Nissan Motorsport introduces factory V8 Supercar team

Nissan Motorsport has stepped out in style at the team's launch as it unveiled its Nissan Altima V8 Supercars in 2013 race colors and driver line-up at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The unveil was the latest chapter in Nissan's long-awaited return to Australian touring car racing.

It was confirmed that James Moffat and Michael Caruso will both join Nissan Motorsport, driving Altimas backed by internet security company Norton by Symantec and becoming factory drivers for the first time in their careers. Meanwhile the familiar black and white colors of global whiskey giant Jack Daniel's have now been transferred to two Nissan Altimas to be driven by Nissan Motorsport co-owners Todd and Rick Kelly.

“Our Altimas are now in combat colors and ready for battle. Nissan is thrilled to be partnering with strong, global brands like Jack Daniel's and Norton."said Nissan Australia Managing Director and CEO William F Peffer Jr

“The 2013 V8 Supercar Championship is an important part of the Nissan Altima's marketing strategy. Australian new car buyers will have an entire year to get to know the Altima name and shape before it goes on sale later this year." Peffer Jr. added.

To date the first Nissan Altima V8 Supercar has completed a series of aerodynamic homologation test runs as well as circuit tests at both Winton Motor Raceway in Benalla, Victoria and Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek) in Sydney, New South Wales.

Nissan Motorsport's four Altimas will be on-track at the annual V8 Supercars Championship pre-season test day at Sydney Motorsport Park this Saturday February 16.

Nissan Motorsport will then complete its journey to the grid on March 1-3 at the Clipsal 500 at the Adelaide Parklands street circuit in Adelaide, South Australia, the opening event of the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship.