Nissan back to Le Mans with new Z
Morpheus XIII
10-03-2001, 05:18 AM
Now THIS was a real eye-opener (from recent Le Mans Series & Sportscar Racer Magazine):
"NISSAN SETS FOR GT ASSAULT
Nissan could be the next major car maker to launch an assault on the American Le Mans Series. The Japanese manufacturer's sportscar racing heritage is well known and now they are taking a close look at returning in the world's premier series.
Representatives of Nissan USA and NISMO, the company's in-house motorsports department in Japan, have attended several of the ALMS rounds this season. NISMO, meanwhile, have also been to see the Automobile Club de l'Quest at Le Mans.
Nissan canned their last major sportscar programme after their takeover by Renault back in 1999, but now the company admits that a high-level racing return is on the cards.
"We are reviewing our motorsports programme globally as a link in the rebuilding of a brand identity for the company," says Nissan USA motorsports boss Steve Kight. "For this purpose we are carrying out various researches. Visits to the ALMS are just part of that."
Kight stressed that no decision had been made about the company's motorsport future.
Should Nissan come back to sportscar racing with a new car build to ACO rules it is almost certain to be in GTS or GT ranks. Nissan is due to launch the latest in a long line of 'Z' cars at October's Tokyo motoshow and the word is that this car will form the basis of their sportscar return."
"NISSAN SETS FOR GT ASSAULT
Nissan could be the next major car maker to launch an assault on the American Le Mans Series. The Japanese manufacturer's sportscar racing heritage is well known and now they are taking a close look at returning in the world's premier series.
Representatives of Nissan USA and NISMO, the company's in-house motorsports department in Japan, have attended several of the ALMS rounds this season. NISMO, meanwhile, have also been to see the Automobile Club de l'Quest at Le Mans.
Nissan canned their last major sportscar programme after their takeover by Renault back in 1999, but now the company admits that a high-level racing return is on the cards.
"We are reviewing our motorsports programme globally as a link in the rebuilding of a brand identity for the company," says Nissan USA motorsports boss Steve Kight. "For this purpose we are carrying out various researches. Visits to the ALMS are just part of that."
Kight stressed that no decision had been made about the company's motorsport future.
Should Nissan come back to sportscar racing with a new car build to ACO rules it is almost certain to be in GTS or GT ranks. Nissan is due to launch the latest in a long line of 'Z' cars at October's Tokyo motoshow and the word is that this car will form the basis of their sportscar return."
DemonZX
11-21-2001, 01:33 PM
Hell Yeah! NISMO POWER!:sun:
Jay!
11-21-2001, 01:53 PM
Wow!!! :eek: I'd love to see that!!! :cool:
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