YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co., Ltd. (NMC) have unveiled their 2026 motorsports initiatives, reinforcing the automaker’s commitment to leveraging racing as a proving ground for innovation. From the high-speed precision of Super GT to the electrifying challenge of Formula E, Nissan is using motorsport to drive technology development for both fans and customers worldwide.
Works Programs: Formula E and Super GT GT500
In the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Nissan is entering its eighth season, showcasing the evolution of electric vehicle performance with the final year of the GEN3 Evo cars. Following Oliver Rowland’s Drivers’ World Championship victory last season, the team is focused on defending its title while Norman Nato looks to make his own mark. Early podium finishes in São Paulo and Mexico City signal a promising start to Season 12, demonstrating Nissan’s continued expertise in electric powertrain management and race strategy.
Nissan’s commitment to traditional motorsports continues in the Super GT GT500 class, where three Nissan Z NISMO GT500 cars will compete with support from Bridgestone. Veteran drivers and team principals, including Kazuyoshi Hoshino at Team Impul and Takeshi Nakajima at NISMO, bring experience and leadership to the championship. With Daiki Sasaki serving as reserve driver and NISMO Ambassador Ronnie Quintarelli providing strategic guidance, Nissan is positioned to make a strong impact on the 2026 season.
Customer Racing Programs: Expanding the Motorsport Ecosystem
Beyond works teams, Nissan and NMC continue to provide technical support to customer racing programs, offering expertise in Super GT GT300, GT World Challenge Asia, SRO Japan Cup, and Super Taikyu Series GT4 classes. Teams running Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 and Z NISMO GT4 cars benefit from dedicated technical assistance, ensuring competitive performance on track while advancing engineering knowledge that can translate to road vehicles.
In North America, Nissan maintains a strong presence through partnerships with Forsberg Racing, competing in Formula Drift, off-road events, and showcasing the NISMO GT-Z concept at major automotive events. These programs serve as a live laboratory for Nissan performance parts and innovations, while giving fans an up-close view of the brand’s motorsports DNA.
Innovative Engine Programs and Development Initiatives
Nissan and NMC are also collaborating with Gibson Technology to develop a next-generation engine for the LMP2 category, slated for 2028, extending their influence into prototype racing and pushing the boundaries of engine performance. Additionally, the Nissan Mechanic Challenge continues to train technical staff and students alongside professional race teams, fostering the next generation of motorsport technicians.
While the NISMO Driving Academy (NDA) pauses in 2026, Nissan plans to engage owners of GT-R, Fairlady Z, and Skyline (V37) models through special circuit events, allowing enthusiasts to experience performance driving under professional guidance.
Looking Ahead
Through a blend of works and customer racing programs, technical collaborations, and educational initiatives, Nissan and NMC are reinforcing the link between motorsport and automotive innovation. From the high-voltage thrill of Formula E to the endurance and precision of Super GT, Nissan’s 2026 motorsport programs continue to fuel technology development and deepen engagement with fans, drivers, and customers around the world.
