NISMO Announces Ronnie Quintarelli's departure from SUPER GT racing

Nissan Motorsports & Customization Co., Ltd. (NMC) today announced NISMO driver Ronnie Quintarelli will retire from SUPER GT racing at the end of the 2024 season.

A prominent figure in SUPER GT, Japan's most prestigious racing series, since 2005, Quintarelli has driven with the Nissan team since 2008 and leaves the sport with an impressive record of four series championships. His achievements have made a significant contribution to Nissan/NISMO's motorsport legacy.

Quintarelli has driven Nissan's iconic number 23 car since 2013. During his time with the brand, he competed in 136 official races, securing an impressive 18 victories-ranking third in the series' history-along with 15 pole positions, which places him all-time second. 

The announcement, made at Quintarelli's request ahead of his last SUPER GT event, aims to allow fans to join or tune in for his final drive. Additionally, Quintarelli will attend the 2024 NISMO Festival at Fuji Speedway on Sunday, December 1, where he looks forward to interacting with fans and expressing his gratitude for their support.

Takao Katagiri, President of NMC, said "We deeply appreciate Ronnie's contributions to Nissan/NISMO over the past 17 years. Throughout our long relationship, I have always been amazed by his passion for racing and thorough preparations for each race. Serving as the driver of the car number 23 for 12 years requires inmeasurable effort. His unparalleled record of four series championship titles is etched not only in the history of Nissan/NISMO's motorsport but also in the history of Japanese motorsport. The final race at Suzuka is a track where Ronnie has achieved numerous victories, so we will provide our full support."`

Of the decision to depart SUPER GT, Quintarelli said "Deciding to end my activities in SUPER GT, which has been the center of my life for a long time, was a very difficult choice. However, I believe it is the right time to step back and let a new legacy begin. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me through both the most successfull and the toughest times. I am thankful to all the fans who have cheered for me, the many sponsors who supported me, the GT Association for providing me with a platform to compete, my teammates who fought alongside me, and Nissan/NISMO. Thanks to all of you, I have been able to live a dream-like life. I want to personally thank everyone at the NISMO Festival. Moreover, I will give my all behind the wheel of my dream car until the final corner of the last lap at the SUPER GT final race in Suzuka."

*Excluding the approaching final race at Suzuka, scheduled for December 8, 2024.