It's getting towards that time of year when U.S. race season shakes off the cold and gets cranked up! First up is the 24 Hours of Daytona and from looking at a brief video on Speed Channel, I'm wondering if the 350Z GT car will make the race. It sure looked like there was a black 350Z among all those Porsches at the test session, but my eyes didn't catch any Playboy graphics on it. Anybody heard anything? Last I heard, the HLM G35 team was dead in the water-- no funding--and few prospects of getting the cars back up and running. Another Grand Am team had looked into the possibility of running the new G37at Daytona, but that idea has been put on the back burner. Although GT-R fans would love to see the new R35 out racing, that remains just a pipe dream at this point.

It should be acknowledged that the withdrawl of Nissan Motorsports for the '08 season is damaging, but for Grand Am racing their backing was modest at best. No factory-backed efforts are expected, which will make the efforts of private entrants that much more of an achievement!

 

I heard the playboy 350z GT's were shelved (or sold). Apparently, the team's partners have dissolved their efforts. This is just what I heard from a racer I met at Infineon a couple months ago.

On a side note, I wonder if Nissan Motorsports' withdrawal has anything to do with the availability of NISMO parts. The local dealership ordered a finned diff cover for me, and it never came (after 3 months of waiting). I basically had to search around for whatever was in stock at other shops. Some shops even told me there is no ETA for the diff cover because their current orders weren't being filled.

Nissan really blows for their withdrawal. I now own a car that will leave a 'racing heritage' equivalent to the Nissan Quest.

 

Just bought my tickets!.......my favorite race to see in person. Sucks there no backing from nissan, but it will be fun anyways

 

I went a couple of years ago with my dad and an uncle of mine. We had a great time. They do a really great job of letting you get right up close to the cars and drivers. I wish I was going, but I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time.

 

I'll be there with Grassroots Motorsports. I've been going to this race since I was 5 missed a couple but I always try to make it. I believe with Playboy sponsoring the MX-5 cup they are not fielding any teams this year.

 

The Grand Am Cup 350Z's are for sale on the Grand Am website and the 350Z GT is undecided. I think Tommy C. has switched to BWM for the GA Cup/Koni Challenge.

http://www.grand-am.com/Messageboard...ts.asp?ID=5887

http://www.grand-am.com/Messageboard...ts.asp?ID=5874

 

What happened to the Car and Driver Z car? Or was that just more publicity with a bunch of decals over a stock car. I havent heard much of anything about their effort.

 

Weren't they funded partially by Nissan?

 

We'll be doing our best at Mosport and Three Rivers this year, and perhaps VIR at the end of the season.

I'd love to be down in Daytona right now though, the atmosphere there must be insane.

If you're going make sure to take lots of pictures and give us updates!

 

Nope- it was a privateer effort that ran out of funding quickly. They were hoping to sell seats (like many Grand Am teams) to cover their expenses, but the economy didn't support it. Grand Am racing, or Koni Cup specifically, requires a TON of cash to run and the C & D effort disappeared as soon as the budget dried up.

 

As usual, Jmark has some good sources to quote from. Reading the first link makes me think they did test the 350Z GT car at Daytona. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like they intend to compete with the Z anytime in the immediate future. It's a shame...

 

Yea. Oh for the old days of IMSA GTU. Mazda, Porsche, GM & Nissan all battling......

 

If you make VIR let us know. Great track.

 

I went to the 24 Hours of Daytona twice while in college during the GTP era. It was quite a spectacle. Wish I could make it this year, but I'll be working that weekend (and trying to sneak in some TV viewing).

 

Just a side note. Last year was probably the most people I can remember being at the 24hr race. The infield was packed tighter than I have EVER seen. I mean I remember going in the late 80's and we would come and go all day, mind you there where WAY less buildings on the infield and no grandstands either. I hope this is a turn for American Road Racing but it seems that a large majority of the attendees where rednecks coming for a party.(which hasn't really changed just more of them)

 

Does anyone have more info on this event as far as ticket pricing and dates?? sorry, I always watch it on tv but never been to an event like this

 

http://www.grand-am.com/

 

thanks

 

Pre Nascar party , looking forward to going regardless of rednecks....

 

They were there though.



I've got a BUNCH of pictures from that weekend. Let me know if you all want them posted. I'll be happy to.