Nissan Motorsports Joins Battle for 2012 Pirelli World Challenge Manufacturers’ Championships in GT and GTS

With the recent announcements by Nissan Motorsports of their support for competitors in the Pirelli World Challenge for the upcoming 2012 season, the manufacturer is making a strong push for Manufacturers’ Championships in both GT and GTS classes. Nissan Motorsports recently announced support of CRP Racing’s two Hawk Performance/Nissan GT-Rs in GT and the two-car SFR Enterprises 370Z team in GTS.

Mike Skeen, 3rd in the GT Drivers’ Championship in 2011, will pilot one of the Hawk Performance Nissan GT-Rs, while 2009 SCCA National Champion Ric Bushey, will campaign one of the 370Zs.

"Nissan Motorsports is looking forward to the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge Series with a blend of some new partnerships combined with a team that has already elevated the Nissan brand with their performance," said Ron Stukenberg, Senior Manager for Nissan Motorsports. "We are extending our support to several professional teams in both the GTS and GT classes, as well as maintaining our support levels of the contingency program for teams competing in the Pirelli World Challenge."

"This year's teams will compete in locations from coast-to-coast and we have a great set of teams running our iconic models under the Nissan Motorsports flag," said Stukenberg. "Nissan's racing history in the U.S. covers almost 50 years, with numerous professional championships. We hope to add to that championship number in 2012 in the Pirelli World Challenge."

Nissan Motorsports’ partnership extends beyond the support of competitors running in the series. Continuing in 2012, the 100% electric Nissan LEAF is the Official Safety Car of the Pirelli World Challenge. It will be on track at the start of every race and any time there are incidents on the course during the race.

About the Pirelli World Challenge Championships
Entering its 23rd consecutive season, the Pirelli World Challenge is one of North America's top production car-based racing championships. Divided into four separate categories (Pirelli World Challenge GT, Pirelli World Challenge GTS, Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car, and Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car B-Spec), races feature thrilling standing starts, adrenaline filled door-to-door action and world-class drivers. The Pirelli World Challenge features cars from the world's most popular manufacturers – race-prepped versions of the cars driven on the streets. Sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, the series races at North America's premier road and temporary street courses.

The 2012 Pirelli World Challenge season opener is scheduled for March 23-25 on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. For more on the series, go to www.world-challenge.com.