Always Evolving Planning Three-Car Nissan Program for 2017

Photo: Always Evolving

Always Evolving is poised to expand into a three-car operation in Pirelli World Challenge next year with all-new Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 cars slated for both Sprint and SprintX championships.

The Erik Davis-owned, AIM Autosport-run team outlined its 2017 plans on Thursday, which includes the intention of retaining both James Davison and Bryan Heitkotter as two of its drivers.

JRM development driver Craig Dolby joins the team this weekend, filling in for Davison, who has been suspended by PWC for one race.

It’s understood Dolby could also be part of Always Evolving’s 2017 plans as well.

“With the 2017 schedules now revealed, we’re investigating running both the existing Sprint format plus the new SprintX series, which will obviously require us to add to our driver talent pool,” Davis said.

“The new partnership between the Pirelli World Challenge and the SRO organization is proving to be a positive step forward for GT3 racing in the U.S.”

Team manager Ian Willis confirmed they plan to take delivery of three brand-new Nissans, after agreeing in principle to sell its existing 2014-spec cars to a team in Australia.

He said the exact structure of driver lineups remains to-be-determined but could feature two Pro cars and one Pro-Am.

“Our initial thought is two Pro cars and a Pro-Am car running SprintX, with a focus on the Pro-Am doing SprintX,” Willis told Sportscar365.

“But depending how the whole championship shakes up and how they divide it, that may change.”

Willis spoke highly of PWC’s proposed split Sprint/SprintX championship, which has had mixed reviews in the paddock since its initial release last month.

“My thought for us is that it fits in nicely because we’re looking to expand with more cars, trying to get a gentlemen driver car going,” he said.

“Having more events to do that makes it more cost-effective for the guy who is bringing money to the program.

“I like two-driver formats because I come from endurance racing. if your trying to get more participants and more cars sold, it’s better.”

Always Evolving currently sits third in the teams’ championship, with Nissan fourth in the manufacturer’s’ title race heading into the final five races of the 2016 season with its two-car factory backed operation.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John