I wonder what's going on ... the GTP 350Z did not come to Sandown for the GTP race, and now the series is at Winton and it looks like the Zed is not there again :-( Oddly enough, it looks like Nathan is listed as driving the 2nd VW R32 ... probably a mistake.

http://www.procar.com.au/results/GTP_WINTON_P2_2004.htm

So, can anyone shed any light on this .... why aren't we seeing the Zed in the GTP races?

 

David, I spoke to Mark today (one of the guys who works for Peter) and he mentioned that Peter was away since Nathan was racing. To my surprise the Z was 10m from where I was standing. He mentioned that Nathan is going to be driving another factory car.

The Z was missing at sandown because Nathan got new job and numerous other reasons I can't remember now. This time around I've no idea.

Maybe you need to call Peter and find out why

 

Look at that time sheet. Nathan is listed in an R32 in 14th.

 

Oddly enough, it looks like Nathan is listed as driving the 2nd VW R32, probably a mistake ... He mentioned that Nathan is going to be driving another factory car.

wow, so he is racing the 2nd VW R32. That's a nice ride, but I was looking forward to seeing the Zed racing, especially now that it was looking more competitive. I was at the Sandown meet looking out for them, but nowhere to be seen.

 

Well at least the VW has factory backing. Nissan think they can get by without supporting local racing and selling the looks of the Zed with a half ar$e effort and **** service.

Who are they kidding!

I don't blame Peter and Nathan for looking for another ride. In the end they want to have a fair chance to win.

 

Racing is an expensive business, so I don't blame Nathan for taking a drive in a factory backed VW. His personal costs will now be minimal and he'll probably have more fun driving in a more competitive car.
I wonder what will happen to their Z?

 

So, can anyone shed any light on this .... why aren't we seeing the Zed in the GTP races? [/B][/QUOTE]


MONEY makes the world go round. But in this case the wheels.
To run a competitive car in GTP costs a hell of a lot of money.
The six tyres you need each meeting cost more than 3K.
The biggest problem we face is getting the engine management right & until I get that done properly we will always struggle for reliability.
Our Z is very close to being competitive as it stands but just needs time & money to make it a race winner. (something we dont have unless I want to sacrafice other luxuries)

As to why Nathan is driving the VWR32 I'll go back a couple of years. In 2001 Nathan won the GTP Sports Touring car championsip in a Mitsubishi FTO that I prepared. In that championship were a pair of factory VW RSI super cup racers that were passed off as production cars & driven by some well knowen drivers.They did not like getting beat but they new who beat them.
Come foward 3 years to the 1st round in Adelaide & Nathan had a race long struggle with Paul Stokell in the RS32 & just pipped him for 5th.
In race 2 the posistions were reversed & they crossed the line within 1/2 second of each other.
When the new #2 R32 driver was unable to make it to Winton Nathan was asked would he be available, well you know what the answer was.
As to the racing at Winton I,ll get back to that when i,ve finished work
Peter

 

Thanks for the update Peter ... at least we know not to expect to see the 350Z in the forthcoming GTP meets. Good luck with driving the VW R32 ... hope you guys do well.

ps. I heard a rumor that you're planning to have the 350Z running in the Eastern Creek meet ... any truth to that?