The Middlehurst Nissan Skyline GT-R has become a legendary fixture at the Donington Historic Festival, particularly in the Historic Touring Car Challenge (HTCC). Driven by former BTCC racer Andy Middlehurst and his son Chris, the car is a dominant force in Group A historic racing.
Recent Performance & Legacy
2026 Festival Victors: On Sunday 3 May 2026, Andy and Chris Middlehurst secured a decisive victory in the HTCC, outpacing grids of BMW E30 M3s and Ford Sierra RS500s.
A "Godzilla" Heritage: Middlehurst Motorsport has a 30-year history with the R32 GT-R; Andy notably won the 1995 and 1996 National Saloon Car Championships in the same model.
Classic Livery: The team recently debuted a striking "AXIA" green livery, built by Ric Wood Motorsport, which pays homage to the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) era.
On-Track Action at Donington
The Middlehurst Skyline is often at the centre of the weekend's most intense battles:
Pole Position Performance: During the 2026 qualifying, the duo secured P1, with Chris Middlehurst setting a time nearly 1.7 seconds faster than the rest of the field despite limited testing.
Thrilling Clashes: The 2026 event saw high drama when the Middlehurst Skyline clashed with a fellow GT-R at Redgate corner during the opening stages, illustrating the fierce competitiveness of the historic "tin-top" grids.
Spectator Favourite: Known for its "fire-breathing" exhausts and incredible cornering speed, the R32 GT-R is a highlight for fans in the open-access paddock.
The car represents the peak of early 90s touring car technology, maintained and raced by the very family that pioneered the Skyline's success in British motorsport.
Would you like to know more about the technical specifications or the restoration process of these Group A Nissan Skylines?
