NISSAN'S NISMOMANIA BREAKS TAR, HEARTS

The Tarlton International Raceway played host to the third round of Nismomania on 30 September 2012. Hosted by the Nissan GTR_Z Club, the day saw a variety of fast cars, fast drivers and fun in every direction for event attendees. With MC Vic Pardal (host of Channel O’s Mzansi Ridez) on hand to get the crowds cheering, the event was action-packed from start to finish.

With the cult following that Nissan’s performance cars have generated over the years, the GTR_Z Club produced a stellar cast of race entrants – from new Nissan GT-Rs and 370Zs to older Nissan Sabres, Skyline GTRs and even a Datsun GX – making the day any Nissan fan’s dream date. Other brands also lined up to race, with highlights in the form of a new BMW M5, an Audi RS3, various Mercedes-Benz AMG models, a super-fast Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX, an Opel Kadett – which was completely kitted out with the engine, suspension and drivetrain from a Nissan GTR – and even a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Heads-up racing provided show-stopping entertainment for the crowds as one by one each car proved its mettle down the strip. Immensely quick cars were in abundance and a few ten-second cars seemed to provide the day’s fastest times initially, but some stellar runs later in the day had the enthusiastic audience on the edges of their seats. A purpose-built drag car, which attended Nismomania as a showcase rather than a competitor, the No Sweat Nissan Skyline GTR (R33) went on to run an 8.98-second ¼ mile, crossing the line at a ludicrous 266 km/h.

The fastest Nissan of the day was the Nissan R32 Skyline which posted a best ¼ mile (400 metres) time of 11.12 seconds. The overall winner of the event however was Adriaan van den Berg competing in the Open Class, who went on to cross the line in just 10.37 seconds, taking the honours at the event.

“We are very pleased with our results and the event was great, but we know there is still more to come out of the Evo,” commented an elated van den Berg after his win.

STORY BY NISSAN