Shop talk for Z-car enthusiasts
30
Aug
This event is ON! HOD is giving you a chance to run Thunderhill on September 8, for only $150.
TONS of track time with only THREE run groups….that’s 6, 20-minute sessions per group. Small groups, lots of Nissans and clear weather make an awesome track day!
To sign-up complete the entry form below, and don’t forget to bring your tech sheet!
RegistrationForm
Tech Sheet
24
Aug
With the recent release of the Nissan M35 Hybrid could this drivetrain be incorporated into the GT-R? Read more about it over here: Hybrid GTR
If hybrid technology isn’t in the cards for Nissan’s supercar maybe alternate fuels are. Could this 900hp beast be a step in the right direction? 
Read more here and watch the YouTube video!
24
Aug
!ZCG will NOT be going to the Drags today due to high temperatures!
Generally, the Wednesday Night Drags events are held at Sears Point Raceway on most Wednesday nights during the year. The gates open at 3:30 and racing is from 5-10pm. One typically gets a few practice (non-competitive) runs in before the racing starts assuming you get there early. All the information you need about the track and racing itself is located here: http://www.infineonraceway.com/racew…y_night_drags/
Prizes!
1st Place: One Pair of New BF Goodrich Drag Radials courtesy of Z Car Garage
2nd Place: $100.00 Gift Certificate at Z Car Garage
Points:
Sears Point Wednesday events are bracket racing. If you show up early, each driver gets 4 or 5 practice runs before the sessions begin.
3 points: Runner-up (loss in the finals) – trophy awarded
5 points: Winner of class – trophy awarded
Points are only valid on the dates ZCG goes to Infineon (4/7, 6/2, July, August, September, October, possibly November). I’ll update this post as we set the dates for future months.
All competitors must sign waiver @ Z Car Garage before entering competition (or sign at track and give to Rob).
So put your excuses to rest and join us for the 4th event TOMORROW 8/25/10!!!
18
Aug
MSN lists the Top 10 Coolest Cars at the Rolex Motorsports Reunion. Among the Porsche’s and rare F1 cars TWO Datsuns were chosen, a Bluebird coupe and a BRE 510.
The BRE 510 was built by Paul Moore and driven by Mark Boen in the Trans Am(under 2liter) race. With an engine built by Rebello, ZCarGarage dyno tuned the 510 before the big race weekend. Mark did an excellent job at ‘Seca and made Datsun fans proud!
Stay tuned for the report with pictures from the races!
22
Jul
If you are an avid track day junkie or even a beginner it doesn’t hurt to have a seasoned instructor ride along with you. These generous folks can help you shave seconds off lap times, smoothly negotiate turns, and even instill confidence. Fellow Z owner Bill N. describes how in-car instruction helped him. Thanks for the report Bill and good luck at the LeMons!
I finally did it. I signed on with a 24 Hours of LeMons team for the August 7-8 event at Thunderhill. It will be my first time driving in an actual race. Z Car Garage will also be in the race with a 240Z. Should be a blast.
With the upcoming race in mind, I approached my recent track day wanting to improve my driving skill. We occasionally see new drivers at the track who have a lot of natural ability and advance very quickly. I’m not one of those drivers. The good news is that, with the right attitude and good coaching, anyone can improve their performance.
Enter the Hooked on Driving coaches. These men and women are volunteers who come to the track to share their skill and knowledge. They go through a rigorous evaluation, selection and training process. I like that they are very encouraging and coach a turn only during the approach and execution. No after-turn discussions to distract from the next turn. Coaching is included in the event price and is available to drivers at all levels.
I sought the help of Jeff, one of HOD’s senior coaches. I had worked with him earlier in the year when we were paired for a lead-follow session on a very wet track: 5/28 Fun in the Rain
Jeff helped me a lot. Check it out:
6/20 Session 1 Part 1
6/20 Session 1 Part 2