Miller Vinatieri Leguizamon Motorsports Rookies Show Promising Start in Season-Opener

Descending on the famed Homestead-Miami Speedway for the first event weekend of the F4 United States Championship Powered by Honda, the Miller Vinatieri Leguizamon Motorsports rookies’ on-track development shined.

Jack William Miller of Westfield, Indiana, impressed all in his series debut. Miller scored fifth and sixth place results in Race 1 and Race 3 as well as led laps in Race 2 before being forced to the pit lane.

While Miller’s teammate, Lawson Nagel of Fort Worth, Texas, ended the weekend in a rousing way by patiently picking off his competitors, moving from 28th to 14th in Sunday's finale.

"I'm extremely proud of the entire team,” said Team Principal Dr. Jack Miller. “I want to thank Mitch Davis for his hard work in organizing and running such a good group of people. I'm also extremely proud of all of our drivers for doing so well despite the stiff competition and the challenges we faced. We're looking forward to our home race at Indy, and the rest of the season."

In the first race of the weekend, Miller was able to run in the top-five of the stout 33-car field. Maintaining his position throughout the race, the former karter secured a solid fifth place finish. Nagel was unable to continue, after an off-track incident would leave him stranded for the duration of the 30-minute session.

Race 2 looked very promising for second-generation driver Miller as he progressed forward from his fourth-place starting spot. Miller would take the lead after the opening laps but was penalized for moving early on the Formula One style standing starts. Understanding and accepting the drive through penalty, Miller relinquished the lead to enter pit lane and serve his violation. After rejoining race two at the tail of the field, Miller proceeded to march his way forward before contact punctured one of his rear tires, forcing him to retire.

"The car was fantastic to drive," explained Miller. "Mitch Davis gave me an awesome car and he and I worked very well together. My dad was my spotter and together we all worked well as a team. The Honda engine ran perfect and matched with the Pirelli tires, the car is a blast to drive. I am proud of everyone on the team and my great partners for giving me the opportunity to show the racing world that we can and will win races."  

Nagel found himself in the middle of the action during Race 2. The red, white and blue No. 27 pilot put his off-season preparation into full-gear, dodging incidents and successfully overtaking competitors, but a collision with another driver would end Nagel’s run.

Race 3 was more promising for the MVL Motorsports duo. The pair started in the back of the field. Advancing forward, Miller drove into the top-ten and Nagel completed the round with his best finish of the weekend in P14.

“Overall my opening weekend in the car was a good learning experience.” Nagel said “My final race was the best of the weekend. I started 28th and got to 14th, running within half a second of the leaders." 

For more information on MVL Motorsports, visit MVLMotorsports.com.