Nissan: Top five for Rick Kelly in Western Australian V8 Supercar fight

WANNEROO, Australia Nissan Motorsport has recorded a strong finish to the V8 Supercar Perth Supersprint at Barbagallo Raceway, with Rick Kelly and Michael Caruso both finishing inside the Top 10.

The No.15 Sengled Altima started the 83-lap race in seventh place, following a strong qualifying effort earlier in the day. Running a three-stop strategy, Rick Kelly was able to use the pace of fresh tires to make his way to fifth by checkered flag.

“Today’s results were good for us,” said Kelly. “Fifth for us is fantastic and as is being only 1.2 seconds off the lead. We had a fantastic car with great strategy. You always want to get the ultimate result and we didn’t quite get that today. This is another of those rounds that used to be a tough one for us, but now we’re leaving with good pace and potential. I think once we capitalize on it a little bit moving forward, then we’re up there with the front guys.”

Caruso’s No.23 Nissan NISMO entry started the race in 22nd and actually dropped further positions after the green light. A determined drive – paired with some excellent strategy calls – resulted in Caruso eventually crossing the line in 9th place.

Highlights of the weekend for Todd Kelly included a seventh place finish in Saturday’s race, while Dale Wood had his best qualifying performance of the year when he was 13th fastest for Sunday’s race.

The V8 Supercars squad will now set its sights on Winton Motor Racing in two weeks time – the scene of the team’s recent test and also the venue where the Nissan Altima V8 Supercar scored its first race victory.

NISMO Calendar

May 14-15
ELMS, Imola – Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Italy
Blancpain GT Endurance, Silverstone, England
Micra Cup Canada, Calabogie Motorsports Park, Ontario, Canada

May 21-22
V8 Supercar, Winton, Victoria, Australia
Pirelli World Challenge, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario, Canada

May 28-29
Nurburgring 24 Hour, Nurburgring, Germany
Pirelli World Challenge, Lime Rock Park, Connecticut, USA
Micra Cup Canada, Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

 

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Contact

Jane Johnstone
Marketing Communications Director
Global Motorsport Communications
Nissan/NISMO
Phone: +44 7979 710646
Email: jane.johnstone@nissan.co.uk

Paul Ryan
Marketing and PR Manager
Phone: +1 678 644 0404
Email: paul@nismosupport.com