Omaha Auto Show Event Bans All Nissan and Infiniti Cars with VQ Engines for 2026
The issue of crowd safety is becoming increasingly relevant at large automotive gatherings, especially when social media popularizes risky behavior for attention. Following a series of incidents involving Nissan and Infiniti models, an auto show in Omaha, Nebraska, has taken radical measures, banning all vehicles on the VQ platform from attending its events this year.
While this is bad news for owners of such cars, it seems to be good news for attendees who will no longer have to worry about being hit by an out-of-control Japanese car.
Persistent Incidents with VQ Models
The organizer of the popular Supercar Saturday event, Jamal Rahmanzai, reports that this decision has been a long time coming. Over many years, there have been several incidents involving young drivers in specific models with the VQ engine, the most notable among them being the Nissan 350Z, 370Z, and a range of Infiniti sedans and coupes, including the G25, G35, G37, Q40, Q50, and Q60.
A few years ago, one moment seemed to crystallize the problem. A bright red Nissan 350Z was filmed losing control while leaving an event, hitting a fire hydrant, and nearly striking pedestrians. This was not an isolated incident, just the most visible one. Rahmanzai adds that tire burnouts and theatrical driving at the rev limiter had become routine, often with more enthusiasm than mechanical sympathy or taste.
Speaking to the publication, Rahmanzai noted that pressure to shut down the event entirely had been mounting. Instead, he opted for a targeted approach, removing what he considers repeat offenders rather than closing the entire meet.
Nissan Owners Are Not Happy
“This was not an easy decision,” the organizers wrote on Facebook. “However, due to the number of complaints and incidents that have occurred at previous shows, we believe this step is necessary to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.”
The reaction from locals seems largely supportive. “Banning VQs is actually a beautiful sight,” wrote one follower on Facebook, while another added, “All the Edgars and bricolage guys are going to be very mad,” referencing two popular hairstyles among young drivers.
Supercar Saturday at villiage pointe by u/Environmental-Ad4686 in Omaha
It will be interesting to see if organizers of other similar automotive events in other parts of the US implement similar bans. Owners of other sports cars, such as the Ford Mustang, also have a similar reputation for causing accidents and may need to start curbing their behavior.
Such decisions by event organizers point to a broader trend in car culture, where the balance between freedom of expression and collective safety is becoming increasingly difficult. The success of this local ban could set a precedent, forcing the community to debate driver responsibility and self-policing mechanisms at public venues. It also raises questions about how specific car models, due to their affordability and performance, can unintentionally become a focus for dangerous behavior, regardless of brand.