Nissan set to announce Supercars future (Update)
Nissan Australia CEO Richard Emery made the announcement in Melbourne on the eve of the Wilson Security Sandown 500, the first event of the 2016 Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Nissan has signed a new two-year agreement with the Kelly family-owned Nissan Motorsport race team for 2017-18 seasons. The team will continue to field four Nissan Altima Supercars. It follows Holden’s recent decision to also recommit to Supercars.
Meanwhile Supercars drivers and teams have showed off their special liveries ahead of this weekend’s ‘Retro Round’, celebrating the heritage of the sport. Thirteen cars will sport retro style liveries and a number of drivers and teams will also wear special uniforms.
The first practice session will be held tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s 500 kilometer race.
Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton made the following statement after Nissan's announcement this morning.
"We are delighted with Nissan’s announcement today that it has committed to the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship for the next two years.
The factory Nissan Motorsport team has been an integral part of the Championship over the past four years and its decision to recommit is a strong endorsement of the category.
It follows Holden’s recent decision to also recommit for another three years and reinforces the underlying strength of Supercars and its position in Australian sport.
We believe we have the best touring car racing in the world and the strength of the sport is reflected in attendances, TV ratings and fan engagement.
I want to thank Nissan Australia CEO Richard Emery and everybody at Nissan Motorsport, in particular Todd and Rick Kelly, for their ongoing support and commitment to Supercars.
These are exciting times for the sport as we head into the Pirtek Enduro Cup with the Retro Round at the Wilson Security Sandown 500 this weekend and next month’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama."
09/14/16 Nissan Australia is set to make a long awaited announcement on its future in the Supercars Championship this morning in Melbourne.
CEO Richard Emery will confirm the company’s Australian motorsport plans at Sandown in a media conference scheduled for 11am.
The announcement will end a lengthy period of uncertainty over its future following a series of delays in global sign-off of a decision.
Nissan is widely expected to continue in the category with current team Kelly Racing, which has operated its Supercars effort since the manufacturer joined the championship in 2013