Nissan Continues GT-R LM NISMO Testing in Kentucky

Photo: Nissan

Nissan’s new LMP1 challenger has continued its testing and development program this week in Bowling Green, Ky., with significant mileage put on the GT-R LM NISMO despite challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain.

Harry Tincknell, Max Chilton, Alex Buncombe and Michael Krumm are on hand for the four-day test at NCM Motorsports Park, which wraps up today.

The focus of the test, according to Nissan LMP1 team principal Ben Bowlby, has been on endurance running, with the car being specifically developed in Le Mans aero trim for the time being.

According to Bowlby, the circuit’s characteristics makes it a perfect proving ground for the car’s upcoming race debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

“It’s actually a mini Le Mans,” Bowlby said. “It has been modeled on one of the straights of the Mulsanne, the Forza Chicane, and has a copy of the Mulsanne Corner and also the Porsche Curves.

“Really, it’s the only circuit in the world which has the geometry of Le Mans copied. We’re finding this a very valuable test track.”

Prior to this week’s endurance test, Bowlby said they had racked up more than 2,300 miles with the radical front-engined, front-wheel drive car.

The car is scheduled to make its European public debut at the Le Mans test day on May 31. At present, a three-car effort for Le Mans is still planned.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John