Nissan Motorsport has taken the covers off Michael Caruso’s newly liveried Altima ahead of the 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
The #23 Altima will sport a fresh variation on Nissan’s factory red, white and black colour scheme which has adorned Caruso’s car since 2015.
Caruso emerged as the top Nissan driver last season finishing 10th overall in the championship standings.
The 33-year-old claimed a memorable victory at Darwin last year which was the manufacturer’s second race win since returning to the Australian touring car scene in 2013.
“It’s great to launch the #23 Nissan Altima Supercar for the 2017 season,” said Caruso.
“This is the third season that I’ve been driving the Nissan NISMO entry and I love the new look of my car.
“It’s clean and classic and reminds me of some of the late-80s liveries that were on the Skylines.”
Caruso’s #23 entry is one of four Altima supercars operating under the Nissan Motorsport banner, joined by team-owners Todd and Rick Kelly as well as new rookie signing Simona De Silvestro.
Rick and Todd Kelly’s Nissans are expected to break cover before Tuesday’s official tyre test at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The entire Supercars field will attend the test in order to understand the new Dunlop tyres introduced for the 2017 season, which Caruso feels will provide an unpredictable start to the campaign.
“I feel that this is going to be one of the most competitive Supercars seasons on record,” Caruso added.
“The new tyre regulations are going to test the teams.
“We could see a bunch of new winners in the opening rounds as everyone gets their head around the different compound.
“Nissan Motorsport is as prepared as we can be and I can’t wait to cut some laps on the new tyres at Sydney Motorsport Park.”
Nissan Australia boss Richard Emery is expecting a strong year for the squad having bolstered its resources over the off season.
“2017 is emerging as a memorable year for Nissan Motorsport,” said Emery.
“We head into the 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship fully prepared and with our strongest bank of knowledge and driver skill to-date.
“The #23 Nissan NISMO Altima Supercar looks impressive in its new livery and we are looking for the same strong speed and results we achieved at last year’s opening round at the annual Clipsal 500.
“It’s also great to have Simona De Silvestro in the team this year.
“She brings a wealth of skill from various racing classes and I’m confident combining her extensive experience with that of Michael Caruso and Rick and Todd Kelly will make our team one of the strongest on the grid this year.”
The Supercars Championship begins at the Clipsal 500, Adelaide from March 2-5.
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