My wife and I were out with some friends Friday night and there was quite a bit of unforcasted snow in the Denver metro area: probably an inch and a half downtown Denver and closer to three inches out at my house in Aurora. Goes to show what modern computerized weather forcasting is good for!

Those of you that headed down to Pueblo early on Friday will probably have clear weather, but I think most of us that were heading down from Denver (and parts north and/or west!) are going to be no-shows for the track day today (Saturday).

Be safe guys, both at the track and trying to get down there: be careful out there!


Sean

 

I tried, but the snow won. I literally just got stuck and the car wouldn't climb anymore. The more I tried, the more I slide down the road.

But having your calipers stuck really suck. Hopefully you can at least make it. It looks like several people are going to have some issues making it down.

I am just bummed out that I can't make it this session. At times like this, I really wish there were a closer track. We have a track for karts and a dragstrip. It's unfortunate there isn't a road course track on the western slope.

In any case, for those who can make it, drive safely, and have a blast! I wish I were able to participate.

-Joe

 

Dang! Sucks to hear the trouble some are having. Its4am and 16 degrees up here in ftc... no snow for weeks... clear sky right now.. Not a single snowflake on the ground... sounds like its messy south of here.. But you know how it is... get on i25 and your all set.... well I'm packin the car see some of you soon! Open highway ftw!

 

Omfg.... clear till abour centennial and then icy as hell... I was not prepared for that... I understand all the talk about how shitty stock tires are.... I had to get off the high way... the car would rather travel sidewayz..... and I thought I was a good winter driver.... going to have to go realllly slow... I hope it clears up south of here..

 

It's 6:40 am in Pueblo Saturday morning and it looks clear and dry. Heading out to the track in just a bit. Sorry to hear of the unforcasted weather problems we're having today! Be careful out there, guys- I hope I have a class to work with!

 

I'm glad its clear in Pueblo. From the looks of it, there are still a few people traveling down there right now.

 

Have a great time out there! And be safe!

 

We had a great time! Once again, David put on a great class. Hopefully everyone made it home safe, as well!!!

Anyone interested in NASA, let me know

Dave

 

How many people show up? Any 4 wheeling story?

 

Sorry to hear about the weather. I took the Z to Ft Collins this weekend for the seminar, and it was easy driving. I must have missed all the bad stuff. Really sucks about your snow trial in the Z, Joe. Hopefully this summer will give you the opportunity to give your Z some track time in better weather. Aaron, I'm curious about your story, did you make it?

Will

 

Yeah, I believe you did miss the bad stuff. I am glad I at least gave it a shot. Any summer ones I will definitely make. But who knows if there will be one. I think I am going to try to attend the next NASA event in March.

 

Safe!! I made it back to FTC very quickly.... much better then the drive down.

Dkmura, many thanks once again for this event!
Today was 100% the most fun I have ever had... I'm putting this above sky-diving actually.. which is pretty wild.

Top 2-funny items of the day:
1: Viper gps tracker reporting to me that my vehicle was traveling in excess of 80mph.... gee ya think? Lol..
2: Spivey explaining breaking technique to me then his insane exhaust drowning him out as we slam out of a turn at 90mph.... the learn by example thing worked just as well. ;-)

Thanks for all the instruction and advice from everyone... I learned a lot and I am much more confident in the Z's abilities and my limits behind the wheel.

tsabrale... I can just about imagine what you went through in your attempt to get out there... the Z with summer tires... has no buisness near anything that resembles snow or ice... You really must have some ballz... attempting a pass of the rockies in winter. I hope everyone can meet up again sometime.

Peace

Now.... to the car wash.

 

Thursday night, I was so excited, I couldn't sleep well. I was ready to go. The last time this event was offered, I signed up, but got cancelled because we couldn't get enough people to commit. So I was going to do what I could to make it. To be honest, I wasn't expecting snow. I pretty much got caught in it. I kept going as far as I could, but I finally hit a point where my car could no longer climb. So more than ever I am motivated to make the next if David decides to host one. And I am already starting to plan a trip for the March NASA event.....

 

So, I knew I was going slower than I was expecting, and that I wasn't getting the traction I expected. I just chalked it up to my crappy driving.

That is, until David pointed out to me that one of my tires was corded, and then when I got home, I checked my tire pressure. 42 PSI cold!?!?!? So, they must have been really high when they were warm. Next time, I need to take my own advice on checking tire pressure.

Oh well, it was still a great day, and I was really glad to meet all of you. I'll shortly start a new thread about the March 15-16 NASA day at Pueblo.

Dave

 

Of all the track days in the past six years, this one had to be the most eventful. If only for the drive down! Dave90TT and I arrived at the track at 7 AM and only grey skies and freezing temps greeted us. We checked out the course and with the news from up north, figured it might be just him and me for a private lesson the entire day.

We had the classroom set up and heat on, when Z's started showing up. It was a wonderful sight! The day's program went well: driving exercises, track drive, follow-the-leader and all track sessions. I believe we had five to six on-track sessions in the afternoon, all the track time that we could wish for and outside of kicking up a little dust, a GREAT time!

We started packing up a little early for the drive back. The rain and snow started just north of Pueblo and kept on for most of the drive back. Still, it was easily negotiable in the Z, just keep the car on the pavement and stay away from the (snow-lined) shoulder. After a day of precision driving at the track, you definately had to use those skill sets on the road!

My thanks to Dave90TT and Spivey for their help and comments during the day. It was invaluable and even more gratifying to see both of you helping others and progressing in your driving! Everyone in the class cooperated and did a great job during the day in learning, so I consider this another success.

But I'm very sorry that four participants couldn't make it. We missed Tsabrale, ColoradoClark, Moe from SpeedImage and Amarao. With the weather problems I don't blame you (but certainly admire the effort) for not making it. We still had to pay the track exclusive fee, so I can't offer refunds. However, the next time we have a HPDC, I'd like to try to work out something to allow each of you to participate.

 

i tried to imitate sebastien loeb 3 or 4 times--not going in a run-out, but just taking the turns to wide.

thanks again, david for the ride, and all the instruction. It was a great bunch of guys to have the class with--i had a great time, and am now thinking of what mods to make instead of selling the car

 

That's awesome wording right there. Made me chuckle.

Glad, for those that made it, the HPDC was a sucess. I wish everyone the best in the future. Maybe in March or August we can have a Colorado "Z/G" open track day.

 

Sounds like a great time, as usual for a dkmura-hosted track event. Sorry I had to miss this one.

I'll second Dave90TT's endorsement of NASA as a great organization for any and all track junkies of ALL skill & experience levels. Regardless of whether you've never been on a track before, or you're a World Challenge pro racer with years of experience, they've got a place for you.

 

No worries, I am just glad the event was a success. Even if I wasn't able to participate, I am glad I was able to help at least make the event happen.

 

did anyone get any pics of the event?