Five Nissans took the green for the Spec Z National Championship race. Rocky Mountain racer David Dirks started from pole, trailed by Jay Pellegrini III and Joe Ippolito. Dirks, who had raced Porsche 944s often at Miller, was able to establish a lead he would hold till the end.
“This car was fantastic,” Dirks said. “I can’t thank my family enough. My wife, my kids Hannah and Matthew, and my dad for helping me build this car. It was such a nice ride. Fortunately I broke away pretty early, so it was just a matter of staying consistent to maintain that gap.”
Joe Ippolito had traveled to Miller from Atlanta to take part in the National Championships and took third. Jay Pellegrini III took second place. He and his father Jay Pellegrini Jr. were the only two racers from the NOLA region to compete at Miller this year.
“We had a good race. The car came together. We enjoyed it. We’re glad to be here,” he said. “I’ve got to hand it to my dad for making all this possible. Thanks to Nissan and BFGoodrich. This is my first time here at Miller, first time running this track. We just started campaigning these cars this year, so we’re ecstatic.”
