NEWS: First European Test of 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 With JRM Group

Our pals at JRM Racing (www.jrm-group.com) have arranged a first European test of the awesome 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 – for teams and driver looking for competitive and affordable GT3 car.
JRM say: "Following a successful four day test held in Portimao this week, engineers of the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 believe the raft of 2013 performance upgrades have delivered significant improvements in both qualifying and race pace. Despite the test car not benefitting from all the planned 2013 engine upgrades, the changes to the suspension and a substantially revamped aero package enabled JRM test driver Peter Dumbreck to consistently lap substantially faster than the sister 2012 spec car running at the same time. JRM, manufacturer of the car that came close to securing the British GT crown in its debut year, was also able to capitalise on the comprehensive track time to work through its entire test programme, as well as allowing potential customers to try the car."
"The test gave us four full days running in predominantly dry conditions ,working through aero and damper set up changes to optimise the car ahead of homologation," says JRM’s Nigel Stepney. "The drivers reported turn in is significantly improved and the repositioned rear wing is more efficient than last year’s, resulting in downforce without the drag."
The potential of the car was underlined as, together with planned engine upgrades due ahead of the next test in January, the Nismo and JRM partnership will realise a further weight reduction of 20kg. "For instance, we have taken the opportunity to upgrade the heavier production headlamps for carbon fibre units," adds Stepney. "Shedding some weight will enable us to optimise balance ahead of final homologation."
In addition to Dumbreck, drivers from the UK, Europe and the Middle East that are considering the Nissan sampled the 2013 spec car. Competitive pricing, some £50,000 lower than similarly specified cars, led to ten drivers making the trip, including British GT4 champion Jody Fannin. "The 2013 car immediately instilled confidence and I was able to set competitive lap times on an unfamiliar circuit after a handful of laps,” says Fannin “I found it well balanced and very stable. It was particularly strong under braking and on turn in. I'm sure it'll be a competitive proposition in 2013."
JRM is already planning a further test in January 2013 ahead of the Balance of Performance trials when potential customers can also drive the car. Bionic GT3 car anyone? Contact JRM Racing for full details via the website.

NEWS: JRM Racing Offer New GT-R GT3 Test Date @ Portimão

JRM Racing (www.jrm-racing.com) has arranged a test day for race teams to try out the all-new, faster, harder GT-T GT3 car from Nismo. JRM Racing, who manufacture and sell the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 race car in Europe, the Middle East and Russia is offering tests of the new car at the Portimão Circuit, Portugal, on November 27th and 28th.

JRM say: " We are inviting international race team owners, their engineers and drivers to attend two test days at the Portimão Circuit in Portugal on November 27th and 28th 2012 to try out the new FIA GT3 spec Nissan GT-R. With significant updates for 2013, the car promises already proven levels of quality, affordability, race and championship-winning potential and support from JRM."
"We urge any race team out there, particularly if they are considering entering GT racing for the first time, to contact us about attending the Portimão test day, where we have exclusive use of the track and a new test car for drivers and engineers," says Mark Dexter, JRM’s sales manager. "GT3 racing is not as expensive as people think and we believe the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 offers the most affordable and competitive package with which to exploit this category. Now is the perfect time to make the switch in time for the 2013 race season."
Contact JRM Sales Manager Mark Dexter on mdexter@jrm-group.com or call +44-(0)1327-307-164 to arrange the GT-R GT3 test. The car retails at £270,000, and a spec, the 2013 improvements and a video can be seen on the blog roll below... 

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NEWS: Sumo Power Open Day & Sale

Sumo Power – the UK’s No.1 Japanese parts supplier and sponsors of the Time Attack series – are holding an exclusive open day at their brand new facilities in Daventry on Saturday October 6th. The Open Day will be an opportunity for Japanese performance car enthusiasts to meet the Sumo Power team, check out the new HQ and take advantage of incredible discounts of the best Sumo performance parts from suppliers like HKS, Cosworth, Do-Luck, JS Racing, Damd Styling, Akrapovic, Rays Wheels and more – in an outstandingly good value end of Summer sale, from over £300,000 of top-quality stock.

The Sumo Power Open Day also offers a chance to see some of the UK’s leading Nissan GT-R’s from the GTROC and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions from the Mitsubishi Lancer Register. There will also be an opportunity to get up close to the incredible £300,000 JRM Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 car (pictured) and meticulously prepared Exo X Group N rally cars (British Championship winners) alongside their latest exciting ‘work in progress’ fast road project car – the stripped-out, semi-race-prepared, brand new Toyota GT86.
Additionally, Sumo’s R35 GT-R will be displayed together with the opportunity to purchase the Evo X 400RS demonstrator – presenting a unique opportunity to own a slice of Sumo Power heritage.
Sumo Power have recently re-located their HQ from Rye in Sussex to a brand new, state-of-the-art, 15,000 sq/ft, facility in Daventry – a more central location to develop the brand from, designed to bring all sales activity under one roof. The site includes a huge Sumo Power stock room, hi-tech workshops, inspection room, engine building room, sub assembly, machine shop and customer showroom downstairs. And upstairs is office space including the sales area, purchasing, accounts and engineering rooms. Twenty-five staff are on site, including the sales team – on hand to take Sumo Power orders six days a week and the fabulous www.sumopower.com website is online 24:7:365 – supplying the best Japanese performance parts all over Europe and beyond, with security and efficiency, day and night.
Sumo Power and JRM Group Executive Director, James Rumsey, said: “It’s been a huge effort and investment to get the brand and business re-located, but we are very excited about the future and are really looking forward to showing off the new HQ to our valued customers at our open day. Being in a more central location makes us a lot more accessible to our UK customer base. And the shift of focus from a workshop-based facility to a pure parts supply mail order sales facility enables us to perfectly meet the needs of our enthusiast customer base. We are still Europe’s largest supplier of quality Japanese performance parts and pride ourselves on offering an efficient, informed, slick, one-stop-shop parts supply operation. Customers get the best parts, the best service and the best prices from Sumo Power.”
Mark Dexter, Sumo Power’s Sales Manager added: “The Open Day is a chance for us to showcase the new HQ and offer some really amazing special offers to our customers in the special clearance sale. We are sure the new Toyota GT86 project car and the Evo X RS will attract some real interest too – not to mention the awesome Nissan GT-R GT3 cars, Evo X Group N rally cars and all the cars from the GTOC and MLR forums. It’s going to be a great meet for Japanese car enthusiasts – and a chance to bag a bargain in our fabulous end of Summer sale.”
The Open Day takes place at Sumo Power’s new HQ at Units 3 & 4 Rutherford Way on the Drayton Fields Industrial Estate in Daventry, Northamptonshire from 9am on Saturday October 6th: A not-to-be-missed event and sale for any Japanese performance car enthusiast.
Sumo Power have re-vitalised their social media platforms to communicate about the business. Follow them on Twitter @Sumo_Power and like the new Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/SumoPower