Poulter finished a close third in last year’s contest, losing the title he won in 2006 by just four points after 20 races.
“We should have won the title again last year,” said Glyn Hall, general manager of Nissan Motorsport. “Leeroy and the Sasol Nissan 350Z were the combination to beat throughout the season. It could have gone either way, but we fell just short and will be making a very special effort to regain this championship in 2008.
“Both Sasol Nissan 350Zs have been completely rebuilt and we have managed to find some more power from our 3,5-litre V6 engines. Both drivers are in good shape and the team is ready and looking forward to what we are sure will be another tightly contested championship.”
In addition to the official factory team, Nissan will again be supporting the privately-run Lee Philips-managed Nissan Dealer Team, which will feature two Nissan 350Zs. Marco da Cunha will again be at the wheel of the Tubular Technical Construction 350Z, while 2007 Shelby Can-Am champion Darryn Lobb will make his production car racing debut in the second Nissan.
“Motor sport is an important marketing tool for Nissan, and we remain committed to an active programme,” said Hall. “In fact, Nissan’s commitment has been active for the last 49 years since Datsun first participated back in 1959. Next year will be our 50th in South African motor sport.
“To be truly professional and successful in motor sport requires a considerable investment and Nissan Motorsport could not have achieved what it has without the support of Nissan management and the commercial partnerships we enjoy, particularly with our main sponsor, Sasol, and also SKF and Ferodo.