Nissan GT-R to defend Bathurst title

Nissan's Aussie motorsport fans will have plenty to cheer about in 2016 after the Japanese car importer finally confirmed it will return to defend its Bathurst 12 Hour win in its Nissan GT-R NISMO GTR race car.

It will be the third time in the modern era the GT-R returns to the 'Mountain' with just one GT-R factory car, wearing the #1 livery, entering the 2016 Bathurst 12 Hour race under the NISMO Athlete Global Team banner.

Drivers are yet to be confirmed but Nissan Motor Co. Australia's Managing Director and CEO, Richard Emery, said back-to-back wins would be especially sweet.
"2015 was the first Bathurst win for the legendary Nissan GT-R since the back-to-back Bathurst 1000 wins in 1991 and 1992. While we respect the level of competition, it will naturally be our aim to emulate the feats of that era by getting another set of back-to-back wins," said the Nissan chief.

Meanwhile on the other side of the world, the 2015 GT Academy winner, Queensland postie Matt Simmons, has been given an early Christmas present after being confirmed as the first driver for Nissan in the 2016 Blancpain Endurance Series.

Simply put, the former Australia Post courier will be competing in one of the world's most competitive sports car championships, driving for the Nissan GT Academy Team RJN in the 'all-conquering' Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3.

"I've always dreamed of being a racing driver, even racing a Nissan GT-R, but nothing could have prepared me for that moment when I was told I'd be racing a GT-R NISMO GT3 in the Blancpain Endurance Series next year," said Simmons, grinning from ear-to-ear.

Nissan Australia's chief Richard Emery was also pumped about the news, observing that "Australia has a new driver to cheer for in international motorsport, but it is surreal to think that earlier this year he was an Australia Post courier van driver by day and a PlayStation gamer by night.

"His progress has given everyone confidence that he will continue to improve and work hard as he prepares to compete in the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2016 in a 550-horsepower Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3," added Emery.