After two manufacturers’ wins, two team titles, a drivers’ title and a Michelin Independents’ Cup title Nissan Motor (GB) Limited is announcing the withdrawal of its works team from the Auto Trader British Touring Car Championship at the end of its all-conquering 1999 season. The announcement brings to a close Nissan’s highly successful three year programme in the BTCC during which no other manufacturer has enjoyed such high levels of success. Right from the start Vodafone Nissan Racing enjoyed success with a heat victory in the Tourist Trophy in its first season in 1997. The following year Nissan won both the Manufacturers’ title and the team title but a magnificent clean-sweep of all four titles in 1999 was the highlight of Nissan’s BTCC involvement. Nissan’s BTCC achievements include: Drivers’ title – 1999 Manufacturers’ title for Nissan – 1998 & 1999 Teams’ title for Vodafone Nissan Racing – 1998 & 1999 Michelin Independents’ Cup for Matt Neal in a Nissan Primera – 1999 22 victories 28 pole positions Brian Carolin, Managing Director, Nissan Motor (GB) Limited said, ‘When we entered the series in 1997 we agreed a three year programme and I am delighted to confirm that we have achieved all the objectives we set. The Nissan Primera has been the leading car for past two seasons and with our ‘clean sweep’ of all four titles this year it is a fitting end to a highly successful project. ‘I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Nissan Motorsports Europe and Ray Mallock Limited for all the hard work these past three years in helping to unlock the true potential of the Primera on the race circuit. ‘The BTCC has consistently provided exciting racing and I know it will continue to be popular with competitors and fans alike. Our thanks to TOCA for a professionally run series. ‘I would also like to thank the sponsors, particularly Vodafone, who have supported us over the last three years and who have shared in our success.’ Alec Poole, General Manager, Nissan Motorsports Europe, commented, ‘This has been one of Nissan’s most successful motorsport programmes ever and all of us at NME are proud to have been associated with it. ‘Not only have we achieved outstanding success with the works team but we are also delighted with the performance of the Nissan Primera in the Michelin Independents Cup and would expect any Primeras competing next season to be strong challengers.’ Ray Mallock, Team Principal, Ray Mallock Limited, said; ‘ We have enjoyed three excellent years with Nissan in the BTCC and together we have proved to be a formidable force. Everyone at RML can be proud of our collective achievements and, in particular, the record-breaking ‘clean sweep’ of this year.’ Issued by NIssan Motor (GB) – 28 September 1999