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| Copyright © NISMO |
| Richard Lyons(right) and Anthony Reid |
Over the three days from July 7th to 9th, NISSAN and NISMO were feted at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the world's premier motorsport events, held in the southwestern British county of Sussex.
The 2004 All-Japan Grand Touring Car (JGTC) series championship-winning Xanavi NISMO Z took part in the event. Driving the Z up the 1.9-kilometre hillclimb course, 2004 JGTC champion Richard Lyons took honours in the speed contest, earning top time. The enthusiastic response from the crowd showed great appeal for the car.
Well-known as an event that showcases the world of motorsport, with cars from Formula One, Le Mans, DTM, WTCC, WRC, Rally Raid, and featuring some of the world's most famous drivers, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is unmatched in its breadth and scope. Begun in 1993 by Lord Charles March and held on the grounds of his sprawling estate, this year marks the 14th running of the event - a three-day affair that attracted no fewer than 160,000 guests. This year's theme celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first ever Grand Prix, the 1906 French GP. Renault, victorious on that historic event; was the main sponsor this year and had a huge monument erected in front of Goodwood House. The Renault exhibit featured old Grand Prix cars and modern F1 machinery - right up to the latest F1 challengers.
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| Copyright © NISMO |
| Xanavi NISMO Z |
NISSAN GB invited NISMO and NISSAN to run the '04 GT500 car, the Xanavi NISMO Z, with Richard Lyons at the wheel. Lyons ran a total of five etime-attacks' up Goodwood hill, one practice run on Friday, followed by morning and afternoon runs on both Saturday and Sunday. Anthony Reid, the ex-works NISSAN driver, drove a 1999 NISSAN Primera, the car that won the BTCC that year. Reid's time was good enough to be awarded the Racing Saloon Car class top time. In addition, a privately-entered NISSAN Group C car, the R90CK, also ran up Goodwood hill; while a replica of the Datsun 240Z that conquered the Safari Rally tackled the forest rally course.
Richard Lyons said : "It's my first time to participate in Goodwood. I'm really excited and proud to be part of such a large event, and one that's so well-known around the world. The first run on Friday was wet and the road felt a little slippery. The condition of the car was perfect, and I was confident we could set the fastest time of the event. On the last day we were able to use slicks and got fastest time finally. I'm very happy with the result and want to say thanks to NISSAN GB and the NISMO mechanics for my debut win at Goodwood."
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