Last week went to Finger Lakes National Tour on 80 run Hoosiers and no codriver. Set top time on Saturday but coned it away and was 3rd at the end of the day. Sunday I moved up to 2nd, and thats where I finished. Played conservative not wanting to hit any cones. I was the only z in class. Car is still on stock shocks, cobb bar at full stiff, and like I said highly used Hoosier A6s. Would have won had I not coned.

This past weekend was in DC for the Pro Solo, weather completely screwed our heat. Jason Ruggles won class in a, I'll just say different car. Nice meeting Jason had a great time. My codriver finished 2nd just .081 behind him. I coned every run, and just plain screwed up. My pace is there, just not my concentration. Noticed as we started runs Saturday afternoon the rear tires were barely starting to cord. I don't know how used the other tires were on the other cars, but if we had fresher tires, I'm almost certain it would have been a different story.

Bottom line though, with more development this car is capable of being VERY competitive at nationals, if not winning.

 

Congrats! I agree the Nismo Z can win in the right hands. Sounds like you & your co driver should plan to make a trip to the Nationals! Any pics or video? I am curious what Jason thinks of the Nismo Z now.

 

I wanted to drive it

The power and the huge rear tires were hard to beat on a pro solo launch and a looooong uphill section. Damned RX8 (You can say it Liam) makes less torque than a pencil rolling across a desk

On the way back down the hill it was back in its element, so I think it worked out to be pretty even. Joe drove the bejeebus out of that car, and Liam proved that the "pretty" bodywork doesn't get ruined by cones.

Not having driven it it's hard to comment, but I think the Nismo is a better Z than the Z is....all the same flaws, with some band aids thrown in....still no camber, but lower and stiffer to preserve what little camber it has. Still the VLSD, but bigger tires on properly sized wheels to help put the power down. I will say this, if my codrive deal falls through, and Joe decides to run his brother's S2000, I'm gonna be knocking on Liam's door

P.S: Was great to finally meet ya, LD

 

are all the results posted yet?

 

The Nismo has the same ride height as the regular Z.

Aren't you restricted to the wheel widths the car is delivered on in order to stay within stock class?

 

The biggest weakness in the car is getting it to turn in, you have to give up a lot of speed to get it to turn in. If the car had more static negative camber it would help. It sits will in long corners and transitions very well.....surprisingly. But it fights you in everything you do.
However on an open track it really hits its stride and feels at home.

Nationals is still up in the air. Thats right around school for me and a huge track event for me. I'll also have to see how it fairs out in Toledo.

Jason as I said, if you weren't down in FL and more north, you could codrive the car anytime you want.

 

Results here
http://scca.com/eventresults.aspx?event=13628&hub=3

Yes you are restricted to wheel widths. The nismo came stock 18x9 front, 19x10 rear so a bigger tire fits than the stock z.

 

Hum. I thought it was slightly lowered..... Your probably right.

 

Actually, it was listed to be one inch lower than a stock Z.

 

Any pics or incar video?

 

NISMO Z was originally to be thought of being lower, when it really isn't. A friend has a 350Z with S-Tune and his car is definitely lower than mine.

 

Haven't come across many from DC yet:

Joe @ the DC Pro:


Liam @ the Finger Lakes NT:

 

Thanks for the pics Chike.
Looks like you finally got a handle on the 8.
I tried videos a few weeks ago but got so distracted trying to make sure the camera was running I forgot how to drive. Although an in car camera on my last left side run would have been pretty sweet.

 

Liam gets distracted easily but he can watch video and bleed brakes like a champ until the resevoir runs dry and we have to do it all over again. Oh ya and he can drive!

 

Jablonski!!!!!!!!!

 

nice! Are you guys coming to the Toledo ProSolo?

I'll be there to watch Brain F., my friend Ross M. and any other Z drivers.

 

My codriver and I are tentatively planning on going out. I was going to drive the car, but I don't want to put the miles on her. So I'm looking for a way to tow the car.

 

well you guys are all welcome to crash at my place if you want to save a little $$. I live about 45 min. away from toledo.

But only if you let me pick your brain on how to drive faster

 

We have no problem offering up tips. First one...use more gas

 

I'll be at Toledo, although not in my Z

Looking forward to a good fight though! Azn, I'll be the tall goofy looking guy in the Silver RX8, and most likely with a beer in my hand...come say hi!