It’s a little known fact for the younger generation, but back in the 80s and 90s Nissan was a formidable force in the motorsport scene, and not just in Europe and Asia. They’ve been at the top of U.S. sports car racing from 1988 to 1991, wining over 40 titles, including four consecutive driver’s championships, three manufacturer’s titles and 33 IMSA races.

Now after a decade-long absence, Nissan announced that they are returning to the top-tier racing in the United States, joining forces with Muscle Milk Pickett Racing for the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

Nissan-powered Picket race cars will compete in Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans, backed by racers from Nissan’s squad of international driver delivered to Pickett as part of the NISMO Global Driver Exchange. They include Nissan’s GT1 FIA World Champion Lucas Luhr and Nissan P2 World Endurance Championship regular Alex Brundle. The NISMO Exchange provides opportunities for drivers in the Nissan “family” to contest major motorsports events across the globe.

The Muscle Milk Pickett Racing ORECA 03 race car powered by Nissan engines will makes its track debut during the “Roar before the Rolex 24” – the official pre-season test session – at Daytona during the weekend.