I'm sorry I couldn't make it, but glad that you guys had a good day at the track!

Will NASA offer opportunities for novice drivers at the March event?

David: I'm game for another class anytime . Pick a date and I'll be there. Maybe a week day would be easier to schedule at the track, if we have enough people who can get a weekday off, given advanced warning?

 

Yes. You would be in HPDE 1, which is limited passing, with an instructor in the car. You would get 4 20 minute session each day, and lots of company, as well.

 

About pics, I took a ton! I'm contacting a few people to get there permission to post some cool pics of their rides, systems etc. I will have those up in the morning.

I would comit also to a repeat of this event even on a weekday. The advice of both Daves was very helpful.

I wondered about this event happening again... but maybe the pro-dkmura, could judge events... maybe simialr to the cone practice we did, but make it competetive with measures of accuracy... this would be a blend of beginning and just past beginning, would bring very first timers and second timers... who knows... its hard to imagine David has a ton of open time. (I love the magazine!)

I'm going to work on a few suspension mods between now and the events in march... riding in spivys car was a night and day example of a well done suspension.
-Adam

 

On that note if spivey was running his FLEX wiht EDFC, I really wish I got to try out my suspension (mono Flex). Go TEIN!!.

 

Thanks for the comments and I'm particularly glad you like Nissan Sport Magazine! The question about when we could schedule another HPDC is a tough one. Pueblo is the only track available for the Front Range road race/ car enthusiast and the 2008 schedule is already jam packed:

http://www.pueblomotorsportspark.com...pic.php?t=1957

As those who have participated can testify, it's nearly impossible to hold a full and comprehensive HPDC program with other cars on a "hot" track. There's simply no open slots (weekdays included) between March and November to schedule another HPDC. The Feb 2nd date was set with the express intent of getting one in before the weather closed in and we barely made this one!

The other problem is getting enough entries to justify the $1500 "exclusive" rental fee. Although we have lots of new Z owners in the Front Range area, few choose to spend even a paltry sum to improve their driving skills! I don't pretend to understand it. These classes have been proven to be safe, fun and exhillerating (as many have posted), but the newbies who could benefit the most usually stay away in droves.

 

I'm sorry to hear that, David. I've heard very good things about your HPDCs and I was hoping to learn from a real Z expert.

After getting snowed out this time around, I am a little skeptical about signing up for the mid-March NASA event. I don't have a problem with spending money on learning to be a better driver, but spending money and not learning anything seems a little counterproductive.

 

I was telling david at the event--i've been trying to get out on the track since 2004--scheduling, weather, and/or maintenance has always caused a problem--so 4 years later i finally made it. one time i was planning on going to la junta and simply overslept.

i figured this was going to be my last chance to get the PMP certification given the amount of people that took the first class (last march) and the trouble we were having getting folks to come to this one.

 

I am with David, with all the Z enthusiasts in Colorado, I am surprised more people don't take advantage of learning how to better drive you Z. With the last two events, it seems a struggle just trying to get enough people. And with this event, we were only able to get enough people because some of the veterans participated. Like David, I don't understand why this is the case, but it seems the people who need it most don't want to participate.

For myself, I am trying to find all the Z owners on the Western Slope. I see a lot, but the Z community on this side don't seem passionate about their cars. When I see another z, I try to talk to them. And see if can get some interest in a Club on this side of the mountains going. That way when these events do come up, I can try to bring more people with me. Sadly, we don't even have any SCCA autox events here either. The only thing we have here is a Drag Strip and of course lots of off road areas. So going off-road with trucks or ATVs garners much more interest then road racing.

 

Ok, so I took a few.. didn't get a ton of action shots.. since I was to busy focusing on the road. ;-)
I saw that Daves wife was snapping some action shots.. maybe we will see those. Here is my contribution!



Unpacking EVERYTHING from our cars.



Some even pulled their floor mats.


Check out Daves racing slicks...



David providing us with great advice and instight into high performance driving and what to expect.



In line waiting to give the threshold breaking a try.. hearing each Z/G launch was really cool...



A turn-by-turn walk/drive of the track. This was the best way I can think of to approach a track for your first time.



Damn... Z's on the track... HOT.



I was a little harsh on the clutch.. had to let things cool off a bit... even my gas cap apparently...


Yes.. he even hit the track with the top down.



Yep... I went off the track a couple times... no harm done.. just white knuckles and a lot of dirt.



A little blury.. but here is dkmuras factory-pre-order Z... very well done.



DaveTTs' SICK self-install... sounded very clean



Computer-in-trunk-in-wheelwell..

 

thanks for posting those! that's a pile of dirty cars

 

Nice pics. Seeing them makes me wish I could have made it more. <sigh> NEXT TIME!!! :-D

 

I talked with PMP's manager today and she requested that I provide the following info on those who have taken and passed the HPDC:

Name
Hometown
Zip code
Ph #

She states that this info WILL NOT be used for any other reason than to verify identities for open track days. So for EVERYONE who has attended and passed one of the HPDCs I've hosted, please PM or e-mail me with your info!
I'll create a master list that gets turned over to PMP.

e-mail: davidm@nisssansportmag.com

 

Put up the post for the March NASA event, located here

 

No dice. In my attempts to get the bolt off I rotated the caliper. It was such a ***** to get back in place to the wheel back that I said screw it. I had it taken care of on Monday when I had the radiator and rear diff. flushed.

There's always next time.

 

To everyone who sent me your info- it's been transmitted to PMP for their approved track day list. Don't forget your lessons and have fun!

Amarao- I looked up your info and added you to the list as well!

 

Dave, does PMP require we do a safety class yearly? Just curious.

 

Every three years.

 

Since I'm resubmitting everyone (including the '07 HPDC participant names) this year, the clock (for the PMP certification) starts NOW. Still some info trickling in, so if you've been in the class but haven't sent me your info, DO IT NOW.

 

Another group of names who passed the HPDC has been submitted to the track. Please remember the safety and passing rules we went over when you visit PMP (or any other track, for that matter).