We are happy to report a Best In Class win for this 1967 Datsun 2000 at the 2020 Boca Raton Concours D’Elegance in Florida. Typically reserved for European and American marques, Concours events rarely accept Japanese classics to enter and compete on the same field, let alone a Datsun.
Acquired by noted marque expert Mike Young several years ago, owner Steve Tetreault took it upon himself to bring the rare Datsun 2000 roadster to concours-level status. Steve recalls how his Datsun was even considered for the event:
“After hearing about the Boca Concours in April of 2019- I decided to submit an application for the Datsun. I soon realized the category that I would be in was named “European Class Sports car” ’65-’75. I completed the application and submitted photos as required in June 2019 and asked the question, “Where does a Japanese car fit here?” In October of that year I received an email requesting more information about the significance of the car, and a few other questions, including more detailed photos”
Steve soon received an email from the nominating committee that he was in fact in the Concours! The class name had been revised to: “Foreign Sports Late” 1965-1975. He was in good company as well: *1966 Lamborghini superleggero *1965 Porsche 356 cabriolet *1967 Jaguar XKE *1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal *1971 Mercedes 280SL pagoda *1970 Ford Capri Perana *1967 Datsun 2000 Sports
Steve describes his Concours experience:
“The 3 very astute judges asked to be left alone while they surveyed the exterior- top up windows up. They asked to see the engine room , open the doors and to explain the significance of the car and why I am showing it. I explained the rarity of a half year car, and that this car is #455 out 750 produced with factory options of 5 speed trans, Mikuni/Solex carbs, B cam, 7 quart finned oil pan, 4 bolt windscreen, and then referenced John Baker’s race credentials for Nissan. I completed the conversation with my true mission: To elevate the Datsun Marque and its ability to compete equally in any Concours D Elegance class such as the one I’m in.”
To be considered for a Concours and then go on to WIN best in class amongst impressive peers is an incredible achievement for Steve. All Datsun owners can share and benefit from this breakthrough as well: it’s a sign that our cars are being taken seriously and command respect. So kudos to your efforts Steve. We remember seeing your roadster at the Solvang Shows and now it is a superb ambassador! Here is SRL-0455 after a 6-month restoration by Steve, sporting vintage Enkei Comp 8 wheels, #665 Paint and fresh chrome:
Old photos I snapped from Solvang:
Speaking of Datsun Roadsters, this a good time to remind you about the big Solvang show coming up April 25th. I’ll post a flyer shortly.
Dear Zcarblog readers, this is our belated race report from the 2019 Rolex event. Long overdue but a good reminder of the 2020 Rolex coming this August! Enjoy the picture gallery, paddock finds and our video footage with in-car action…
We had a tremendous week racing at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 14-16. More commonly known as the “historics” at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, this epic vintage race is part of several events occupying the week-long Monterey car festival leading up to the Pebble Beach Concours. Every year the RMMR highlights a featured marque but for 2019 the International Motor Sports Association, better known as IMSA , was celebrated.
Typically we would be joining a large group of fellow Nissan/Datsun owners on the race track but it was a bit different this year. Despite IMSA being the featured marque many of us did not gain admission. Fortunately, our customer Alex McDowell got his Nissan Bluebird and Datsun 280ZX accepted along with newcomer Doug and his DeKon Monza. As a service offered to our customers, we provided full trackside support in addition to race preparation/tuning for the RMMR event.
Serious recognition for Japanese Classics
The Reunion is a highlight for race fans, but it is also part of Monterey Car Week which is filled with classy events like auctions and the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. The Japanese Automotive Invitational hosted by Infiniti returned since its inaugural event last year. While I did not have a chance to visit the JAI, our friends at Japanese Nostalgic Car did. We are proud of several Datsuns displayed: Steve Tetreault’s stunning ’64 Datsun 1500 (from Florida!), John Baker’s 1969 Datsun 2000, Brian Kippen’s 1972 Datsun 240z and Nissan Patrol and the Jim Froula-restored Ex-Greg Sorrentino 510 B-sedan:
Epic racing
The IMSA GT group (5A) was a fantastic mix of our favorite cars like the Z car, Porsche 911, BMW CSL and American muscle like the DeKon Monza and Corvette. Z Car Garage supported Alex McDowell in the 1979 Datsun 280zx and Doug Stevens’ in the 1976 DeKon Monza.
Alex McDowell in the Jim Fitzgerald Datsun 280zx
Alex did really well this year, having run the RMMR a few times now. The Fitzy 280zx received a fresh engine with more power and performed flawlessly.
It was unfortunate that our familiar Datsun buddies were not on track with us: only Alex and David Martin in the Friselle 240Z were out there repping Datsun. The two had a great battle with Alex eventually pulling away from David, enjoy the in-car footage from the 280zx below.
The DeKon Monza
Z Car Garage supported three race cars at the 2019 RMMR and the biggest challenge was a new kid in town…Doug Stevens and his DeKon Monza. He hails out of Bakersfield, CA and came to ZCG for a dyno session on referral from Chad Raynall of Impeccable Inc.. Doug wanted to get the DeKon dialed in after it been mothballed for years. It’s always been a goal of his to run the RMMR, so we fully prepared this car, having to change many parts.
Our first race was at the Sonoma Historics where Doug lost a wheel causing him to go off track. The left rear flare and bumper/taillight were damaged. So there we were in late June with the Rolex approaching in August. Doug sourced a fender flare and we called upon our man William to fuse it into the existing bodywork…the damage was undetectable and patina retained!
At RMMR, more problems arose. Rob recounts the events at the Pre-Historics (a “practice” weekend proceeding RMMR):
“The way the rear suspension is designed it loads rear wheel bearings heavily. The combination of a wide 15″ tire, high power and grip allows the seal to wallow out. A few hot-rod fixes were not applied to this car b/c it has a real vintage setup, yet to be updated. We fought that over the weekend, sorted it out and Doug was able to finish the session.”
Then, in the last practice session of Pre-Historics weekend we lost a brake line and caliper which resulted in a fire in both front wheels.
We were stranded without a wheel or replacement front brake setup. Missing the big show was becoming a possibility. We towed car back to the shop Sunday afternoon. Josh and the ZCG team helped sort the front braking system with new brackets fabricated and last minute work from Brian Kippen. By 9pm the car was back together and now the backup wheels won’t fit over the new brakes. We looked all over for a replacement wheel including racers and the BBS factory with no luck. Success: Chad Raynall called us with old wheel centers and Larry Oka had the old hardware.
Doug finished the final Group 5A race at the RMMR, Rob:
“After sorting issues the Monza ran wonderfully at RMMR. Doug’s family and parents came out and it reminded me of when Joel Anderson first went out. We are lucky to help someone realize their goal, a shared dream that we also have. It was rewarding to be with his family with hugs all around, so gracious. Doug will return this winter for a full teardown/inspections.”
We will have a zcarblog full feature on the Monza, for now here is a nice one from Stanceworks
Alex McDowell in the Bluebird
The Group 4B (GT cars under 2.5L) had some heated battles between Alex in the Bluebird and John Wilkins in the Ex-Bob Studdard Datsun 2000. Watch them mix it up with Porsche 911s and an Alfa GTZ piloted by Gunnar Jeaneatte in the video below:
Notes from Rob:
“Alex and Bluebird really work well together. That car finished 5th in the race. We had a few issues with a hit and the right front strut got damaged. With help from Jim Froula we were able to weld it in their bay and get Alex back on the track. Adding to the drama was more car contact as got bumped a little.”
Watch this extended in-car video below of Alex piloting the 280zx with extra footage of the Bluebird and DeKon Monza:
The best part of the RMMR has to be the paddock. Home to all the race cars and their teams, massive car transporters and an all-around pure sensory overload. At every corner there is wicked metal with history begging to be told.
Rob displayed his 1967 Datsun 2000. Everyone loved it:
Bring a Trailer
Our friends from Bring a Trailer hosted a really cool car corral near turn 3. Filled with cars won through BaT, this was so much fun to walk through. We hope they do it yearly!
From massive transporters, to exotics and downright crazy vehicles the paddock never disappoints. Here’s a few of my favorites, more in the gallery!
Sights and Sounds!
Enjoy this video from the paddock and starting grid
People
Contributing to the fun were family and friends. Our customer Jim H got acquainted with the previous owner of his Z, Les Cannaday:
We were humbled by the number of people that stopped by including fellow Datsun owners and Randy Jaffe, Kurt Hafer and Jan Trondsen:
Ace photographers Naveed and Courtney:
Thank you!
We hope you have enjoyed our recap of the 2019 Monterey Historics! Please browse our mega-gallery of pictures from race weekend below. Big thanks to our friends and family members that helped us make this possible including Larry Oka, Chad Raynall, Brian Kippen, Jim Froula and the ZCG Crew: Josh, Nick, Keith, Cory and Meghan Fuller. We certainly enjoyed the company of friends and visitors in our paddock, here’s to another year of vintage racing in Monterey, California.
Long Live The Z!
Z CARS RULE ONCE AGAIN at Laguna Seca at the next RMMR! That’s right we have submitted our race car applications for RMMR 2020, featured marque announced soon!…[read more]
This weekend at Sonoma Raceway (October 4-6) CSRG is hosting the Charity Challenge featuring the John Morton Cup. The race is for Historic B-& C Sedans and includes our hero and legendary driver John Morton. Don’t miss this event it promises to be an epic gathering of vintage Datsun racers! Check out the schedule below, Group 9 is the one to watch for B-Sedan action:
The Historic B & C Sedan Challenge will be joining The John Morton Cup (through CSRG), and it was created by our friends and fellow racers Glenn Chiou and Dave Stone. Check out their site for more info on the series HERE
Z Car Garage Supports Five Datsun 510 Race Cars!
We will be providing race support for the following five Datsun 510s this weekend, enjoy this video preview of them below:
There will be a field of 38 B-sedans with 12 Datsun 510s mixing it up at Sonoma Raceway. John Morton is Grand Marshall and will also be racing a Datsun 510!
#7 Rob Fuller
ZCG owner Rob Fuller will be piloting the #7 Bay Area Datsun Dealers car
#51 John Morton
John Morton will be driving the #51 car owned by Taz Harvey. You might find this 510 familiar as it was built by our friend Troy Ermish and the previous owner was Wayne McAttee! Car is currently being prepped at ZCG!
#80 Howard Swig
Howard Swig is driving the #80 Red Farmer car (also owned by Taz). Swig is an Auction Manager at Bring a Trailer and this 510 was purchased via a BaT back in 2014 (link). Car is currently being prepped at ZCG!
#72 Tom Dockery
Tom Dockery is driving the Ex-Norm Balzer 510. This car made its debut in May and we are excited to share its full story and profile Tom’s journey into racing soon.
#52 Alex McDowell
Alex will be driving the 1967 Bluebird Coupe.
510 Friends!
Many notable Datsun 510 racers will be in the group, gunning for the trophy. We look forward to the challenge!
#33 Glenn Chiou
Glenn will be driving the Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L Trans-Am ’68 510. This car made its debut in May at the SVRA event at Laguna Seca. Glenn did an admirable job (as always) getting this historically significant 510 back on the racetrack!
#93 Dave Stone
Dave Stone will be driving the #93 Ex-Frellsen 1973 National Champion 510. Dave is fast!
#52 Jim Froula
Race car driver and restoration specialist Jim Froula of Racecraft is running the Ex- Harry Stewart Datsun 510. Can Jim’s large shoe size give him the advantage this time?
Join us at Sonoma Raceway this weekend for the John Morton Trophy race and enjoy some B-sedan action!
Z Car Garage is expanding to support our vintage, late model and motorsport work. We are seeking an experienced and skilled automotive technician to join our team. This is not an average automotive job. We work 4-10hr days and offer competitive pay/benefits.
Requirements: Automotive experience, your own set of tools, willingness to learn, and be part of a team.
Nissan/Datsun experience is NOT a requirement, you just need to have passion.
Interested or know someone who might be a good fit? Share this, spread the word and please contact rob@zcargarage.com or call us at (408)452-0350.
Z Car Garage prepared and supported many race cars for last year’s Rolex Reunion and this year we are excited to attend once again August 15-18! You can get discounted tickets AND preferred parking through The Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC). They are hosting a Nissan-only parking corral at Weathertech Laguna Seca Raceway and it’s the best way to park and enjoy the event. For more details please see the ZONC press release below.
ZCG cars accepted!
Alex Mcdowell will be racing his 1967 Datsun Bluebird Coupe and 1979 Jim Fitzgerald Datsun 280zx at the RMMR. Re-cap of these two in action from the 2018 event below:
(R) Photo: Mark Hutchinson
Alex raced with notable 510 drivers Troy Ermish (#9), Jim Froula(#52), Dave Stone(#93), Glenn Chiou(#21), Taz Harvey (#51) and Datsun Roadsters Mike Anderson (#38) and Steve Link (#23). Watch this extended in-car video below of Alex piloting the Bluebird. Alex finished the race 12th/50 cars with a best lap of 1:48.1. Lots of action in this one!
Alex’s Datsun 280zx
Alex ran the Jim Fitzgerald 280zx in Group 7B: IMSA GTO, GTU with some wild rotary and Trans Am cars. He was having too much fun in the Bluebird so did run the car in the final race. The Z ran well throughout the Pre-Reunion and qualifying where Alex was running 1:44s. Here is a short video of the Z in action:
Datsun and Nissan Revisit IMSA at 2019 RMMR By Ann Devor
Following on the heels of last year’s fantastic Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, twelve Datsuns and Nissans have been chosen to compete in three races in 2019’s RMMR at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway. The 2019 RMMR is celebrating IMSA and will feature three classes of IMSA racecars over the four-day weekend from August 15 through August 18. David Martin’s 240Z, Alex McDowell’s 280ZX and Rob Morgan’s 280ZX will be racing on Saturday August 17 in Race 5A (1973-1981 IMSA, GT, GTX class). Almost equally exciting will be the IMSA prototype Race 7A on Saturday where you will see advanced racing performance and styling not seen in the production-based cars.
On Sunday in Race 6B (1981-1991 IMSA GTO/GTU racecars), Craig Bennett will drive a 1991 300ZX competing against John Murray in a 1989 Nissan 240SX, Philip Mendelovitz in a 1989 240SX and Michael Parsons in his 1990 300ZX. We’ll also see Datsun roadsters on Sunday in non-IMSA Race 5B featuring 1961-1966 GT cars under 2500cc including Alex McDowell’s 1967 Bluebird, Phillip Mendelovitz’ 1967 311 Roadster, Ross Merrill in his 1966 Fairlady Roadster and Steve Smargiasso in a 1966 Datsun 311 Roadster.
Here’s what we have planned so far exclusively for Datsun and Nissan fans:
We have a private corral with 20 reserved paved parking spaces. Datsun-Nissan race fans who wish to park in our Datsun-Nissan special parking area must purchase theircorral passes and admission tickets only from ZONC. If we sell out our 20 corral spaces we will try to get more, but there is no guarantee. Corral passes ($45) are good for the entire 4-day weekend.
ZONC is again offering a discount on admission tickets.
Individual Ticket Pricing
Regular Price
ZONC Discounted Price
4-Day (Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun)
$170
$145
3-Day (Fri/Sat/Sun)
$150
$130
2-Day (Sat/Sun)
$120
$105
Thursday only
$ 40
$ 35
Friday only
$ 70
$ 60
Saturday only
$100
$ 85
Sunday only
$ 70
$ 60
For more information or to be added to our special mailing list for updated information, please contact me at anndevor@gmail.com. Don’t hesitate, don’t be late, and get ready to have a great time at the 2019 RMMR!
