count_schemula

Had a great time on the track for a DE June 2-3. It was my first time out and I learned an incredible amount. To those on the fence about doing a DE on a track - do it. An enriching, if humbling experience.

Met some great 350z owners. Kinda ran up to 120 or so against one of the orange ones on the backstraight, it was quite close. I was in front and stayed in front, but he was somewhat creeping me, so I'd have to say the 350z was a wee bit faster from 45mph to about 120 or so. A awful lot of fun.

They look like capable track cars. I think there were 3 track editions there for the 2 days.

To the kid who totalled his 350Z in the morning, hope you're doing better today. I know you're hatin' life right about now. You're young, live and learn, grow better and stronger.

2003z

iTrader: (7)

I remember you! I was the non-totalled Z that only did the first day The other guy is doing fine. Insurance is covering and no probs on the home front. He's searching for a new one now.

You are right though, what a great time it was. Here's a shot of what happens to S-03's after 161 miles on Road Atlanta (didnt use my autox tires cause they need to last all year)

front tire

2003z

iTrader: (7)

rear

count_schemula

Cool, your car was sweet.

You got 161 miles on the first day? Dayum. It was a track free-for-all. Oodles of track time. I got a little over 100 miles the first day and about 160 the second day.

I had to sit out a session on the first day cuz' I went out with the red group right after lunch and it made me seasick for about an hour afterwards. I rode with Hakki the Flying Fin in his 944 Turbo. He was mad fast in the corners and we were puttin' the nudge on much faster cars. He was a great driver and I learned so much riding with him.

Awesome event I really enjoyed the format. For a track newb, I can't imagine a better scenario.

That second day I went out in the rain and drove pretty slow and got the tail out several times. Learned a lot about the smooth application of power, for sure. It dried up nicely after lunch and we ran all the way to 5pm.

What group were you running in?

How were the S0-3 after they heated up? I am about to put some 235/45/17 and 265/40/17 on my car this week.

count_schemula

I did get a pic from day 1.

2003z

iTrader: (7)

Yeah, 161 miles! I was in Yellow, but did a couple Blue in the afternoon. Didnt care for that too much though, those guys were crazy fast. I reset my trip computer every session, and went from an avg speed of 54mph at the beginning of the day to 64 by the end! The S-03s were great. I ran 2 back to back sessions, and they never overheated or got greasy feeling, even though you can see some wierd stuff going on in the pictures. The grip was perfect.

I rode with the instructor who drove his Z06 out from california, and that was a very wild ride too. I have a new respect for the Z06.

Did you talk to the guy with the convertible vette on day 2? He's a friend from work.

count_schemula

I ran mixed groups on day 2.

The blue/red people were a lot faster, but I did a good job of letting them through on the straights. For a newb, I'm decent in the corners, so I really enjoying giving chase and stealing their lines after I waved them by.

I love 2-3-4-5. Just a lot of fun. I was doing 85mph through the "esses" and was able to carry 65mph out of turn 5.

What's scary is that is slow. There's enough track to go quite a bit faster out of 5. Maybe next time.

Turn 7 was troublesome to me. I like 10a/b and did them ok for the most part, but not everytime. I can't I say I exactly flew down the hill into 12. Pushing outside was fun, but I got a little close sometimes. That wall keeps you sober.

I was shocked how hard you can accelerate through 1 and 6. 1 especially.

There's Panoz Track Days up there Aug 2-3. I just may have to do that.

Does your friend have an M5 as well and live on the west coast? I talked to that guy and he was pretty funny.

The rubber pooling is normal. My tires did that too. They sounded kind of funny on the drive home, but no matter, they are out of here. It's S0-3 time.

Riding with the red group drivers was a highlight for me. Just amazing to see what can be done.

count_schemula

I've been up to Road Atlanta several times to see races. I go to ALMS in October. This map looks SOOOOOO different to me now. At ALMS they hit 220mph down that back stretch into 10a. The best I could do was 120-125.

2003z

iTrader: (7)

I hear you on that. I got to 120 there too. No, my friend lives here and had the pewter convertible. the instructor is from cali and had the silver Z-06. At all time on my ride with him, I was either pinned to the seatback or hanging from the seatbelt!

Quick

yo fellas, it's me steve, the lemans sunset Z. It was fun, except for that damn slow M roadster slowing me down j/k

I had a blast at that track. It is one of the faster ones i have been too. I was reaching speeds of 130-135 down the back straight. Not bad for a totally stock Z (except for pads and tires). And my SO-3s held up better than expected as well. But the drive down to atl and back in 4 days (including 2 track days) is a biatch. I can only do that once or twice a year.

It was good to meet you guys and do some "quick" driving.

By the way, anyone have any pics of the carnage of the 350 vs wall incident? Some people around here are interested in them if you got'em... It was good to see that he was okay though. Would have really sucked if he got hurt.

jtree007

I am still here.. JUst been busy taking care of things..

Trevinophotography.com

There are pics of the accident.

Details:
http://www.350zfrenzy.com/forum/show...5&pagenumber=1

and I got to just under 140 on the back strech

commasense

Joseph,

Glad you're okay. I've run HPDEs for more than 3 years, and have seen similar incidents (including a Ferrari 350 that sideswiped a wall--ouch!) at about half those events. I've always thought, "It could just as easily have happened to me," and have been grateful for my good luck (and for the fact that I'm 47 years old and a little more chickensh-t than you young kids).

Anyway, I have a quick question. I was looking at your pictures and note that your Valentine One is still hanging in the window. Was it there while you were on the track??? Why??? Didn't they make you take it out???

2003z

iTrader: (7)

They said to take stuff out of the cars, but didn't have a tech inspection. Kind of surprised me.

jtree007

I had forgoten to take it out that morning... I know to take it out.. all other lose objects were out of the car