Michael Caruso signs new multi-year driving deal with Nissan Motorsport

Michael Caruso has signed a new driving deal with official factory V8 Supercars team Nissan Motorsport.

Caruso, 31, and Nissan Motorsport have agreed to a multi-year deal that will see him remain with the Melbourne-based team for the foreseeable future.

The new deal is a sign of great stability for Nissan Motorsport, as Caruso was the team’s sole out of contract driver for 2015.

Caruso has been Nissan’s best performing driver in 2014 and currently sits 12th in the V8 Supercars Championship points standings. His season has included a number of highlights, including two top five results and 10 top 10 finishes. He also scored pole position and an overall podium finish at the Australian Grand Prix non-championship event in March.

There was no question on our intentions to retain Michael and we are pleased the process has been seamless throughout.

Nick Ryan

The 2015 season will be the likeable Sydney-born driver’s eighth full-time season in the V8 Supercars Championship. He has one career win to his name (Hidden Valley, 2009) and five podium finishes.

The next event on the 2014 V8 Supercars Championship calendar is the world famous Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama in Bathurst, New South Wales on October 9-12.

Michael Caruso, #36 Norton Nissan Altima: “I’m very excited. It’s fantastic that I can stay along this path with Nissan,” said Michael Caruso.

“We’ve put a lot of hard work into the team in the past couple of years and I know we have a great deal of success ahead of us.

“The team is currently going through some changes on the commercial front, but the great thing is that the guys came to me straight away and locked me away. That was extremely comforting and it’s great that they had me in the forefront of their mind.

“It’s great to have my future secure, but I’ve still got this season to worry about. I’m currently 12th and one point off 11th and I’d love to finish inside the top 10 in the championship. That is definitely achievable, but it’s not going to come easy. We have to make it happen.

“We are progressing really well, we have lots happening behind the scenes and we’ll just continue to do the best we can.”

Nick Ryan, General Manager – Marketing & Sponsorship, Nissan Motorsport: “Michael is a terrific asset for the team and we are pleased to confirm a new multi-year deal with him,” said Nick Ryan.

“There was no question on our intentions to retain Michael and we are pleased the process has been seamless throughout.

“Michael joined the team at the start of our journey with Nissan in 2013 and he has proven himself as a leader within the organisation. Not only is he great for us in the car, he is also one of the most likeable drivers in the category, both for sponsors and for the fans.

“As Nissan Motorsport continues to climb the V8 Supercars ladder, we are excited to have Michael along for the journey.”

Richard Emery, Nissan Motor Co. (Australia) Managing Director and CEO: “Nissan is pleased to continue its relationship with Michael,” said Richard Emery.

“We have enjoyed working with him for the past two seasons as he has a strong passion for Nissan, our motorsport and our cars.

“Michael’s results to date this season have been impressive and as our on-track program continues to progress we look forward to even more success from Michael and the entire Nissan Motorsport team.”

Nissan Motorsport