Nissan Returns to the Island With New Sponsor

Nissan will return to touring car racing at Phillip Island for the first time since 1990, this weekend.

It has been over 20 years since a factory backed Nissan has raced at the Victorian circuit – but Altima driver James Moffat is unsure of what is to come.

“Phillip Island could be a mixed bag for us,” Moffat said, previewing this weekend’s Sargent Security Phillip Island 360. 

“Our lack of straight-line speed has been well documented, and the long straights won’t be great for us, but the flowing nature of the track should be a strong point.

“Like most circuits that we’ve been to this year, we’ll just have to wait and see how we go in practice to get a true picture.” 

Teammate Michael Caruso is equally uncertain. 

“Coming off the back of Surfers Paradise where we had some decent results, I think Phillip Island has a potential to be a difficult one for us,” he said.

“It’s a fast, flowing circuit where you are 100 per cent of the throttle for about 60 per cent of the race track.

“It’s hard to see our car really suiting the circuit, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to give it a good shake. Anything can happen in this game, and if it rains, all of the Nissan Motorsport boys will be looking to come away from the event with a trophy.” 

However, there is plenty of good news for the Norton Hornets with the team showing off a new sponsor this weekend.

The #36 and #360 Nissan Altimas will compete with backing from Sage Business Solutions.

The deal will see Sage support the two Norton entries for the final two events of the 2013 season and the entire 2014 V8 Championship.

Sage branding will be seen on the front quarter panels of the yellow and black Altimas.

“Associating the Sage brand with the Nissan Motorsport team, as well as passionate motor racing and sports fans around Australia and New Zealand, represents a tremendous opportunity for Sage, Nissan and both of our respective business and sporting communities,” said Sage Business Solutions Marketing Manager Charles Pludthura.

“Nissan’s focus to be the most technologically adept team on the grid and its mantra of driving technology innovation is in complete alignment with our local and global reputation as a technology vendor."

Three practice sessions will be held Friday as part of the Sargent Security Phillip Island 360. Qualifying and the 60/60 Super Sprint occupies Saturday, followed by two qualifying sessions and two 100km races on Sunday.

Tickets are still available for the event.