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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

Are 350Z owners afraid to track their cars??

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Old 07-14-2003, 09:40 PM
  #61  
D'oh
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I've only had two days at the track, both with speedventures over a single weekend. I'd definitely go to one of their events again, since it seemed to be well run, with a healthy mix of beginners, intermediates, and fully nutty race types.

Laguna Seca was a bit pricy, but I think that's due mostly to the popularity of the track, not speedventures itself (some of their other trackdays are much less expensive).

For a slight additional cost you could get an instructor and/or a timing device.

One of the coolest things about having an instructor is that they'll take you out in their car (usually something really fast), so you can see what it's like when you really start to know what you are doing.

If you can get out of work to go on a weekday event, I'd recommend that since they seem to be less crowded.

Lotsa fun!!

-D'oh!
Old 07-15-2003, 06:34 AM
  #62  
AustinTX_350Z
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Originally posted by raceboy
Buttonwillow is a great first time track, virtually nothing to hit. People always forget the other great benefit of taking their cars on track. You will actually learn how to hand the car in an emergency situation without thinking!! It can save your life.


Didn't I just read on another thread that this is the first stick shift car you've owned and you aren't even comfortable driving it yet??? Seen Fast and the Furious too many times haven't we??


Well - here in Austin ... we don't have to worry about being shot at ... and well, in an emergency situation ... what kind of emergency situation? I'm confused. If you're the one in the emergency, then you shouldn't be driving. Now - if your bladder is about to explode ... then sure thing ... you can save your own life. Other than that, we do have EMS here ... and plenty of hospitals. Is that what you mean?? I'm still so confused!

Sorry - never saw the Fast and the Furious. Heard it was a fabulous movie though, how'd you like it? Heard the sequel was GREAT too! Should I rent them and take notes to help me with my driving?

Never said I was uncomfortable driving it. You can go back and read the thread again ... if you need help understanding, let me know ... I can get you some specialists that help people with reading deficiencies. should be your emoticon ... Just because I don't want to rag it out doesn't mean I can't speed in it from time-to-time ... shifting only requires a brain, a hand, and two feet ... I haven't polished 1st and 2nd yet in city driving ... if you want to race in it, I think we all know it's pretty easy to do that. I've had the car for two months, come on - it's a stick - not quantum physics.

I guess we all have one thing in common - we have good taste in cars ... I guess our argumentative skills are not up to par though.

"A-HA! Victory is yet again mine!" - Little Stewey from Family Guy
Old 07-15-2003, 06:52 AM
  #63  
Jason Bourne
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Wow, AustinTX_350Z, what a perfectly ridiculous and reason-free response. You really seem like a sharp guy!

Anyway, since you are too dense to figure it out on your own. An emergency while driving could be a deer around the next corner when you are driving around at 130mph, an overturned 18 wheeler, some moron on a cell phone cutting you off on the highway, etc... An emergency is not when you have peed in your panties.

And good luck getting EMS to help you out when you have 50 ft to react to a panic situtation at highway speed - I'm sure that will work out for you.

Anyway, you are obviously a very thoughtful and brilliant debater. I wait with bated breath for your insightful and subtly ironic response.

Jason
Old 07-15-2003, 07:17 AM
  #64  
S38
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Austin:

Why did you buy the track package then? They won't stop you any faster for one panic stop on the street. 130mph is always more dangerous on the street than the track. Most tracks don't allow you to reach much more than 110mph before having to brake hard for a corner. Average speeds are 65-90mph on most tracks.

-----

By the way, I would not recommend that anybody go to the track the first time without a group that offers instructors. There is lots to learn and most groups that offer instruction are no more expensive than open track groups.

I had a veteran BMWCCA club racer as my instructor the first time out and a Formula Ford driver the second time. They have thousands of miles on track and can help you avoid mistakes they already made.
Old 07-15-2003, 07:20 AM
  #65  
westpak
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Aside from that, track days are a great time to try out the car at 100+ MPH under some controlled conditons and not on a public road where you are putting others in danger and breaking the law.

You do learn how the car reacts under certain conditions and I would rather spin out on turn 10 at Sebring and go into the grass than on a public street where I can hit other cars, the curb or people. On the track everyone is there for a purpose and look out for each other but the poor lady with her kid on the sidewalk isn't expecting the idiot driving on the street.

just in case people are wondering why the post starts wierd it is because I got edited, I made some remarks as to Austin's behaviour and the mods didn't like it he is still a jacka$$

Last edited by westpak; 07-15-2003 at 08:25 AM.
Old 07-15-2003, 07:27 AM
  #66  
westpak
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Originally posted by S38
Austin:

By the way, I would not recommend that anybody go to the track the first time without a group that offers instructors. There is lots to learn and most groups that offer instruction are no more expensive than open track groups.
I agree if it is a good club they will require you to get signed off by their instructors before going solo. And it is worth trying it at least twice as different instructors have different ideas and you can learn a lot.

By the way in the Z you can get to about 120-125 down the backstretch at Sebring.
Old 07-15-2003, 07:38 AM
  #67  
jtree007
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Originally posted by 2003z
You might want to ask a local atlanta member about that. He's on his way to get his replacement car right now. His insurance paid for totalling at Road A.
That would be me... My insurance compny did not give me any problems with covering the car.. I did nto lie to them at all. Simply told them straight up what happened and they had no problems taking care of the car. The car ended up having 22,000+ damage so it was totaled.

If you look in my sig you can see that I have my replacement.

I do plan to go out on the track again ... it will be a while before i go back to Road Atl in my 350z but I will go back.

For thoes of you curious of what happend...
I hydroplaned in the Esses at Road Atlanta. It had been raning all night and some that morning. I was taking it easy and had be out there for a good bit with out and problems. When it happened the car slid when it hit a big puddle at a bottom of hill and slid to the right... This was a hard slide and not simply a little wiggle.. I corrected and go the car going in the right direction for a little bit but then VDC kicked in made the car slide to the right and in to the inside wall. A few Panoz Racing School instructors saw the accident happen and could tell then VDC kicked in and could see that I no longer had any control of the car. Yes I know I should have turned VDC off.. but I had left it on.. thinking it would help if I got on the throttle to quickly.

The car held up great considering the impact that it took.. I walked away and jsut has small bruses. IT is a very safe car and feel confident in it.

FOr thoes of you worried about crashing even in the dry just take it easy and VERY SLOWLY build up speed... Even if you don't take you car to its limits you can still have more fun on the track then on the street and it is much safer and you are doing the responsible thing and keeping the streets safe


Also jsut to rant a little... WHat is the point of spending alot of money on performance parts that you would only take advantage of on a track (sways, suspension, ....) Yes, mods that make more power are fun but regardless there is a point where there is no point to have to extra power... intake, exaust and all the simple bolt-ons are not that expensive, but when you are spending over 1500 on one part (or suspension) what is the use if you are not going to use it and don't even reach the limits of the current parts. If you auto-x I can see it to some extent beyond the stock, but the car does not need a supercharger nor turbos to win.. it needs suspension work and skill behinde the whell (good rubber is assumed)
Old 07-15-2003, 07:43 AM
  #68  
350zSpeedRacer
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Wow, this turned ugly. Shocker. Let's keep the name calling out of it, please. It's really uncalled for.
Old 07-15-2003, 02:31 PM
  #69  
AustinTX_350Z
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Wink My Argument

Wow! I guess I'll tackle this in the best way I can, now that I'm not the sharpest guy here and you guys can't seem to understand ANY dry humor.

Originally posted by Jason Bourne
Wow, AustinTX_350Z, what a perfectly ridiculous and reason-free response. You really seem like a sharp guy!

Anyway, since you are too dense to figure it out on your own. An emergency while driving could be a deer around the next corner when you are driving around at 130mph, an overturned 18 wheeler, some moron on a cell phone cutting you off on the highway, etc... An emergency is not when you have peed in your panties.

And good luck getting EMS to help you out when you have 50 ft to react to a panic situtation at highway speed - I'm sure that will work out for you.

Anyway, you are obviously a very thoughtful and brilliant debater. I wait with bated breath for your insightful and subtly ironic response.

Jason
I'll start with this one: Yes, I'm aware of what an emergency maneuver is ... but, I'd like to see the day a car can go around a corner at 130 mph ... where the deer will be waiting. We don't really have much of a deer problem here in Texas on highways either ... Good example though! And any of the other things that you're thinking they could be - nope ... doesn't happen here either.

If there is an overturned 18-wheeler on an Interstate Highway, especially one such as I-35 (lots of traffic), I seriously doubt that traffic will be moving at speeds over 20 mph because more than likely, it'll be pretty congested - seems like accidents create that sort of problem, don't ya think? And while I'm at it - I don't drive next to 18-wheelers, I pass them if possible, and if I can't do that - then I stay behind them. It's bad enough that all the ignorant rednecks driving F-250s and the such out here, seem to want to slam into you all the time because they can't see your car.

Well - and the 50 ft.? Is that the distance from me and the next car? Well - if there is only that much space available - I won't be going 130. I do also stay away from wolf packs - because, yes, there are a lot of jackasses that drive while talking on their cell phones ... but, once again, easy exit space.

Aww, thanks for the compliment - I don't really think I'm brilliant, but you seem to think you're right about things, so I'll just take your word for it! Here's you looking ridiculous:

Originally posted by S38
Austin:

Why did you buy the track package then? They won't stop you any faster for one panic stop on the street. 130mph is always more dangerous on the street than the track. Most tracks don't allow you to reach much more than 110mph before having to brake hard for a corner. Average speeds are 65-90mph on most tracks.
Hey S38: I liked it the Track trim. The spoiler and wheels sold me. I was not under the impression at the time though that the "Track" trim was really meant for the track, however. Are people in the "Touring" trim just going out for Sunday drives then? And the "Enthusiast"? Are they very enthusiastic about their car? It's a trim model. Just like Ford makes an Explorer "Sport" doesn't make it a sporty SUV. It is the same car dude - base, performance, enthusiast, touring, and track ... same thing. I didn't plan on doing any mods on mine - so, just bought it as it was. Hitting a track up sounds fun man - just doesn't fit into my schedule, besides, I don't know of one close to Austin - sure I could find on in San Antonio - but, just not interested.

Take care man!

Originally posted by westpak
Aside from that, track days are a great time to try out the car at 100+ MPH under some controlled conditons and not on a public road where you are putting others in danger and breaking the law.

You do learn how the car reacts under certain conditions and I would rather spin out on turn 10 at Sebring and go into the grass than on a public street where I can hit other cars, the curb or people. On the track everyone is there for a purpose and look out for each other but the poor lady with her kid on the sidewalk isn't expecting the idiot driving on the street.

just in case people are wondering why the post starts wierd it is because I got edited, I made some remarks as to Austin's behaviour and the mods didn't like it he is still a jacka$$
Mr. westpak: I read it before it got edited. Love you too bro! To clarify: HIGHWAY, not street - there are no hard turns, no curb either, but a shoulder - moron - and it's in between cities that I do this - not in the city. You can't really speed through city streets if the speed limits here barely go over 40. Besides, if you ever try to - there would be another light waiting for you 500 ft. away. You may know how to read - retention is the key, however. And yes, I did get my Z so that I could just tell people that I had a new Z - as you so cleverly put it, or that it was the new hot toy, or whatever it was. Anyhow - I'll try to be the law-abiding citizen that you are. You've never gone over the speed limit? You should try it sometime - it's kind of a rush - you feel like a rebel - and you being the punk that you are - well, it would go hand in hand.

When you're driving along in Arizona in a Ford Explorer at 70 mph out in the middle of nowhere and you have a Firestone tire go out on you very unexpectly and the tread catches onto the back bumper, remolds the whole back end of the car, your tire shreds into pieces and you're because the car is about to flip ... then get back to me. I managed to keep my sister's car right-side up. So - if that's not an emergency maneuver, then I don't know what is. I managed to keep my sister, three friends, and myself alive.

Yeah, anyway! You guys should really have more information about things and people before going off on them when you're unaware of what the facts are.

I appreciate everyone's concern though - it's very well-received and appreciated. Wow, I feel like we've bonded! See, it's more of a club for Z owners - it's genuine brotherhood and fellowship.

And this concludes my study break ...

Happy driving!
Old 07-15-2003, 04:08 PM
  #70  
EnthuZ
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Sorry, guys & gals. I just got home from work......when did Zcar.com get merged?

I drive VERY fast ON the track, but safely on the street.
Old 07-15-2003, 06:59 PM
  #71  
tbcz
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Last warning...relax with the name calling please.
Old 07-15-2003, 07:02 PM
  #72  
raceboy
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I can't really rag mine out as much as I'd like to because this is the first stick shift car I've ever owned ... so, though I'm getting it down.......
The above quote is your words AustinTX_350Z. Just because it isn't in the same thread doesn't mean people don't read it.

I have seen this attitude so many times in people. "I can do no wrong." It's obvious from his counterarguments that he doesn't have a clue. According to AustinTX_350Z, he cannot forsee a single emergency because none of them apply in Texas!! That just makes me LMAO!!! Your attitude is gonna get you in trouble and although I won't be there to tell you, you will remember; "I TOLD YOU SO."

When it's everyone against you, it just might be you that's wrong.

Last edited by raceboy; 07-15-2003 at 07:05 PM.
Old 07-15-2003, 07:15 PM
  #73  
Jason Bourne
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Originally posted by raceboy

I have seen this attitude so many times in people. "I can do no wrong." It's obvious from his counterarguments that he doesn't have a clue. According to AustinTX_350Z, he cannot forsee a single emergency because none of them apply in Texas!! That just makes me LMAO!!! Your attitude is gonna get you in trouble and although I won't be there to tell you, you will remember; "I TOLD YOU SO."
Yeah, I'm thinking of moving to Austin now, because apparently emergency situations just don't occur there. Well, other than your tire shredding or "rednecks in Ford F250s trying to slam into your car" - but I guess that doesn't count somehow.

And besides, what do I know? I look "ridiculous" because Mr. AustinTX_350z has kindly pointed out that I am a smily face being pounded on by another smily face with a hammer. I think that was the real kicker for me.

Jason
Old 07-15-2003, 08:46 PM
  #74  
AustinTX_350Z
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Default Once again ...

Yes, Texas is the biggest state in the contiguous 48 states, but nothing happens here ...

It really is too bad that text online is not representative of humor and/or tone of voice.

raceboy: I send my apologies if I offended, your question was feasible.

It is weird that the Z (the best selling sports car in the U.S. with 30,000+ units having been delivered accounts for about 25% of the sports car market) are not all at the track! I guess 30,000 cars makes a pretty big dent in a country that has over 290 million people in it. So - it is perfectly reasonable to wonder why they're not out there! I don't know what I was thinking ...

Hey but if you are laughing your a$s off... then cool! Please accept my apology, because if you don't, I may lose sleep tonight thinking that you have the concept of me in your head of getting in trouble because of my attitude.

Mr. Bourne: nice come back ... I'll have to write that one down in a book so I can use it myself! I like all the important points you made! BTW, the tire-shredding happened in AZ. Once again, lack of attention leads to lack of comprehension, which in turn doesn't add any strength to the points you didn't make. Really ... touche!

Yes, judge my character and actions as arguments ... they're really strong! I rest my case.

This has been ... interesting. Thanks for the chuckles and grins!
Old 07-16-2003, 06:19 AM
  #75  
dougrace zs
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Ok getting back to the subject , going to the track and learning how or running some fast laps in your car is for most people the best fun they have ever had with there paints on, at least that’s what I tell them. It is a great way to learn the limitations of your car and yourself, the conditions for the most part are very safe and controlled as you work up to speed, and a hell of a lot safer then trying stuff on the street. So that being said we will be going to Robbling Road in Sep to drive hell out of the 350. Trangle Z club is putting on a lapping day event, Steve wish you could be there.
Old 07-16-2003, 07:47 AM
  #76  
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Originally posted by 350zSpeedRacer
Wow, this turned ugly. Shocker.
Shocker.....haha.....

errrrrrr nevermind

sorry

carry on!

- Mike
Old 07-16-2003, 08:41 AM
  #77  
350zSpeedRacer
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Originally posted by Mike Wazowski
Shocker.....haha.....

errrrrrr nevermind

sorry

carry on!

- Mike
Get your mind out of the gutter, Mike!
Old 07-16-2003, 06:05 PM
  #78  
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Okay. Okay, already! I'm going ..... soon ....

meanwhile, for the benefit of the new ones like me, maybe you track vets can benefit humanity in the meantime:

would you please run some tutorial threads (with pics would be nice) of some of the things you need to learn -- I mean things like changing out your own brake pads and figuring out tire pressures and what to look for in a tire and maybe a "typical" budget for a track weekend and so on .... it would make it a lot easier to get started. (This helped me get going in autoX.)

Just an idea. J
Old 07-16-2003, 06:21 PM
  #79  
jtree007
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Originally posted by geezer902
Okay. Okay, already! I'm going ..... soon ....

meanwhile, for the benefit of the new ones like me, maybe you track vets can benefit humanity in the meantime:

would you please run some tutorial threads (with pics would be nice) of some of the things you need to learn -- I mean things like changing out your own brake pads and figuring out tire pressures and what to look for in a tire and maybe a "typical" budget for a track weekend and so on .... it would make it a lot easier to get started. (This helped me get going in autoX.)

Just an idea. J

That is actually a great idea
Old 07-17-2003, 03:15 PM
  #80  
BlackFLZ
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I agree with raceboy and westpak, I'd also like to see more Z out there. But, I understand it will take time because it is a new car. The people I've talked to about tracking the car are timid about wrecking the car, what happens if you do etc....All understandable concerns. We as a group need to simply encourage more to get out there and have fun with us! It's a blast we need to keep up the "fun factor"! Keep those awesome review raceboy. Your track reviews inspire me!

Like westpak said one hit off the go-fast crackpipe and you are in. I think the cool SpeedVentures guys told us that one. If I could afford, it I'd go to more all around the country.

Not sure if there is a track near you area, here is a really cool site: http://www.trackschedule.com/sched.html

If you have any interest, at least go watch for a while. You'll want to drive it the next time.

Not up full tracks, try an autocross, see http://scca.org/amateur/solo2/index.html for the area near you.

Anyone in Florida is welcome to watch Westpak, racin and I go around sebring Aug 2/3rd. Like what you see, pay $20 to host and I'll give you a ride!

Beware the go-fast crack pipe!
- BlackFLZ (Budding track Junkie)


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