Nissan Motorsport calls it a day

After nine consecutive titles from 2000 to 2009, Nissan South Africa is set to withdraw from the national off-road championship, which follows its withdrawal from production car racing last year, set to take effect from 31 December.“Nissan recently notched up its ninth successive national off road championship and we are incredibly proud of the achievements of everyone involved – drivers, engineers and technicians – in reaching this milestone,” said Johan Kleynhans, Nissan SA Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

Nissan’s legacy in South African motor sport dates back to 1961 and the firm has enjoyed success in rallying, circuit racing and off road racing. Since 1996 Nissan has won 15 national championships in 14 years – a remarkable run of success that started with the 1996 Group N production car title, followed by four consecutive touring car championships from 1997 to 2000 and a national production car championship (2006) sandwiched-in between the off-road successes.

“We feel a sense of accomplishment at what we have achieved as a team,” said Glyn Hall, head of Nissan Motorsport, who credits ascribes their success to a combination of exceptional driving skills, technical expertise, passion for the sport and support from Nissan.

Kleynhans said that Nissan Motorsport had done much to put South African motor sport on the global map, especially with successful forays in the prestigious Dakar Rally. “We count ourselves as being the pioneers of off road racing in this country, a legacy we are proud of.”