For those interested in door-to-door racing and the 350Z, SCCA has just classed the car in GT2. The GT classes are primarily for tubeframe cars (meaning pupose-built racercars with fiberglass/carbon fiber bodies) similar to TransAm cars. The 350Z will be up against semi-works cars from Toyota (Celica-bodied) and Porsche (the older 944 turbo body style).

The latest issue of SportsCar magazine (January '03) lists the 350Z with the older 3.0 liter VQ engine that came in the Maxima. Keep in mind that GT class rules are pretty open and heavily-modified full-race motors are the rule. I won't list allthe specs, but it was interesting to note the minimum weight (2,280 lbs with a solid rear axle, 2,394 lbs with IRS) is quite light- shows what you can do when the car is built as a racer from the ground up!

Look for several 300Z teams to rebody their cars with new 350Z bodywork. My sources at Nissan Motorsports indicate that the new 350Z body will be sold to SCCA campaigners soon (so we can get ready for the new season).

The same FasTrack column mentions that the "stock" 350Z has also been classed in T2. T2 is a class that has primarily been ruled by F-body campaigners (late model Camaro and Firebirds), but is also home to Ford Mustangs, BMW's 3-series cars (including the M3) and Honda's S2000. The minimum weight for the 350Z is published at 3,188 and all the track package options are approved.

Get ready to watch the 350Z begin to write some additional chapters in the distinguished Z legacy!

 

Thanks for the info!