Whats up guys, im new to the whole track thing, but this coming spring I really want to hit up some open track days.

I know the alpha club has taken new guys out to the track and then just let them run all day for ~ 200 bucks... Does anyone have some information or know of any Nissan clubs that do this?

Thanks a lot,
Aaron

 

the NW Alpha Romero club is a good club to start w/...they seem to be a bit hard to get confirmed for their track days, but they stick to their rules and make sure everyone on the track either knows what they're doing, or has someone in the passeneger seat that does.

most clubs in the area seem to require a 'novice class'...they usually hold this at the beginning of the year for ppl who have never done a track day before (they can wave it IF you've done track days w/ previous clubs)

I'd rec'd doing a few autoXs first...it'll give you a great sense of your car's limits and how to controll it (while still being in a safe situation that if you loose controll, 99% of the time nothing will be damaged) plus it's a whole lot cheaper! The main downside to autoX is that the speeds are limited...and w/ someone that has FI, it can get frustrating to not be able to stretch your legs.

let me know if you want to go autoXing...there's been past threads that have links to the local clubs, and I can let you know when I"ll be going to the first event is next yr. (sometimes it helps to go w/ someone who's done it before...it can help w/ all the logistical stuff [what time to show up, how to register, how to prep your car, what to wear,...] and sometimes driving tips too)

hope that helps!

**there's a small but commited group of 350Z/G35's that are into AutoX/Track days - we always love to see another VQ out there, so don't hesitate to ask for help!

 

The NW Alfa guys are a good bunch of people. Not pretentious like some other ar clubs that run at PR. Really good at what they do and accomodating to everyone that runs w/ them regardless of what you drive or your skill level. They do have a requirement that you have to have completed an HPDE school. Whether it's their's (usually their first event of the season) or through Proformance at PR or some other recognized school.

http://nwalfaclub.com/

Watch their website for their 2008 schedule, it's not up yet but I think they usually start around late March / early April.

 

+1. Autocross is a good way to train for track days. The NW Alfa club has waived the school requirement for some people if they are accomplished autoX-ers. But it's usually several years of autoX experience that they're looking for before they'll conisder it.

 

Sweet thank you so much for the info, I would love to attend some autox although Ive never done it before. Ill talk to you more as the season draws nearer. Sounds like ill have to shell out the $500 for the beginner class then eh? First ones march 3 at Pacific International.

P.S, sent you a PM Peter.

 

that's 1 big plus for autoX.

autoX costs:
events - $25
classes - $25-50
practices - $5 [if you're in the right club])

 

I was looking to get started in the track scene this past summer but wasn't willing to shell out the cash for it. I'll be looking to participate in some autoxing this season and, if I can, I'll attend an HPDE class so I can get in on some PIR and SIR track days.

 

$500 for a trackday is ridiculous! I'd suggest doing Cascade Club's trackday at Portland to get started...its only $130....hit me up if you're interested.........their schedule's not up yet but their first day will probably be in March sometime...you can also do Team Continental down there.....its under $200 as well. I go down there all the time for trackdays so if you want to tag along let me know

 

I've been told it's not a good idea to track a TT Z/G without upgraded brakes? That's why I'm thinking I'll just do AutoX before I upgrade to a BBK.

 

I prob wont be tracking the Z this year... But with the resurfacing I will be there as much as I can on the bike as close every day possible as the wallet allows!

 

Yeah, probably not a good idea if you don't know what you're doing

 

If you know anyone at Boeing you should check out the BEAC club (Boeing AutoX Club) It's like ten bucks an event and they are a great group. Great way to learn your car and how to drive better lines. I think there website is beac.org

 

Yep, it's $5 a practice day and depending on how long you stay you could get as many as 20 runs (varies by turnout; the less people: the more runs). First350 and I are both active members. No schedule for 2008 as of yet, but we could have a practice day as early as the end of January depending on how negotiations go w/ Boeing.

 

I would be interested in any event. I saw a comparative stop test of the stock brembo and the stoptech bbk and the difference was minor. I doubt it would be a problem using the brembos, as long as you gave yourself adequate stopping distance.

Please hit me up when you learn of any scheduled dates, I would love to attend.

 

^bbk at the track is more to prevent fade rather than reduce brake distances, sticky tires is what reduces brake distance, not brakes, u can get the best brakes in the world, and they won't help u stop faster if u have crappy tires.

 

I'm glad to hear that there are more guys interested in racing here on the NW forum. I'm looking forward to seeing more Z's out at local events in 2008.

 

ah i suppose you are right, also the type of pads would be a major factor with brake fade. Still, I dont think having brembos should be a deterrent to going to the track, they are more then adequate... just dont drive like a dumbass going 120 into a turn ^_^

 

^ When I had my '03 I had it down at PR at 2 different instances; once w/ the OE pads and once w/ the Nismo R-tune pads on the fronts. After 4 or 5 attempts into Turn 2, I would get brake fade into 2 & 3A and it was VERY concerning. W/ the R-tune pads I was able to run three 20 minute sessions w/ far less issues. Preferably I would not go w/ just a pad upgrade for the '03-'05 non-Brembos for PR. It's a common thing for guys that run track days to have a set of racing pads and a set that they use for the street.

However... for autoX, I found that the OEM pads worked better than the R-Tune being that speeds aren't as high and you have some time between your runs to let your brakes cool. Also it doesn't play a factor in scrapping your first 1 or 2 runs by having to heat up race pads for better bite. The only time I've ever notice brakefade in autoX is while running Enduro format (4 consecutive laps).

 

i run a semi-metallic pad (Raybestos 41/43) for track days ('05 non-brembo). Like everyone has already stated, the OE brakes on the Z work fine at first, but they just can't handle the heat...OE pads last me about 2 30min session, and I still haven't found a rotor to last more than 1 day (I've tried some cheap drilled/slotted stuff w/ poor results...I've now installed some stoptechs...hoping these will work!)

+1 to Drivesolo's assertion on OE pads for autoX. they have great bite when cold, which is exactly how you use them.

Also, the amount of wear you put on your brakes also depends on your driving skills...the better you are, the more efficient you are with braking. (I'm getting better at this, but still far from where I should be)



**at PR, you're going around 140+ MPH into turn 2...there's a lot of energy/heat needed to be slowed down, and then 3a is also a big braking zone.

 

I might have to start making the drive over for autocross and track days. Looking like Spokane Speedway will be shutting down....