Just when you thought Nissan stopped caring about Motorsport.. the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) and Nissan are teaming up to create a new Spec “Z” Series similar to the incredibly successful “Spec-Miata” Series. Spec Z will be specifically for the ’03 to’08 Z33 models with plenty of incentives for all of you hardcore track junkies.
Nissan, BFGoodrich and NASA are all providing cash support/prize money for podium finishers in SPEC Z at the 2012 NASA Championships! We hear that our very own Scott S. will be running his new race car(above, at T-Hill) in the series, stay tuned for the action!

Below is the Nissan Press Release, click on the “more” to get the full story on SPEC Z and prize money/entrant details:
NISSAN PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL AUTO SPORT ASSOCIATION TO CREATE NEW SPEC Z SERIES

Popular 350Z will be the basis of cost-effective racing program

Nissan North America and The National Auto Sport Association (NASA) are pleased to announce the creation of an all-new Spec Z series that will feature the Nissan 350Z®. The NASA Spec Z class will include all trim levels of the 2003-2008 year model Nissan 350Z in a single classification focused on close competition, parity and cost containment that will showcase driving ability and car setup skills.

NASA Spec Z will offer a comprehensive contingency prize program that will reward both Regional and National Championship competitors. Nissan Motorsports will provide significant support for the series, and their contingency prize program provides cash rewards up to $850 for the top three finishers at each regional competition weekend. Additionally, Nissan Motorsports will provide $6,500 in cash…
support to the top Spec Z finishers at the 2012 NASA Championships.

BFGoodrich tires will be the control tire for the Spec Z class, and BFG has also created a generous contingency prize program for the series. More contingency prize programs for the Spec Z class are being finalized for the series and will be announced shortly.

“We are very excited about Spec Z,” said Jeremy Croiset, NASA Sponsorship Manager. “We have been working closely with Nissan Motorsports on the creation of Spec Z, and it will be an excellent series for anyone looking to step into a spec vehicle that’s fast and relatively inexpensive to build, maintain and race. With the fantastic contingency prize programs that are being provided for Spec Z, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more rewarding spec series to race in. We look forward to watching Spec Z grow and flourish in the coming years as more racers adopt this new formula.”

Ron Stukenberg, Senior Manager, Motorsports Marketing Communications, Nissan North America agrees, and adds, “NASA has a proven track record of growing classes from the ground up, so we are excited to be working with NASA on the new Spec Z series. We have a number of competitors already expressing interest in the series, so the potential for this series is very strong indeed. With our Nissan Motorsports Competition Parts Program and comprehensive contingency prize programs, we are looking to make this a strong offering for those interested in stepping into a very competitive spec series racing the iconic Z car.”

For complete details on the new series rules, please visit http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules.

For details on the newly-announced contingency programs for the Spec Z series, please visit http://www.nasaproracing.com/contingency.