COOPERS Brewery and V8 Supercars are joining forces, with the iconic South Australian brewer becoming a premium partner of the sport.

Coopers, now the largest Australian-owned brewer, and V8 Supercars have signed an agreement that will give Coopers pourage rights to all Australian V8 Supercar events and the title of Official Beer Partner of the sport.

The announcement coincides with the 150th year celebration for Coopers which just last year was named as the world’s top family business ahead of giant global brands such as Lego and Estee Lauder.

The South Australian-born-and-bred company will make its V8 Supercar debut at the Clipsal 500 next month (March 1-4), an Adelaide event that is a four-time winner of Australian Tourism’s Best Festival or Event.

In one of the most significant events in V8 Supercar history Japanese car giant Nissan will join the pinnacle of Australian motorsport and touring car racing by entering the Championship from 2013.

After a 20-year absence from the Australian Touring Car Championship, Nissan Motorsport (Australia) will run four cars with up and coming V8 Supercar team Kelly Racing.

From 2013, Kelly Racing will campaign as Nissan Motorsport – a formalised factory team.

Lee Holdsworth will become part of the Monster Energy Drink family in 2012.

To go with his new drive at IRWIN Racing, the two-times V8 Supercars race winner has unveiled a new helmet design for the 2012 V8 Supercars Championship – including support from Monster and Fujitsu General.

Holdsworth will also sport backing from Stilo and long-time personal supporter Project Mu.

In a day of major announcements at Sydney's Homebush V8 finale, Pepsi Max has revealed their sponsorship of the Kelly Racing- Pepsi Max crew Race Team will continue through 2012.

The Pepsi Max Crew has also re-signed incumbent driver Greg Murphy – one of the most distinguished names in Australian motorsport – for the 2012 season.