Even though you might not look at the Nissan Sentra as a sports car or a racing machine, there is a racing series using this car in Canada.

Previously called the Micra Cup, the newSentra Cup should last for at least three years and give Canadians an affordable way to drive in motorsports racing. The Micra was the smallest model from Nissan, but now it’s not going to be offered and the brand has turned to the Sentra.

The Sentrais a Serious Upgrade

The idea of using the Sentra in place of the Micra is one that has many fans and contestants smiling. The Sentra is larger, lower, and longer, making it a sportier model. The version that will be used in racing is the S model which is the base model. This trim comes with a six-speed manual transmission, which isn’t offered on the US-spec models.

The Nissan Sentra was an Easy Decision

When Nissan Canada was approached about a car that would take over the low-priced racing circuit, the Sentra was an obvious choice. Going to the Sentra was going big for this racing series with a car that’s faster, sleeker, and with a different body than before. For the equivalent of $31,000 in US dollars, a race version of this car can be had andenjoyed by a racing team.

How Do You Get a Sentra Cup Car?

Actually, it’s not as much about how you turn a Sentra into a Cup Car, but the team that will handle the job. The skilled workers at Motorsports in Action, located in St. Eustache, Quebec will handle the job of transforming a Nissan Sentra S into a car that can race.

The powertrain used is the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 149 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. The transformation of this car is mostly done in the safety and durability areas. You’ll receive an adjustable coil-over racing suspension, adjustable front anti-roll bar, a set of 14-inch high-performance front brakes, and the rear calipers and rotors that are found in the higher trims of the Sentra.

The wheels used are lightweight 18-inch alloys that are fitted with racing slicks to make this car right for the drive.

Adding More to the Interior of this Nissan Sentra

To create a car for racing, specific safety items must be added. You’ll find a six-point roll cage, six-point racing harness, window nets, and a fire-suppression system inside the Sentra Cup Car. The seat is a racing model and a pit speed limiter is added to the mix. This car does have the standard rearview camera and a spoiler that comes from the SR model.

Then new Sentra Cup Car will be on the track in May alongside the Micras that will continue to live on for this season. If you want to see some of these cars racing, you may need to head across the northern border to attend a race of some of the most affordable racing machines on the track.