Nissan's GT3 GT-R raced at Donington Park last year as part of its development (Photo Credit: SRO)
Nissan has become the latest brand to join the Avon Tyres British GT Championship after it was announced that GT Cup champions JMH Automotive will run a Nissan GT3 GT-R in this year's championship.
The team, led by Jason Hughes is returning to the championship after a six year absence to run one of Nissan's brand new GT3 racers with support of both NISMO and JR Motorsports, partners in developing the car during 2011. Former Porsche Carrera Cup and Ginetta driver Benji Hetherington has been confirmed as one of the team's drivers.
“This is a hugely exciting opportunity for JMH to work so closely with Nissan,” said Hughes. “We were looking at a number of options for the 2012 season and then we begun speaking with the Hetherington's about their interest in the Nissan project. Nissan are keen to prove a point and their support has been, and will no doubt continue to be invaluable in making this year a success. Benji is a talented driver and has experience of racing in the championship, which is a definite advantage. We've got a great package of car and driver and we're going to push hard for wins in what will undoubtedly be a highly competitive year of racing.”
As well as his exploits in single-make sportscar series, including winning the scholarship to compete in the 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Hetherington has made regular visits to the British GT paddock, entering five rounds of the 2010 season with brother Freddie in a Century Motorsport run Ginetta G50, scoring three wins.
“We're thrilled to be working with Nissan in British GT. Last year I learnt a lot and improved my driving significantly,” said Hetherington. “We're confident that the Nissan GT3 GT-R is one of the best packages out there and it's a little different to the Ferraris and Porsches, which really appealed to me. I think we're definitely going to be competitive and once we've got some miles under our belt, we'll be in a position to challenge for wins.”
The 2012 season begins at Oulton Park over the Easter Weekend (April 7-9).
