Nissan Employees Build Race-Ready Z for SCCA Competition
A team of volunteers modified a Nissan Z to meet SCCA Touring 2 class specifications for upcoming circuit racing.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Car Culture
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A volunteer group of Nissan employees has completed a race-ready version of the Nissan Z designed for SCCA Touring 2 competition. The build features extensive performance and safety upgrades and a historic red, white, and blue livery.
Why it matters
This project highlights a unique grassroots effort by employees to bring the modern Z platform into professional SCCA racing circuits. The car demonstrates the potential for performance modifications within established Touring 2 class regulations.
The vehicle is equipped with 18x11 RAYS forged aluminum wheels and a six-point competition harness. Performance is managed by custom engine tuning and a suite of cooling upgrades including an aluminum radiator and oil cooler.
The players
Nissan
A multinational automotive manufacturer that produces the Z sports car and supports grassroots employee motorsports projects.
SCCA
The Sports Car Club of America is a major organization that sanctions amateur and professional road racing events across the United States.
Z1 Motorsports
An automotive parts company that provided the bushings, mounts, and braking components used in the competition build.
The details
Nissan staff gutted a stock vehicle and installed a competition-spec roll cage, Sabelt seat, and fire suppression system. The powertrain received turbo inlet restrictors, a cold air intake, a NISMO exhaust, and Z1 Motorsports components for improved track handling.
Timeline
1960s: BRE Datsun race cars established the red, white, and blue livery.
1990s: Group C race cars utilized the classic red, white, and blue color scheme.
2021: The red, white, and blue livery appeared on a Nissan Rebelle Rally truck.
October 2026: The team finished construction on the project car.
Roadmap
This project continues a long-standing legacy of Nissan racing efforts that date back to the iconic BRE Datsun era. It demonstrates how manufacturers maintain brand identity through grassroots internal programs even as the broader industry shifts toward electrification.
The use of specific aftermarket parts like the Z1 Motorsports big brake kit highlights performance upgrades accessible to civilian owners of the Z platform. While the race car is built for the track, its components represent the current standard for modifying the Z for high-demand environments.
The takeaway
This vehicle build serves as a case study in how stock platforms can be adapted for competitive circuit environments through targeted cooling and safety upgrades. Enthusiasts can apply similar principles of weight reduction and heat management to improve reliability during their own track days.
Further reading
For more on enthusiast builds and heritage racing, visit the Car Culture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Motor1.
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