V8 driver logs into new livery ... and the Townsville 400

THERE will be no missing Michael Caruso’s number 23 NISMO Nissan Altima V8 Supercar this weekend when he takes on a striking new look for the Townsville 400.

Caruso will pilot an Altima V8 with a special “black chrome” GT Academy livery to celebrate the upcoming Australian finals of the Nissan PlayStation GT Academy at Warner Bros Movie World.

GT Academy is a collaboration between PlayStation and Nissan that uses the virtual world of the Gran Turismo 6 computer game to unearth real- world racing talent, and Caruso said he was excited to help promote the competition.

“This is easily the best- looking V8 Supercar I will have the privilege of driving,” he said.

“We see lots of different colour schemes and special designs from time to time, but this GT Academy livery is going to stick in people’s minds for a long time.

“The GT Academy is a great concept and I hope our new design can ensure that more and more people get down to Movie World and try and qualify for the final.”

Caruso will be hoping the new livery marks a change in fortune for him this round, with the 32- year- old coming off a 21st place in the third race at the Darwin Triple Crown three weeks ago.

The experienced driver fared better in the earlier race at Darwin, finishing fifth and 14th respectively and the number 23 driver is excited to return to the Townsville 400 and perform for the city’s passionate fans. “The people that it attracts and having all the locals that come out to the track, they are very passionate about having their own events,” he said.

“That’s always really nice to see because we travel such long distances to get here and to have that support makes us feel really welcome and it gives the event a great feel.”

Caruso’s new livery will make its debut this Friday at the opening V8 Supercars practice sessions at Reid Park.