NISSAN EXITS MZANSI OFF-ROAD RACING SCENE ON A HIGH

ROSSLYN, PRETORIA (09 October 2009) – Nissan South Africa (Nissan SA) is to withdraw from national championship off road racing.  Speaking ahead of the withdrawal, to take effect from 31 December 2009, Nissan SA Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Johan Kleynhans said that Nissan SA was bowing out at the end of a highly successful run.

“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 Kleynhans, who also acknowledged the efforts of motor sport guru and award-winner Glyn Hall, who has been instrumental in Nissan Motorsport’s success over the years. 

Nissan has an illustrious history in South African motor sport dating back to 1961 and has enjoyed success in rallying, circuit racing and off road racing.  Since 1996 Nissan has won 15 national championships in 14 years.  This remarkable run of success started with the 1996 Gp N production car title and was followed by four consecutive touring car championships from 1997 to 2000.  Then followed successive off road championships from 2000 to 2009 as well as the national production car championship in 2006.

“We feel a sense of accomplishment at what we have achieved as a team,” said Hall, ascribing 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.”