PR Manager
Phone: +1 678 644 0404
Email: paul@nismosupport.com