Nissan Unveils 2026 Motorsports Program Amid Strategic Changes
Nissan and Nissan Motorsports & Customising Co. Ltd. (NMC) have officially outlined their 2026 motorsports initiatives, showcasing the liveries for three Nissan Z NISMO GT500s set to compete in Japan’s SUPER GT series. This follows a previously announced contraction of their GT500 program, which highlights a renewed strategic focus.
Kondo Racing has made a notable switch from Yokohama Advan to Bridgestone Potenza tires for their #24 Realize Corporation Z, aligning with the tire choices of both the NISMO and Team Impul squads. This season marks the last for open tire competition in SUPER GT. Daiki Sasaki continues as the GT500 reserve driver, with veterans Masataka Yanagida and Ronnie Quintarelli serving in advisory roles.
While Kondo Racing transitions to Bridgestone for GT500, they will maintain Yokohama tires for their GT300 efforts. The team’s #56 Realize/Nissan Mechanic Challenge GT-R will feature returning two-time GT300 Champion João Paulo de Oliveira, now partnered with former Honda factory driver Iori Kimura, who replaces Kohei Hirate.
Other GT300 teams, including HELM Motorsports, NILZZ Racing, and Tomei Sports, will uphold Nissan GT-R entries, with several driver confirmations expected soon.
In addition to SUPER GT, Nissan will offer technical support to Gainer for its #11 Nissan Fairlady Z GT300 during its third competitive season. Two GT-R NISMO GT3s will participate in SRO series across Asia, with Team 5Zigen re-entering the GT World Challenge Asia. The team has announced a new driver lineup including 2001 GT500 Champion Takayuki Aoki.
Nissan’s commitment to grassroots motorsports remains as they shift focus in North America towards their recently developed NISMO GT-Z, designed in partnership with Chris Forsberg (Forsberg Racing). Their GT4 program will be limited to Japan’s Eneos Super Taikyu Series, where Team ZeroOne and Naniwa Denso Impul will each field Nissan Z NISMO GT4 entries.
Today’s announcements reflect Nissan’s ongoing adaptability in a competitive motorsports landscape, focusing on strategic partnerships and optimizing their presence across multiple racing series.
