Racing, whether its as simple as autocross or as complex as series competition, can be expensive. That’s why Nissan is stepping in with Canada’s cheapest car, the $9,998 Nissan Micra.
Teaming up with JD Motorsport, the Japanese automaker’s Canadian arm is on track to launch a new racing series called the Nissan Micra Cup next year. Like the name suggests, the series will feature the recently launched Nissan Micra hatchback and promises the lowest running costs of any racing series across the country.
Micras destined for the track see a handful of race-prepped bits, including an FIA-approved racing seat, a five-point racing harness and a roll cage, among other enhancements.
Handout, Nissan
“The Nissan Micra Cup offers competitors the one-of-a-kind opportunity to push the limits and hit speeds they never thought they could behind the wheel of Canada’s most attaiable vehicle,” Christian Meunier, Nissan Canada’s president, said in a press release. “Nissan’s heritage is intrinsically connected to motorsports and date back to the 1930s. Therefore, we are proud to return to our roods in such a unique way, and in Canada!”
The Micra Cup will kick off with five events in Quebec starting next May and will be sanctioned by Auto Sport Quebec (ASC). Following the inaugural season, Nissan hopes to expand the series to other provinces in 2016.
The race-spec Micras are still powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder, good for 109 horsepower and 107 lb.-ft. of torque.
Handout, Nissan
Micra hatchbacks poised for competition start out as the base S model. Powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and mated to a five-speed manual transmission, cars will be available to teams with a price tag of $19,998. The extra $10,000 adds a handful of race-ready bits and pieces, including a NISMO suspension kit, a modified exhaust, high-performance brake pads, a cold-air intake and stickier Pirelli high-performance tires.
Of course, the Micras destined for the track also see the requisite safety equipment, including an FIA-approved racing seat with a five-point harness, a fire extinguisher, a roll cage with a driver protection net, and front and rear tow hooks.
