For years, Supercar Saturday has been one of Omaha’s most popular gatherings for automotive enthusiasts. Held as a free, family-friendly event, the show has attracted crowds eager to see everything from exotic supercars to custom street builds. But for the 2026 season, organizers have announced a controversial change that is already dividing the local car community.
All Nissan and Infiniti vehicles built on the VQ platform will be banned from attending this year’s shows.
Why the Ban Was Introduced
According to event organizer Jamal Rahmanzai, the move was not made lightly. He explained that safety concerns and repeated reckless behavior from some drivers forced the organizers to take stronger action.
Over the years, complaints have grown about burnouts, excessive revving, aggressive driving, and disruptive behavior linked to a small but noticeable group of attendees arriving in VQ-powered cars. These include popular models such as the Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z, and Infiniti G35 and G37.
Rahmanzai said the event’s priority has always been to remain welcoming for families, children, and casual car fans. Once public safety started becoming a concern, organizers felt they had little choice but to respond.
Viral Crash Became a Turning Point
One incident appears to have pushed matters further.
A few years ago, a video from the event went viral after a young driver in a Nissan 350Z lost control and crashed. Reports say the 16-year-old had owned the car for less than two weeks. The vehicle struck a fire hydrant and came dangerously close to spectators.
The crash became a major talking point in Omaha’s local car scene and reportedly brought pressure on organizers to shut the event down entirely.
Instead of canceling Supercar Saturday, organizers chose to continue the show with stricter rules.
Which Cars Are Affected
The 2026 restriction applies to a wide range of Nissan and Infiniti models using the VQ engine platform. This includes:
- Nissan 350Z
- Nissan 370Z
- Infiniti G25
- Infiniti G35
- Infiniti G37
- Infiniti Q40
- Infiniti Q50
- Infiniti Q60
Owners are still welcome to attend as spectators, but they will not be allowed to enter the showgrounds with those vehicles.
Not Everyone Agrees
The decision has sparked mixed reactions online.
Some attendees support the ban, saying repeated bad behavior by a few drivers damaged the reputation of the wider community. Others argue the policy unfairly punishes respectful owners who simply enjoy their cars and have never caused problems.
Rahmanzai acknowledged that many responsible VQ owners are being affected, but said enforcing rules on a case-by-case basis would be nearly impossible at the gate.
What Happens Next
The ban will remain in place for the full 2026 season, with organizers planning to review the situation afterward.
However, Rahmanzai indicated that if the same behavior continues at other local events, the restriction could stay longer.
Local police are also expected to assist with enforcement during the shows.
For now, Supercar Saturday is trying to protect the future of the event itself. Whether the Omaha car show ban becomes a temporary reset or a long-term rule may depend on how the local scene responds this year.
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