Greatest showman

Within Nissan there exists an undeniable 'find a way' culture, one that permeates almost every facet of the organisation. From integrating the latest multimedia technology into a car's dashboard to ensuring a 6' 5" / 195cm tall individual can fit comfortably inside a Micra – the onus is always on the employee and the team around them to find a solution.

When Parts and Logistics Engineer Simon Fox had the idea to create his own car show, he knew he would have to apply this mantra – with a little help from his friends. "I've always been a fan of car shows and seemed to be spending a lot of my personal time travelling to various events. While on these journeys, I would get to meet lots of fellow automotive professionals with real passion for cars and motorsport, so I built up a pretty good network.

The journey first began back in 2013 when Nissan Motor Parts Centre (NMPC) in the UK was looking to put on a Nissan brand day. They didn't have to look very far before they found Simon. "The first event, which was funded by NMPC, was a fairly grassroots affair. Some people brought their drift cars, some brought their GT-Rs and some brought their Micras! The idea was not just to see the cars but to give people a chance to experience them through passenger rides."

After the success of his first Nissan brand event, Simon was tasked with putting on an even bigger, better show – which he did with similar fervour in 2014 and 2015, even attracting UK automotive TV stars like Ant Anstead from 'Wheeler Dealers'.

Then, with three successful shows under his belt, Simon took the plunge and decided to go it alone, putting on his own show for Nissan owners and enthusiasts.

"After three years of doing shows for the Nissan business, the story was also being followed outside of the immediate business. I was receiving lots of interest from Nissan owners and enthusiasts' clubs. They were constantly emailing me asking, 'When's the next one? Will it be bigger? Can I bring my mates?' So, I decided that I'd give it a go myself."

Fresh off the 2015 event, Simon immediately began planning the inaugural 2016 Niss Show, taking every bit of spare time he and his partner had. But to meet the demands of Nissan fans around the UK (and in some cases Europe), he was going to need a bigger venue. He found it in Rockingham Raceway, just 35 miles (56 km) east of Lutterworth in central England.

"We put it out to all the owners' clubs and got as many people involved as possible. We spent a whole year pushing and pushing. When we launched the event, it was just incredible. We were so pleased with the turnout."

Thousands showed up to the event, with over 800 Nissan vehicles on display. From championship drivers in their drift cars to the biggest GT‑R owners' clubs to a professional Nissan NISMO driver, Romain Sarazin, in his GT3 car – the theme of the day was undoubtedly speed and performance. However, for Simon, the impression made was much deeper.

"While it was great for people to get taken out in a full-blown GT3 race car, for me the aim was to capture everything about the brand, to share the full history of Nissan. Everything from an old classic Micra to the latest GT‑R model."

With the close of the first-ever Niss Show suitably culminating in a never-seen-before parade lap of R35 GT-Rs, Simon looks back on the event fondly.

 "The biggest highlight for me was seeing that everyone shared the same passion, regardless of what model they were driving. The owners came from all over and did the show for free, they did it for the love of it. I think that's also what drove me do it."

Despite taking some well-earned rest in 2017 and 2018, Simon is keen to take the Niss Show event to the next level, a feat that will require a good investment from sponsors.

"I have no doubt that Niss Show can be the largest all-Nissan event in Europe. With the right support and sponsors on board, we can achieve the same level as my colleagues in Japan, who host the NISMO Festival at the Fuji racetrack. My drive to do another is as strong as ever!"