MORE THAN 27,000 FANS GATHER AT "NISMO FESTIVAL" DESPITE SNOW

TOKYO (Dec. 5, 2005)—Despite snow in the afternoon, more than 27,100 fans gathered for the "NISMO Festival" held at the Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka Prefecture on Dec. 4. Some had even queued overnight waiting for the gates to open at 5 am.

Nissan Motor Co.’s annual motorsports event returned to the Fuji Speedway this year from TI Circuit Aida in Okayama Prefecture after the Fuji circuit was closed for renovation for two years.

This year’s highlight was the parade lap of three recently restored historical racecars - the R380-II (1967), R381 (1968) and R382 (1969). Their rival in the late 1960s, Toyota 7 (1969) made a surprise rendezvous run with the three old-timers. Another surprise was the reveal of 350Z racecar for the 2006 season of Super GT series. Fans were delighted to see the unpainted, black carbon bodied racecar make its first demonstration run in public.

Heritage machines, including Le Mans racers, Skyline GT-Rs, 240Z, and drifting competition vehicles also made parade laps.

Many Nissan executives attended the festival with Carlos Tavares, Nissan executive vice president participating in NISMO’s March Cup exhibition race, the March/Micra one-make race.

There were also interactive events between fans and race drivers, including autograph sessions, as well as a garage sale of branded merchandise and racing parts.

For the grand finale, the drivers lined up their racing cars on the home straight. They then took to the grandstand to thank the fans for their support this season, and to make their resolutions for next year.

"I was very happy to meet so many great Nissan fans," said Tavares. "Your passion inspires us and I would like to thank you for your continuous support to our motorsports activities."

"Thank you for coming to the festival in spite of the freezing weather," said Yuichi Sanada, president of NISMO. “We will try our best to put on a great competition next year as well. We appreciate your support."

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