Pink-liveried Nissans for Newcastle finale

Nissan Motorsport will trade its regular liveries for pink-led variants in this weekend's Coates Hire Newcastle 500, to support Breast Cancer Network Australia.

The Altimas driven by Rick Kelly, Michael Caruso, Andre Heimgartner and Simona De Silvestro all retain their base designs, but with pink replacing a regular colour.

Kelly's is the most-distinctive change, with Castrol's traditional green making way for BCNA's pink.

All four entries also take on 'Thanks Nissan' windscreen banners recognising the last event of the Japanese manufacturer's factory backing, which started in 2013.

Kelly and De Silvestro will wear one-off racesuits to be auctioned off to raise funds for the charity.

"I’ve never raced a pink car before, and I’m really glad that I will get to do that for Breast Cancer Network Australia at Newcastle," Kelly, who finished fourth in Newcastle's Sunday race in 2017, said.

"I’ve seen the statistics, and you read about the breast cancer tragedies that happen every day.

"As a race team, we thought that we had to do something to help support BCNA, and I’m so glad that we are doing it next weekend across the entire team.

"Our Nissan cars were really fast at Newcastle last year.

"We almost got on the podium, so our aim is to finish the year on the highest possible note and give the BCNA and our sponsors a result that they will truly be proud of."

A limited range of BCNA merchandise will be available through Nissan's at-track store, where fans can also make a donation to the charity, which is marking its 20th year in 2018.

The charity supports Australians affected by breast cancer, a diagnosis an estimated 18,087 women will receive this year.

Plus Fitness is promoting BCNA on Heimgartner's Altima, online and in its gyms

"BCNA is totally ‘revved up’ by Nissan motorsport’s support of women and men with breast cancer," Kirsten Pilatti, CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australia, said.

"The team’s initiative to raise awareness and funds ensures our network can continue to provide free resources and services to those who need them.

"The pink cars and suits look fantastic, and I’m sure the pink lady spirit will inspire them to victory. We wish them lots of pink lady luck."

A race winner at Winton, Kelly is the lead Nissan in the 2018 standings in ninth, with Caruso and Heimgartner 17th and 18th and De Silvestro 24th.

Nissan finished 2017 with Kelly and Caruso fourth and fifth in the Sunday Newcastle race.

The team will rebrand from Nissan Motorsport to Kelly Racing next year, continuing to field four Altimas despite the loss of factory support.