Calsonic is back!

By: James Robinson, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 04.09.2017

Retro round at Sandown 500 in full swing

The iconic ‘Calsonic’ livery that once emblazoned the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R that conquered the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) will be making a return to the race track, only this time it’ll be covering a Nissan Altima.

Not just a regular Nissan Altima though (obviously), but rather the #23 Nissan Ultima Supercar that will be piloted by Michael Caruso and Dean Fiore at the Wilson Security Sandown 500.

The Calsonic-sponsored blue GT-R is a legend of the racetrack back in Japan, with an unbelievable record of 29 wins from 29 starts, it absolutely dominated the JTCC in the early ‘90s Group A era of racing.

It is also a car that was immortalised in the eyes of a generation thanks to being one of the hero cars of the racing car game Gran Turismo.

"Nissan has achieved a lot in global motorsport and there are so many great liveries to choose from," said Michael Caruso.

"The Calsonic livery is one of Nissan's most famous and perfectly represents its racing heritage.

"The original Calsonic GT-R was so successful on the track. A perfect record is unheard of in motorsport, so this definitely elevates this car to legendary status.

"Mark Skaife explained what it was like to drive and it sounded wild. What a beast!

"I hope I can emulate its success at the Sandown 500."

Why is this fabled livery making a return you may ask? Well apart from being the opening round of the endurance season of the Supercars Championship, Sandown 500 is also ‘Retro Round’, which means cars on the grid can sport famous liveries of race cars from the bygone generations.

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