GT-R Festival USA: A Heritage of Speed, Style, & Innovation

The inaugural Platinum Racing Products GT-R Festival USA was held at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas, from November 15^th to 17^th 2024, marking a historic weekend for the Nissan GT-R community. It delivered an unforgettable automotive experience, cementing itself as one of the premier future world gatherings for GT-R enthusiasts and car lovers alike.

A Global Gathering of GT-R Enthusiasts

Held over three action-packed days, the event drew over 7,500 attendees and showcased more than 550 stunning vehicles, from street-tuned beauties to 3,000hp track-ready beasts.  The event brought together the largest gathering of R32, R33, R34, & R35 GT-Rs ever seen in the United States.  Cars came from all over the nation including Australia, Canada, Japan, and Europe to honor the GT-R’s enduring heritage.

High-Octane Action on the Track

The festival was a playground for adrenaline junkies, featuring a diverse array of high-octane activities. Roll racing and drag racing highlighted the power and speed of these iconic machines, while drifting exhibitions and drift/ autocross passenger rides, presented by Pennzoil, gave fans a taste of the artful chaos that defines the sport. Texas Drift Academy, Hertlife, and T-pain’s Nappy Boy Automotive put on an amazing showcase. Every track event tested drivers’ skills in precision and handling, captivating audiences with its blend of technical prowess and thrilling execution.

Record-Breaking Performance Highlights

Two of the world’s fastest GT-Rs, “JUN II,” built by ‘Croydon Racing Developments’ in New South Wales, Australia, and piloted by Rob Marjan, and “Night Fury,” owned and driven by George Dodworth, both posted 6-sec passes at 220+ mph, taking just a mere one second to hit 0-60mph. INSANE!!

A Feast for Car Culture Enthusiasts

Beyond the track, the festival offered a feast for car culture enthusiasts. A dyno exhibition showcased some of the most powerful builds of the event, leaving the crowd in awe as engines roared and numbers climbed. The festival grounds were bustling with activity, featuring over 70 sponsors and vendors like HKS, PRP, Greddy, Garage Zero, Garrett, Top Rank, Throtl, & Artec to name a few, offering everything from top-tier performance parts to exclusive merchandise, making it a haven for both collectors and builders. 

If that wasn’t enough, the entire festival grounds transformed into a living car show in every direction you looked, featuring masterpieces from around the world including highlights such as:

• Andrew Evanson’s one of only 40 Nissan 400Rs in the world racing down the drag strip @400r_29
• Kazushige Sakamoto’s amazing full carbon R33 build which we saw for the first time just a week ago at SEMA in Las Vegas @active4488
• Marc’s R34 M-Spec Nurs (jade) @pterodactyltactics
• Scarlet V-Spec R33 Nissan Skyline @scarlet_r33_

There were so many bangers I couldn’t possibly point them all out without making this the longest story ever. So see the coverage at the bottom for more!

One of my personal favorites, being a die-hard Supra guy, was Daniel Lima’s from RMC Miami’s and Smokey Nagata’s Top Secret historic top speed Supra now owned by Fish.

A Celebration of Community and Innovation

The event’s community-focused atmosphere was just as impactful as the high-octane thrills. It never ceases to amaze me how car enthusiasts from across the country/world come together to celebrate their shared passion, forging connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Major industry figures were there to shake hands, take pictures, and talk about the GT-R platform we all know and love. Noticeably mingling around attendees, the Nissan Chief Product Specialist, and the Godfather behind the GT-R platform, Hiroshi Tamura made his rounds throughout the day like he was just another person in the crowd.

Looking Ahead to the Future

GT-R Festival USA was a celebration of engineering, creativity, and community. For those who attended, the echoes of revving engines and the smell of burning rubber will be a reminder of an event that truly lived up to the hype. Car lovers everywhere are already marking their calendars for next year’s edition!  We for one can’t wait to see how they plan to top this and what’s in store for the future.  Big CONGRATS to the entire team at GT-R Festival for planning and pulling off an extraordinary event from half way around the world. 

GT-R Festival USA wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. With its unforgettable moments and global appeal, it has set the stage for even greater experiences in the years to come.

Check out the gallery below.