SYDNEY: Nissan declared war on rivals Holden yesterday after the powerhouse manufacturer signed off on a new deal to spend an extra $1 million in a bid to topple Jamie Whincup and his record-breaking Commodore.
On the eve of the season-opening V8 Superb Test at Sydney Motorsport Park, The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Nissan Motorsport team have been given a seven-figure cash injection with at least $1 million to go on top of the current deal.
Nissan have privately admitted they could have done more to help the race team, owned by brothers Todd and Rick Kelly, be a force over the last two years and the cash injection is part of a determined bid to install Nissan as a regular frontrunner.
Michael Caruso’s V8 Altima has been freshly transformed into a Nissan factory machine with performance arm NISMO taking over full sponsorship of the car formerly backed by antivirus software company Norton.
The white, red and black car, a reflection of Nissan’s global motorsport colours, will hit the track for the first time tomorrow when the V8 season springs to life at the Sydney Motorsport Park SuperTest.
“The 2015 season is a significant one for Nissan both on and off the racetrack,” said Richard Emery, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Co. Australia.
“We have discussed internally for some time now what options we can explore with our Nissan branding moving forward, be that across all four Altimas or a holistic presence on one Altima, to increase the Nissan identity of our V8 Supercars program.
“This option gives us great on-track presence and illustrates this program’s links to Nissan’s global motorsport activities.
“We are excited to have Michael racing in Nissan colours this year, but it is important to note that all four cars remain equal in terms of specification and status.”
Former Garry Rogers driver Caruso will spearhead Nissan’s four-car V8 attack after being handed the keys to the fully factory supported Altima.
“It is an honour to race under the official factory colours of Nissan and NISMO,” said Caruso.
“For any motor racing driver, you always want to be aligned with a factory team, and that was the main reason why I joined Nissan Motorsport back in 2013. “Now, to fly the flag for Nissan alongside my three teammates is a dream come true.’’
Caruso was at Bathurst yesterday to unveil the new look car, which is aligned with Nissan’s global motorsport liveries.
“To see the car at Bathurst, alongside the GT-R NISMO GT3 in identical colours, is awesome,’’ Caruso said.
“We had a strong season last year, but we still have a lot to prove. I’m confident that with the changes we have put in place and the great commitment made by the team over the off-season, Nissan Motorsport will be in a strong position this season.”
Volvo humbled Nissan last year when Scott McLaughlin put the Swedish manufacturer back on the performance map with a stunning first up year in the S60.
Nissan have failed to consistently match both Holden, Ford and now Volvo having suffered both from power and aerodynamic issues.
