Nissan Motorsport Goes Melbourne Style

MELBOURNE - Nissan Motorsport has stepped out in style at the team's launch in Melbourne, Australia Tuesday.

The factory outfit unveiled its Nissan Altima V8 Supercars in 2013 race colors and driver line-up at the Melbourne Showgrounds, the latest chapter in Nissan's long-awaited return to Australian touring car racing.

James Moffat and Michael Caruso will both join Nissan Motorsport, driving Altimas backed by leading Internet security company Norton by Symantec.

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.

Nissan Australia Managing Director and CEO William F. Peffer Jr. said that the team unveiling was yet another significant milestone for Nissan Motorsport.

"Last October we unveiled the Nissan Altima V8 Supercar, but today we're unveiling the Nissan Motorsport team," he said.

"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.

"The 2013 V8 Supercar Championship is an important part of the Nissan Altima's marketing strategy.

"2013 is guaranteed to be an exciting year for the sport of V8 Supercars, and especially for Nissan Motorsport."

Nissan Motorsport Racing Director Todd Kelly is confident that the team is ready for the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship.

Four Altimas will be on-track at the annual V8 Supercars Championship pre-season test day at Sydney Motorsport Park February 16, while the team will complete its journey to the grid on March 1-3 at the Clipsal 500 at the Adelaide Parklands, the opening event of the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship.

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