Dear Zcarblog readers, it’s been a busy year and we are catching up on blog posts, so please enjoy our belated race report from May.

WE LOVE RACING! On May 21-22, Classic Sports Racing Group (CSRG) hosted Laps for Laguna at Laguna Seca. Z Car Garage had a blast racing our IMSA GTU 240Z and supporting Datsun 510 race cars running in B-Sedan Group 9 (John Morton Cup). It was a great weekend filled with competition, camaraderie and plenty of Alfas, BMWs and Datsuns sharing the track. Enjoy our report with in-car footage and photos.

 

This is a new vintage racing event created by the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation and California Sports Racing Group (CSRG) to raise money for charity. It is an open sound event with multiple races for each race group, charity rides and more. We hope Laps for Laguna becomes an annual affair.

 

Z Car Garage Supports Two Datsun 510s

It is our pleasure to bring more enthusiasts into the world of vintage racing. Our services include full race support and car-preparation to help make client’s race days seamless and worry-free so they can focus on driving. One of our specialties is dyno tuning. Before a race weekend we confirm that your car is running well and make necessary adjustments while on the chassis dyno.

#88 Todd R

 

Todd R has been racing his 510 privateer-style for the last few years. Prior to Laps for Laguna he had us work on his 510 and hired us for the first time doing trackside support. Todd was able to focus on his driving, achieving his highest placing (p6) and personal best lap (1:48.3) time. We will highlight his experience in separate blogpost on zcarblog.com, go Todd!

 

#7 Rob Fuller

 

Rob Fuller piloted the Bay Area Datsun Dealers tribute 510. With the back-to-back SVRA events just before Laps for Laguna unfortunately Ed an Kelvin could not make this event so it was just Rob and Todd. Here is Rob’s report from the race weekend with in-car video:

“In Saturday’s first race my 510 had a mechanical and had to pull off to the side. I was not able to finish race according to CSRG rules and we had to start in the back for the remainder of weekend. Thanks to ZCG crew we got the car up and running. It was a different experience starting p23 but we finised 3rd (1:41.7). I received the “Hard Charger Award” and we were right behind Troy Ermish and Parker McKean (fast Alfa)). It was great fun mixing it up with them.”

In-Car video from Rob’s 510

 

The Joel Anderson #49 IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z

 

Rob also be raced the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z at the Laps for Laguna event. The Z got a fresh set of Hoosier slicks to replace the AVONs.

“After Joel’s passing last year we decided to get the GTU car out a little more and Laps for Laguna was great prep for the upcoming Velocity Invitational. Group 8 was filled with Porsche/c-Sedans, IMSA Corvettes, Jim Froula’s GT3  Nissan 240sx. Out of 20 fast cars we did pretty well in both races placing 3rd overall. The two leaders Mike W and Froula (full blown GT3 tube-frame car) were running 1:37s while we did 1:39s. I got a personal best lap time of 1:38.3.”

 

In-car video of Rob racing the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z, volume up!

A weekend of great racing and good times

 

The best part of weekend was hanging out with people we haven’t seen in a long time. Cool to see Todd have a great racing weekend and know he’s getting better. Really hope Laps for Laguna becomes a regular event on the CSRG program. Cant wait for the Charity Challenge 9/30 as we’ll be in the John Morton Cup and GTU car in Group 8. Special shoutout to ZCG crew including the Corwin’s and Josh C for keeping all of the cars running so we can race!

 

 

Paddock Highlights

Big thanks to Meghan for taking photos and video around the paddock. Here is a highlight reel of what it’s like at a vintage race…you should join us next time!

 

Thank you CSRG for hosting great event, see you 9/30-10/2 at Sonoma Raceway for the Charity Challenge!

 

Racing into 2022!

Z Car Garage is amped for this year’s race season. Here is list of events we will be attending. Please join us!

April

4/1-3  Sonoma with CSRG (Finished, report soon!)

4/21-24 Laguna with SVRA

4/28-5/2 Sonoma with SVRA

May

5/21-22  Laps for Laguna with CSRG

August

8/13-14  Laguna with HSR Pre Reunion ( NOT CONFIRMED)

8/17-20 Laguna  with HSR  Reunion ( NOT CONFIRMED)

October

9/30-10/2 Sonoma with CSRG Charity Challenge

10/13-16 Laguna   Velocity Invitational

November

11/4-6   Thunderhill with CSRG

…[read more]

 

Since Nissan lent us the 2023 Z to enjoy during Monterey Car Week we have been attending events and sharing the Z with fellow enthusiasts. On 8/17 we started with the Motorlux kick-off celebration (formerly McCall’s Motorworks Revival). On Friday and Saturday we attended the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca. Finally on Sunday we closed with a visit to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Enjoy our report with photos video from Car Week in the new Z!

 

Vintage Racing at Laguna Seca

 

We love vintage racing and had a blast at this year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. On Friday we parked the new Z in Row C of the paddock with our friends from Racecraft. Race car driver and restoration specialist Jim Froula piloted the Greg Alderman 300ZX and a Nissan 240SX, both in IMSA trim. The Z31 features our ZCG CV Axles:

 

The new Z was well-received at the race track. We showed people around the car and let them check it out, always happy to share with enthusiasts! Many people shared their love for the Z and posted photos on social media (thank you!). Below L to R: Larry Oka displaying Gary Cooks’ Z, Rob showing the new Z in Racecraft paddock and Meghan Fuller with the legend Pete Brock:

 

Hanging out with the Breakfast Club

 

Before heading to the track on Saturday, just before the races we joined the Breakfast Club Rally at their pre-rally gathering in Carmel. The BCR organizers kindly gave us a spot to park the new Z during their social hour from 8-9am prior to the event start. It was a great time chatting with new and familiar enthusiasts. We loved seeing our client Jay W with family creating memories in his Datsun 510 featuring our Z Car Garage CV Axles:

 

BCR’s rallies always bring a variety of vintage and modern metal, more photos in the gallery below and don’t forget to join us for Breakfast Club’s upcoming Tokyo Calling2 event 9/24!

 

From Carmel we headed back to Laguna Seca with the new Z for even more racing action. It is worth noting the complete absence of any vintage Z cars Datsun 510s on track at this year’s reunion. Have no fear as the upcoming Velocity Invitational will have a dedicated B-Sedan race group and many Z cars racing! Despite the lack of Datsuns on track we enjoyed the Trans Am and other feature race groups.

 

We left RMMR happy and ready for more Monterey Car Week fun. As if we did not receive enough attention in the paddock, Rob and Meghan were flagged down by CHP– only to inquire about the new Z 🙂

 

Pebble Beach Concours

 

A spectacular ending to Monterey Car Week was Sunday’s visit to the 71st Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Rob and I drove the Z one last time back to Monterey and spotted our friend Tony on the road in his mint 13B-powered Mazda RX-2. Arriving in Pebble Beach, event parking along the famous 17-Mile Drive was a car show itself with cool cars lining the shore:

    

We were bussed into Concours Village and immediately greeted by the Japanese Automotive Invitational(JAI):

 

This display showcased 17 historically significant Japanese cars within several categories including: Concept Cars, “Kei” and Small Cars, Luxury Sedans, Sports Cars, Coupes/Hatchbacks, and Trucks/Utilities. Z Car Garage was proud to support and help prepare the iconic 2003 Infiniti FX45, owned by former INFINITI designer, Julien Thiebaud:

 

Our friend Sean Morris and his team at Toprank International Vehicle Importers showed two stunning Nissan Skylines: an R34 GT-R in rare Midnight Purple II (above) and Kenmeri C110 GT-R:

 

Daniel Song’s Datsun 240Z built by JDM Legends, a “Hakosuka” Skyline and Jun Imai ‘s (of Hot Wheels fame) Datsun 510 Wagon. As with previous JAI displays this was free and open to the general public, more photos in the gallery below!

 

From the JAI we walked past the Concours Village and entered the ticketed, official Pebble Beach Concours….or so I thought. Here, Mercedes Benz had their own display and so did Ferrari. Apparently this was “just a taste” of what lie ahead!

Ferrari display:

 

Mercedes display:

 

The Concept Lawn in front of the lodge was barely visible due to the crowds of photographers and admirers trying to get eyes on the latest dream machines from Koenigsegg, Genesis, Hennessey and Guntherwerks. Lincoln’s new L100 Concept stood out as did Czinger’s 21C hypercar.

 

The Lawn at Pebble Beach

 

The competition field awaited us and I was not prepared for what lie beyond the Lodge…over 200 automotive treasures lined the 17th and 18th holes of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Nestled amid prewar classics were Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, Packards, and Duesenbergs. We were among well-heeled car enthusiasts sharing similar interests in admiring ornate sculpted hood ornaments, gleaming art deco designs and distressed leather seats.

 

Making this experience even better were our longtime friends Jan Trondsen and Dave Sholz. In addition to being die-hard car enthusiasts and Datsun owners, they are both seasoned Pebble Beach attendees and gave us the royal tour. With MOET in hand, we embarked on a journey back in time to admire metal, leather and artistry. The 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was celebrated this year at Pebble. Our favorites included the 1979 Porsche 935 K3 Coupe and 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Scaglietti Berlinetta:

 

Many attendees at the Pebble Beach concours dressed like it was the Kentucky Derby of motorsport.  Party-style suits and dresses, bright colors, and feather-clad hats brightened the lawn during the morning fog along the bay. We had several celebrity sightings including Chip Foose, Wayne Carini and ex-Formula One driver David Coulthard!

 

The judging process at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has two parts: Class Judges focus on originality and authenticity, while Honorary Judges focus on attention to design, styling and elegance. Dave pointed out that none of the cars we saw are allowed to participate the following year…

 

This Duesenberg caught my attention as the judges scrutinized it. I was able to capture video of the straight-8 engine firing up as well it was beyond impressive:

 

Enjoy this video showing our time at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours!

 

After a few intense hours of geeking-out on the cars we took a break for a meal. Huge thanks to Infiniti and Jul Thiebaud for hosting us!

 

So who was the Best of Show winner? That fabulous 1932 Duesenberg Model J that I captured being scrutinized by the judges!  To be eligible to win Best of Show which is the event’s highest award a car must first win its class. What a machine!

 

With the show concluding we parted with our friends Jan and Dave. Rob and I headed home in the new Z. The bus ride back to the Z was again another car show along the 17-Mile Drive. We spotted an R34 Skyline GT-R and Z31:

   

 

Thank You!

 

We can’t thank Nissan and Infiniti enough for the opportunity to share the new Z and enjoy Monterey Car Week. Stay tuned for dyno testing, in-car and exhaust video for this 9-speed automatic Performance model. Enjoy the photo gallery below and Long Live The Z!

…[read more]

 

The 2023 Nissan Z arrived at Z Car Garage on Monday for Monterey Car Week. To start things off right we attended last night’s Motorlux event (formerly McCall’s Motorworks Revival) located at the Monterey Jet Center. Founded by Gordon McCall in 1991 and now run by Hagerty, this annual gala features a preview of “VIP” cars to be featured/auctioned during Car Week and an evening filled with dining among private jets and vintage cars.

 

The 2023 Z at Motorlux

Tuesday was early load-in and we enjoyed driving the Z down to Monterey from Z Car Garage. This is the Performance model in Two-Tone Ikazuchi Yellow TriCoat / Super Black and 9-speed automatic.

   Wednesday evening we arrived at the Monterey Jet Center to find the Z in a prime location near the main entrance and in good company. This venue historically features British, American and European cars so it was pleasant watching folks express interest in the Z.

 

On that J-Tin note, an even bigger surprise was seeing 80s and 90s cars proudly displayed nearby from the RADwood Car Show. It was great to see DrivingWhileAwesome (DWA) friends and Radwood founding members Lane Skelton and Art Cervantes. That is Art’s R33 Skyline GT-R!

 

Hangers Full of Cars

 

Motorlux had everything from supercars, concours-level restorations, resto mods, motorcycles and even helicopters. With the sun setting and hanger lights on we ventured inside to find some really cool machines.

 

People

 

The fun evening was also made memorable by seeing friends. (above) Peter and Gayle Brock, (Below, L) Lane Skelton and Ali Javidan, and (below, R) Chris Brewer of Amelia Island fame. We also saw David and Howard Swig!

 

My favorite display of the show was the Meyers Manx airplane. This enormous vessel was surround by those famous Meyers Manx buggies including the very first one:

 

Enjoy this video from the Motorlux event. We also captured the Z in action while driving down to Monterey:

 

Thank You!

  

Thanks to Gordon McCall and Hagerty for hosting Z Car Garage we had a wonderful time at Motorlux and we are happy to see the event carry on in grand fashion. We also want to thank Nissan for lending us the 2023 Z to enjoy during Monterey Car Week. While there were endless cars to feature from the evening, we will let the photos do the talking. Enjoy the gallery below, and stay tuned for a full report from the Rolex Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. If you see us or the new Z in Monterey or at Laguna Seca be sure to tag us #zcargarage!

LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

See more of our time with 2023 Nissan Z in June. Dyno results and video incoming for the Yellow Z!

…[read more]

 

This is a new vintage racing event created by the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation and Classic Sports Racing Group (CSRG) to raise money for charity. It is an open sound event with multiple races for each race group, charity rides and more.

***Admission is FREE! Download your pass HERE.***

 

Join Z Car Garage at Laps for Laguna as we will be running the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z:

 

Racing into 2022!

 

Z Car Garage is amped for this year’s race season. Here is list of events we will be attending. Please join us!

April

4/1-3  Sonoma with CSRG (Finished, report soon!)

4/21-24 Laguna with SVRA

4/28-5/2 Sonoma with SVRA

May

5/21-22  Laps for Laguna with CSRG

August

8/13-14  Laguna with HSR Pre Reunion ( NOT CONFIRMED)

8/17-20 Laguna  with HSR  Reunion ( NOT CONFIRMED)

October

9/30-10/2 Sonoma with CSRG Charity Challenge

9/13-16 Laguna   VI

November

11/4-6   Thunderhill with CSRG

 

 

Z Car Garage is excited to go vintage racing two weekends in a row! On April 21-24, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) will host the Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca. On April 28 to May 1, SVRA will host the Sonoma Speed Tour at Sonoma Raceway.

Details for this weekend’s Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca are HERE. Come out and watch some exciting B-Sedan/Trans Am race action!

Here is a video of the race cars we prepared this week with dyno passes and a walk around the shop. Enjoy!

 

Z Car Garage Racers

 

Z Car Garage will be racing and supporting several client cars at both events:

Kelvin’ Datsun 510

 

This 510 features our Z Car Garage CV Axles :

 

Kelvin’s Ex-Ted Gruner Datsun 510

 

This 510 features our Z Car Garage CV Axles :

  

Ed’s Ex-Walt Mass 1965 Porsche 911

 

Rob Fuller in the Bay Area Datsun Dealers Datsun 510

 

This 510 features our Z Car Garage CV Axles :

 

More photos in the gallery below

Racing into 2022!

 

Z Car Garage is amped for this year’s race season. Here is list of events we will be attending. Please join us!

April

4/1-3  Sonoma with CSRG (Finished, report soon!)

4/21-24 Laguna with SVRA

4/28-5/2 Sonoma with SVRA

May

5/21-22  Laps for Laguna with CSRG

August

8/13-14  Laguna with HSR Pre Reunion ( NOT CONFIRMED)

8/17-20 Laguna  with HSR  Reunion ( NOT CONFIRMED)

October

9/30-10/2 Sonoma with CSRG Charity Challenge

9/13-16 Laguna   VI

November

11/4-6   Thunderhill with CSRG

 

 

…[read more]