Think I figured this out. The track comparison from C&D did have the 350Z with a :12.xxx but it wasn't a 2:12.xxx on the FULL course it was a 3:12.xxx on the GRAND course. The Grand Course is 4.2 miles long and includes the entire Full course plus the Patriot course.

 

oh, that makes me feel better. (Well I do feel retarded for misreading it) I don't feel as slow now. Thanks for clearing it up for me and thanks for the boost of confident. WHen I go back in September, I promise to break 2:15s. Of course I will go back with RA1s rather than the crappy Azenis. I guess you are right, 2:19 to 2:20 for my first time at the track isn't too bad now.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...000-page4.html

Doing session at the Grand Course must suck huh. You do 5 laps and you are done with the session...

 

Went there when my z was new with upgraded brake pads and brake fluid, and ran 2:16/2:15's with a passenger (never got to go out alone the whole weekend!!!).

 

That just shows how much slower I am in a full interior NA on Streets than the SM guys.

 

I'm impressed by those times. I am also a bit shocked. I would have bet my hard earned money that upgrading to R compounds (Hoosiers) plus the addition of all the required safety equipment and driving at race/qualifying pace for T2 competition would be worth more than 3 seconds/lap.

The T2 350Z races at 3,268lbs w/o driver and is allowed the following upgrades:

The following are allowed: Track option Aero package, Nissan oil cooler kit #21300-RSZ33, Nissan power steering cooler kit #49790-RSZ30-US, Rear diff cover Nismo part #99996-35TDK, Nissan Mtspts. Brake duct kit # 99996-Z3344, Nissan heavy duty spring kit part #99996-65Z3OUS, Nismo sway bar kit #99996-RSZ3OUS. Updating and backdating within model years listed in this classification is permitted. This max. tire size supersedes TCS tire rule section 9.1.10.D.7.b. Modifications to the stock fender liner is not permitted.

I'd still say that on the same day, the same track and the same driver a street Z on OEM tires would be an easy 6+ seconds behind a T2 Z. Of course I could be wrong.....

 

Will it make you feel any better if I tell you my fastest time in my street (94) Miata is a 2:26.1 and that lap was a bit of an aberation??

 

Much...

 

I believe it, I picked up 3 sec on a 1.5 miles course per lap. I can see myself doing 110+ up the esses, I could only squeeze 105mph up it