Nissan joins Touring Car exodus

However, there may still be representation in the series, as ex-works team, Ray Mallock Ltd, is expected to compete with a pair of independent Nissans.

Mallock would not comment on the possibility, but neither would he rule out entering without manufacturer backing. He did a similar venture in 1992 and 1993 with Vauxhall's Cavalier and current driver David Leslie.

'It's too early to say what our race teams will be doing in 2000,' Mallock said.

'We have a number of opportunities. I'm confident of being in Touring Cars and winning.'

Nissan's withdrawal from the championship comes at the end of a three-year programme, according to managing director, Brian Carolin.

'We've achieved the objectives we set,' he said, adding that the three titles won this year marked 'a fitting end to an extremely successful project.'

BTCC boss Alan Gow was disappointed that Nissan was pulling out, but commented that 'you will see more Nissans on the grid in 2000 than there were this year.'

The marque joins Volvo and Renault on the BTCC sidelines, as these two have already announced their decisions to quit.



1991 - Enters BTCC with single Primera, run by Janspeed and driven by Keith O'dor

1993 - O'dor and Win Percy first and second in British GP support race

1995 - Pulls out of BTCC

1996 - Andy Rouse Engineering runs two Primeras with limited official assistance

1997 - Returns to BTCC with Ray Mallock Ltd, one heat win in Tourist Trophy for Anthony Reid

1998 - Two wins for David Leslie, seven for Reid, manufacturers and teams' titles

1999 - Wins manufacturers', teams' and drivers' titles with Laurent Aiello