Nissan Reevaluates Racing Program After Poor Showing at Le Mans

Nissan Motor Co. executives are meeting in Japan this week to decide whether the company should continue its LMP1 racing program, Sportscar365 reports. The online publication for motorsports enthusiasts cites multiple unnamed industry sources.

The meeting was prompted by the dismal showing of Nissan's GT-R LM Nismo hybrid race car in this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Two of the three cars fielded didn't finish, and the third finished 150 laps behind the winning Audi R18 hybrid racer.

CEO Carlos Ghosn voiced his frustration about the program following Le Mans. But the company insists that it is moving forward with plans for testing the car at the Circuit of The Americas track in Texas later this month.

The GT-R LM Nismo has a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and low-slung hood, which provides aerodynamic advantages. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and an electric motor, a combination which is expected to be offered next year in street models of the GT-R.