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In a world-first for motorsport designed to help lure US sports fans into Formula E, Miami-based Top Gun All-Stars will rebrand as the ‘Sakura Storm’ to become the team’s dedicated cheer squad

Nissan Formula E Team has partnered with local cheerleading program Top Gun All-Stars to mark this weekend’s Miami E-Prix, becoming the first-ever motorsport team to have a dedicated cheer squad.

The partnership, created by Dark Horses as part of its noisy thinking brand strategy for the Nissan FE team, sees Top Gun’s flagship crew rebrand as the ‘Sakura Storm’, a nod to Nissan Formula E Team’s Japanese heritage, brought to life through its cherry blossom livery.

Combining speed, precision and teamwork, the flashmob-style performance was designed to capture the drama and excitement of a Formula E race, making fans ‘feel electric’ ahead of the Miami E-Prix. The film can be seen here.

In a city with a rich sporting culture, the collaboration was inspired by a desire to grab the attention of US sports fans, creating a thrilling spectacle to announce Nissan Formula E Team’s arrival in Miami. To launch the partnership, the ‘Sakura Storm’ performed a motor racing-inspired routine at Jungle Plaza in Miami’s Design District.

To complete the ‘Sakura Storm’s makeover, the cheerleaders will proudly sport a special edition cherry blossom logo on their motor racing-themed uniforms. They will also attend the Miami E-Prix to experience the action up close and support Nissan Formula E Team as it aims to secure its third victory of the season.

Top Gun All-Stars Miami is one of the most successful cheerleading programs in the USA, boasting 29 World Cheerleading Championship titles since its founding in 1994. Its flagship team, Top Gun Large Co-Ed, consists of 38 athletes aged between 13 and 19. Their next performance will be at the Cheer World Championships in Orlando on April 25^th, where the team will be looking to secure a fifth consecutive title.

Adam Burns and Paco Lopez, Creative Directors at Dark Horses, said: “You don’t get a much bigger sporting nation than the US. And they arguably have the biggest love for cheerleaders. And they don't get much better at making people feel electric than the Top Gun All-Stars Miami. So, it seemed like a simple step to bring them all together for Nissan and Formula E.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team:

“We wanted to mark our arrival in Miami by bringing the excitement of Formula E to the local community. We’ve partnered with the world leading Top Gun All-Stars, creating the ‘Sakura Storm’ as a nod to our Japanese heritage, with their performance embodying our core values of teamwork, precision and passion.”

Cory Hines, Director and Choreographer at Top Gun All-Stars Miami:

“At Top Gun All-Stars we’re honored to have the opportunity to partner with Nissan Formula E Team and create a spectacle that highlights the electrifying energy of both of our sports. For our flagship team, Top Gun All Star Co-Ed, the chance to showcase their skills to the people of Miami and experience Formula E racing in-person is something that they will never forget.”