In a thrilling display of racing prowess, the Nissan/NISMO team clinched their first GT500 class victory of the 2024 Super GT Series season at Fuji International Speedway on May 4th. The race, a newly minted fixture of the spring holiday period, drew an electrified crowd of 88,400 fans and marked the first-ever three-hour Super GT event.
With a fresh executive director and revamped driver lineup for the 2024 season, the Nissan/NISMO team entered the weekend with determination, aiming to secure consecutive wins at Fuji following their triumph in the fourth round of last year’s season.
Fielding four cars in the GT500 class, including the #3 Niterra Motul Z, the #12 Marelli Impul Z, the #23 Motul Autech Z, and the #24 Realize Corporation Advan Z, the Nissan Z NISMO GT500 teams were primed for success.
Despite success weights added to some of the cars based on the results of the opening round, the Nissan Z NISMO GT500 teams showcased formidable performance throughout the race. Mitsunori Takaboshi and Atsushi Miyake piloted the #3 Z to a runaway victory, securing first place, while Katsumasa Chiyo and Ronnie Quintarelli drove the #23 Z to a commendable second-place finish, sealing a remarkable 1-2 finish for the Nissan Z teams.
The race unfolded under scorching conditions, with track temperatures soaring to 41°C as the three-hour event commenced. Takaboshi’s swift maneuvers propelled the #3 Z into an early lead, setting the stage for an exhilarating contest. Meanwhile, Chiyo in the #23 Z and Bertrand Baguette in the #12 Z showcased tenacity and skill as they battled their way through the field.
As the race progressed, strategic pit stops and driver changes kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Despite fierce competition, the Nissan/NISMO team maintained a dominant presence, with the #3 Z widening its lead and ultimately crossing the finish line in first place.
Reflecting on the victory, Takaboshi expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and emphasized the need for continuous improvement. Miyake echoed his sentiments, highlighting the team’s meticulous preparation and the significance of their triumph in the GT500 class.
In the GT300 class, the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3s showcased impressive performance, with the #56 Realize Nissan Mechanic Challenge GT-R securing a podium finish, further adding to the team’s success.
With the second race of the season culminating in a stellar 1-2 finish, the Nissan/NISMO team sets their sights on the upcoming challenge at Suzuka Circuit, aiming to extend their winning streak and further solidify their position as championship contenders.
