Notices
2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Will track model owners go to the track?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 01:57 AM
  #1  
Schatten's Avatar
Schatten
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Default Will track model owners go to the track?

Some performance cars have different models which push for the market of track-oriented performance. Take for example, the Miata R-Model, I had one, and it was a great car, but I never took it to anything other than an autox. But the 350Z has a specific calling for "track model". So I wonder.. will those track model owners actually take it to the track and know what it feels like to drive on a road course?
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 04:47 AM
  #2  
John's Avatar
John
...
Premier Member
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,869
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
Default

Some will, some won't. But I know I'm not the only one on here who's taken their Z to the track...
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 04:56 AM
  #3  
BigBadBuford's Avatar
BigBadBuford
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
From: Hummelstown, PA
Default

I've had my Z to the track twice so far, once to an Auto-X and once to a drag strip. I can't wait to get it out on a road course!
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 05:17 AM
  #4  
350zSpeedRacer's Avatar
350zSpeedRacer
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,084
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
Default

Once I finally get my car, I'm going to be at the track every chance I get. Auto-X sounds like a TON of fun!!!! So far, I've only done drag and ovals, I can't wait to see how this baby handles on a road course.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 06:44 AM
  #5  
Jewelz350's Avatar
Jewelz350
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Default

Been there, done that. AutoX, drag and track. Lots of fun.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 08:46 AM
  #6  
Michael-Dallas's Avatar
Michael-Dallas
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Frisco, TX
Default

Yup. I plan on hitting at least Motorsports Ranch and Hallet Racing Circuit.

Perhaps even TWS.

Michael.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 09:06 AM
  #7  
ChinaClipper's Avatar
ChinaClipper
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 970
Likes: 2
From: Rockwall, Texas
Thumbs up

Already took my one week old Track Model to the high banks of Texas Motor Speedway on 8/31/02!
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 04:49 PM
  #8  
Jumpman--Z's Avatar
Jumpman--Z
New Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Southtown
Default

I want to one day, but probably not for a few years. I need to get really good at driving on the road, then go to racing school. I know if I go now, I'll get my *** handed to me.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 05:18 PM
  #9  
Dean's Avatar
Dean
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Carolina
Default

I'm not worthy

My 350Z Track won't see a wet road, let alone any track time. I'm actively searching for an Acura Integra GSR to satisfy my track needs.

Dean
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 07:28 PM
  #10  
dkmura's Avatar
dkmura
General & DIY Moderator
MY350Z.COM
Premier Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (64)
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,629
Likes: 1,394
From: Aurora, Colorado
Default This car was MEANT for the track...

I plan to run driving events at my favorite tracks next year. From Lime Rock Park, watkins Glen and Summit Point on the East Coast to Laguna Seca and Sears Point in the Napa Valley. I also love Road America and Mid-Ohio and hope to learn a few new tracks as well in my Z.

I'm starting by running the tracks in my home state of Colorado. Here's my first track test:

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....587#post127587
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 08:59 PM
  #11  
Schatten's Avatar
Schatten
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Default

Originally posted by Jumpman--Z
I want to one day, but probably not for a few years. I need to get really good at driving on the road, then go to racing school. I know if I go now, I'll get my *** handed to me.
I know you are young, but this is actually the best time to do it - early! or else you'll spend a lot of time unlearning bad habits. Start out with an autox or something light and work up from there. Autox is cheap.

And I'm glad to see that many others with track models have been and will be tracking their Z's.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2002 | 09:00 PM
  #12  
commasense's Avatar
commasense
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Default Going to the track next week

I bought the Z and the Track model specifically to go to the track!

I've been going to Summit Point's Friday at the Track and Seat Time one-day sessions for three years, first in my '96 Miata, then in my '86 Porsche 944 Turbo. I bought the Porsche specifically to have a more powerful and interesting car to drive at the track, but it ended up costing me too much in repairs, so I sold it earlier this year after owning for only 14 months. (I still have the Miata, for the time being.)

Last spring I was about to buy a Honda S2000 when my accountant (a former racer) said, What about the 350Z? I hadn't heard about it before then, but one look at the specs and the body, and I was hooked. I could have had the Stook in May, but I decided to wait (until October, as it happened) for the Z.

I have absolutely no regrets!

I'm now only about a hundred miles from the end of the break-in period, and I'm scheduled to go to FATT on Dec. 6 and Dec 13. I fully expect to have more fun in my Z than in any car since I took the Barber Dodge class at Mid Ohio in the summer of 2001.

If you have the Track model and don't go to the track, you're wasting your car and your money!

Anybody want to buy a nice 96 Miata? (Seriously!)
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2002 | 08:30 PM
  #13  
Jumpman--Z's Avatar
Jumpman--Z
New Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Southtown
Default

I know you are young, but this is actually the best time to do it - early! or else you'll spend a lot of time unlearning bad habits. Start out with an autox or something light and work up from there. Autox is cheap.
Well, I've got about 370 miles before break-in. After that, I might give it a try.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2002 | 08:58 PM
  #15  
BigBadBuford's Avatar
BigBadBuford
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 479
Likes: 0
From: Hummelstown, PA
Default

Going to the track isn't really expensive, depending on where you go. The only thing that you really need is a helmet. I usually drag race, and that will run you between $10-$25 depending on the track and if there is a special event that day. When I did the Auto-x, I went with the Porsche club, and it was $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Road courses seem to be a bit more expensive, I think over $100 for a session. If you haven't done it before I definitely recommend it, it is well worth the money!
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2002 | 08:59 AM
  #17  
Michael-Dallas's Avatar
Michael-Dallas
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Frisco, TX
Default

Originally posted by PhoenixINX
Might have to make that drive for Hallet... the track looked gorgous... I think you'd have fun chasing a black track around all day, eh Mikey????
Sure, it'll be fun chasing you in my SE-R.

Michael.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2002 | 02:07 PM
  #19  
Michael-Dallas's Avatar
Michael-Dallas
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Frisco, TX
Default

Originally posted by PhoenixINX
So I'm going to be lapping that thing??
Well, you should be REALLY embarassed if you didn't considering the 350 has over twice the hp and more grip in comparison to the touring 185/65-14 tires I have on it.

Michael.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2002 | 02:07 PM
  #20  
dwnshift's Avatar
dwnshift
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
Default

picture=1000 words
Attached Thumbnails Will track model owners go to the track?-dscn0126.jpg  
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 02:30 PM.