Nismo drivers Ronnie Quintarelli (left) and Katsumasa Chiyo earned a second-place finish in the seventh round of the 2024 Super GT series at the Autopolis International Racing Course near Kamitsue, Oita Prefecture, on October 20. (©Courtesy of Nismo)
For two decades, Ronnie Quintarelli made his mark during a dynamic, ultra-successful career as a racecar driver and fan favorite in Japan's Super GT.
The Italian-born driver won a record four Super GT season championships ― in 2011 and 2012 (with Masataka Yanagida) and in 2014 and '15 (with Tsugio Matsuda).
Now, he's revealed it's time to begin a new chapter in his life, retiring from Super GT.
Quintarelli, 45, is leaving Nissan Motorsports (Nismo), for whom he has been employed since 2008, at the end of the 2024 season. The Italian-born driver and the racing team made the announcement on Wednesday, November 20.
For Quintarelli, the timing of the announcement made sense.
Super GT racing teams are gearing up for the end of the season. Also, this year's Nismo Festival, "paying homage to the brand's rich heritage, racing achievements and the evolution of its high-performance road cars," will be held on December 1 at Fuji International Speedway in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, noted a press release on the 40th-anniversary event.
In addition, the postponed, season-ending Suzuka GT 300 is set for December 7-8 in Suzuka, Mie Prefecture, giving Quintarelli supporters a chance to give the Italian a spirited send-off after the race.
Ronnie Quintarelli Expresses Gratitude for Support
"First of all, I want to thank all the people who supported me throughout the years, during the most successful moments and the toughest times," Quintarelli wrote in a statement. "A huge thank you goes to Nissan and Nismo for their unconditional support throughout all these years, to the teammates and teams who were always by my side trying to achieve the best possible results. They all allowed me to live a long dream that I will always carry with me."
Quintarelli also extended his thanks to the GT Association, which oversees Super GT, for its support in "allowing me to establish myself in Japan."
Fellow Italian Roberto Benigni, the actor and film director, once famously remarked, "It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation."
And that quotation comes to mind as Quintarelli makes the rounds for his farewell in Super GT.
Referring to the many supporters he mentioned above, Quintarelli added, "I cannot wait to thank all of them in person at the upcoming Nismo Festival."
And speaking about the aforementioned Suzuka 300, he added, "I'm also looking forward to the 2024 Super GT finale, where I will give my absolute best until the final lap and the final corner behind the wheel of my dream car."
Success as a Super GT Driver
Driving for Nissan, Quintarelli has competed in 136 official Super GT races and amassed 15 pole positions (the second-most ever in the circuit). And his 18 race victories are third on the all-time list.
Takao Katagiri, the president of Nissan Motorsports & Customization Co Ltd, paid tribute to Quintarelli, highlighting his career and legacy in Super GT.
"We deeply appreciate Ronnie's contributions to Nissan/Nismo over the past 17 years," Katagiri said. "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 immeasurable 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."
Indeed, Suzuka Circuit is a notable venue in Quintarelli's career. In 2005, he teamed up with Andre Couto and Hayanari Shimoda to win the Suzuka 1000, aka the Suzuka Summer Endurance Race.
In 2023, Quintarelli and Matsuda finished third in the GT500 class. They are currently in eighth place in Super GT's top racing tier in the 2024 campaign.
Making a Positive Impact in Japan
As a concerned citizen, Ronnie Quintarelli was also active in contributing to relief efforts in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake in Tohoku in March 2011. Those efforts did not go unnoticed.
Quintarelli was awarded the Official of the Order of the Italian Star in June 2016. It is an honor given to Italian citizens each year by the nation's president.
A ceremony was held at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo, and Ambassador Domenico Giorgi presented him with the award.
"I have achieved four titles in Super GT with Nissan/Nismo but, thanks to the medal I have received today, I want to keep pushing even harder in the best way possible as an Italian racing driver here in Japan," Quintarelli said at the ceremony.
"In the same way, I will continue to support all of the people in the Tohoku area who continue to suffer from the tragedy of the March 11, 2011 earthquake. I appreciate the support of the people that have been with me during my career, especially my families in Italy and here in Japan."
English-language website Super GT World penned a tribute to the retiring driver on its X (formerly Twitter) account: "Champion. Humanitarian. Legend. Icon. There will never be another Ronnie Quintarelli."
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
