As part of an ongoing effort to show car enthusiasts that the public road isn't the place to race, Nissan is joining with seven Ontario police departments to try and help guide people to a better way. The project is called Project ERASE (Eliminating Racing Activity on Streets Everywhere), and is also in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of the Environment.
Today's announcement has Ontario Provincial Police Staff Sergeant Chuck Kaizer trading his kevlar vest for a fire suit and taking part in two Nissan Micra Cup races at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The goal of the project is to change poor driver behavior through strategic enforcement, but also through education. Whether that is street racing, stunting, or otherwise just showing off, they want you to keep it off the highways and do it where it is appropriate.
Nissan Canada president Joni Paiva said that "motorsport is a cornerstone of Nissan’s brand identity, dating back to the 1930’s in Japan. The pride we have in our motorsport heritage is matched by Nissan’s commitment to safety for all drivers and passengers. To that point, we saw an incredible opportunity for the Nissan Micra Cup to collaborate with Project E.R.A.S.E., to help raise awareness of the dangers of street racing, while providing a safe, regulated alternative for those with a penchant for speed and competition.” There are certainly many ways in this country to drive fast responsibly. Be it at an autocross, a lapping day, a drift day, or drag racing, there are clubs across the country to help you do it. But at just $22,900 ready to race, the Nissan cup is one of the most affordable ways to get into wheel to wheel racing, and so is an ideal way to help drivers transition from the wrong side of the law to the inside of turn one.
