James Moffat signs Multi-Year Driving Deal with Nissan Motorsport

MELBOURNE – Aug 19, 2013: V8 Supercars driver James Moffat has cemented his future in the sport by signing a new multi-year deal with Nissan Motorsport.

Moffat, driver of the #360 Norton Hornet Nissan Altima, has enjoyed a stand-out season in the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship.

After eight events this year, Moffat has taken seven top 10 race finishes and is placed 15th overall, making him the second-highest placed Nissan driver in the manufacturer’s return year to Australian touring car racing.

The new deal will see Moffat remain a factory Nissan driver for the coming seasons.

After progressing through the junior and support classes in the Australian motorsport scene, Moffat made his V8 Supercars debut in the Development Series in 2009, finishing second overall.

He made his full-time V8 Supercars Championship debut in 2011, driving for Dick Johnson Racing. He stayed with DJR in 2012 before making the step up to Nissan’s factory team this year.

Already in 2013, Moffat has scored more top 10 results in the first part of the season than what he was able to achieve through 2012.

He has also been one of the most consistent performers in the championship, having only recorded one ‘DNF’ from the 24 races so far.

Moffat and the other Nissan Motorsport drivers will next be seen at Winton Motor Raceway on August 23-25.

James Moffat – #360 Norton Nissan Altima:
“I’m very happy to say that I’m going to be here at Nissan Motorsport for another few years at least, and it is nice to lock it away relatively early,” said James Moffat.

“I’m looking forward to the future. It has been a massive undertaking for everyone involved to get Nissan Motorsport to where we are at this stage. I feel like the future holds some promising things.

“My intention was always to stay with the team and luckily they felt the same way about me staying here.

“I can’t wait to get into rest of this season, starting at Winton this coming weekend, and then the following few seasons.

“It’s never easy having year-by-year deals and not knowing exactly what you’re doing the following year. To be able to lock away a deal that gives me some security is nice, but at the same time, we know there’s still a lot of work ahead of us. I know there’s plenty of promising signs within the organisation, and that made my decision to stay an easy one.

“The fact that the team wanted to keep me was positive, because you’ve both got to want to work together, and having continuity in the program should only make us stronger.”

John Crennan – Chief Executive Officer, Nissan Motorsport:
“First and foremost, his on track performances have been a key factor in Nissan Motorsport re-signing James on a multi-year deal,” said John Crennan.

“Secondly, he has displayed an added level of driving maturity this year, and the proof of that is his passing record. He has passed more drivers in race conditions than any other this season.

“Thirdly, and most importantly, James has turned out to be an outstandingly good fit into our organisation. He is very well suited to the culture of our business and people. He is popular amongst our staff and sponsors and conducts himself at a high level. He is a team player and a really great fit into our team.”

Jeff Fisher – General Manager, Motorsport, Nissan Motor Company Australia:
“James’ on track performance this year has shown us that he’s a real competitor,” said Jeff Fisher.

“He’s had the pace and mental approach to bag some noteworthy finishes in the Norton Hornet Nissan Altima.

“He fitted into the team dynamic very quickly and has brought some invaluable alternative driver insight to Nissan Motorsport.

“With development continuing on the Altima, I’m banking we can give James a race winning car soon. The rest will be up to him.”