AIM Targeting NAEC Program with Nissan GT-R GT3s in 2016

Photo: Brian Cleary/BCPix.com

While having enjoyed a successful first season of GT3 racing, AIM Autosport is targeting an expanded effort with its Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3s in 2016 that would include a limited-season GTD program in IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Team principal Ian Willis confirmed to Sportscar365 that he’s in discussions with multiple prospective customers to bring the V6-powered beasts to IMSA competition next year, in addition to its already confirmed multi-car factory backed effort in Pirelli World Challenge.

“For us, to do a good job and not divide our program up too much and take away from what we’re doing, we can do the non-conflicting IMSA races with a focus on the endurance championship,” Willis told Sportscar365.

“We’ve been talking to people about doing some endurance races. That’s where we’ve had the interest from the potential clients.”

The Always Evolving-backed squad has impressed in PWC competition this year, with James Davison scoring a pair of overall wins and inaugural Nissan GT Academy USA champion Bryan Heitkotter having been promoted from GT-A to GT due to his success.

Willis said any potential IMSA program would be customer-driven, as Nissan USA’s involvement has been focused on PWC only. It’s also undecided if its proposed endurance effort would be under the AIM or Always Evolving banner.

The team plans to take delivery of at least two new 2016-spec Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3s, which could be used across both championships next year, thanks to IMSA’s integration of full-spec GT3 machinery.

“I’d say we’re probably just under 50 percent,” Willis said of their chances of returning to IMSA competition at this stage. “But three weeks ago, we were probably under 20 percent.

“It’s silly season and there’s a lot of activity going on. There seems to be a lot more interest.”

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