Filed under: Automotive History
by Forbes @ 12:01 pm on December 9, 2009
Sadly the man who went behind Nissan’s back and began importing Datsuns to the USA passed away last month on November 13th. Nobushige Wakatsuki initially saw Nissan/Datsun as a company that could export well to the US market but was shot down for some time by the head execs until he took the job into his own hands.
He started importing the cars in 1960, three years after Toyota, and it took another full year to convince Nissan Corporate to take over the small dealer network. Thankfully for all of us the plan worked and Nissan began importing cars like crazy over the following years. Now almost 50 years later Nissan is a household name on these shores and we owe it all to him. Maybe I will name my ’71 510 “Waka” as a thank you.
Filed under: R35
by Forbes @ 12:19 pm on December 8, 2009
Just a little video fun to keep all of you entertained on this Wednesday afternoon. It’s amazing what traction can do to destroy outright horsepower. GT-Rs rule.
Here is your best opportunity to join in on one of the last great track days of 2009. NorCal UFO (United Five-Ten Owners Club) has rented out Thunderhill Raceway in Willows CA for December 13th and has some space left. They are offering the rest of the spaces up to ZCarBlog readers and are waiving the late fee to all of our readers if we sign up before this up coming Wednesday (9th).
The price for the day is only $155.00!!!!! (includes lunch for the driver)
Click on the link below to view the PDF entry form which must be emailed to the UFO organizers (Dennis and Peggy Hale) ASAP. They will allow payment to be given at the event itself if you have pre-registered. I know that this is pretty last minute but we would love to see as many of you out on the track with us as possible!!
Also when you email the entry form please include what group you usually drive in (beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc) and please visit the UFO site to view the Frequently Asked Questions page to make sure that your car does qualify to participate, there will also be a tech inspection at the event to make sure that the vehicle is safe.
I know that its cold outside here in Northern CA, but ZONC (Z Owners of Northern California) is hard at work preparing fun drives for all of you Nissan enthusiasts. This run down to San Simeon (Hearst Castle) will once again be in held in conjunction with the NSX Club of America and is to take place on the 13th-14th of February 2010, President’s Day weekend (3 day!!).
This year will be slightly different than last year as the tours of the Hearst Castle will be separate from the ZONC event. Meaning that those who wish to tour the castle or partake in any of the other amazing events down that way will need to book an extra night on your own. I’m assuming this is so that no one is tied into something they don’t want to do; freedom to do what you want on the trip!
See the ZONC flyer below for more information and feel free to contact them on their site if you have any questions
