Here are the details for the upcoming 2008 High Performance Driving Class (HPDC)at Pueblo Motorsports Park. Cost will be $150/car and we need more than 10 (but no more than 15) entries to make this class a reality. Entries will be accepted over the next two weeks (until 1/20/07) and checks sent to the following:

Illusion Motorsports Ltd.
2060 S. Jamaica Ct.
Aurora, CO 80014-1031

Each participant is responsible for making sure their cars are in excellent mechanical condition and must bring their own helmet (Snell SA-rated helmets highly recommended) to the event. Please read the entire syllabus and post any questions you may have. It's only four short weeks away!

February 2, 2008 PMI Syllabus

Disclaimer: Motorsports is an endeavor that inherently involves risk to both driver and vehicle. While the organizer/instructors will attempt to provide a safe and fun experience for each participant, this in no way guarantees against any type of personal injury or property damage incurred during the day. Participation in any portion of this track day is voluntary and any risk incurred is the individual responsibility of each driver/passenger. Nissan Sport Inc. organizer/instructors assume NO liability for any accident, which might occur during this event. In agreeing to participate in this event, each person agrees to these conditions.

Saturday morning- all participants need to meet at PMI by 8:00- 8:30 a.m. Please have at least ¾ to a full tank of gas to get through the day. After entering the track, go to the west end of the track and look for the white timing building where class will be held on the second floor. Pick a pit space and unload your car near the timing building (all unnecessary items OUT of the cockpit). Also, be sure to check tire pressures and wheel torque settings (80-85 ft/lbs). During this time, we will be passing around the track waiver, which must be signed before we start. The morning introductions will be conducted in the classroom, with explanations and questions before proceeding to the track.

8:30- 9:00 a.m. After our classroom session, we'll be gridding cars in single-file order before proceeding to the south end of the track. The instructor will check each driver’s seating position, as well as hand positioning on the steering wheel. The initial driving exercises will use cones, so please be patient as we reset the course between each exercise. You’ll explore vehicle dynamics, including threshold braking, weight transfer, oversteer/understeer during multiple attempts at each exercise.

1) Threshold braking and timing exercise:
-Accelerate up to cones before applying brakes- come to full stop in as short a space as possible. Use peripheral vision to precisely time braking. Feel how the balance of your car is altered under braking?

2) Accident avoidance exercise (similar to threshold braking exercise, except braking AND steering are combined into this maneuver):
-Accelerate up to cones and brake HARD while utilizing proper hand movement on the steering wheel to swerve around obstacle(s).
-Try going around both left and right sides- is it easier to go one way than the other? Why? Keep in mind the next time you practice this exercise, it may well be to avoid an accident in a traffic jam!

3) Cone chicane and car control exercise:
-The cones mark a medium-speed chicane to maneuver around. Each car will blend brakes, steering and acceleration to go around a chicane marked by cones. Once again, you'll have multiple attempts to try this exercise and refine your technique. Note whether the front (understeer) or rear (oversteer) of your car loses traction and when. This exercise is designed to refine reaction time and car control.

10:30 a.m.- After a break, we will conduct a walk-and-drive reconnaissance of the entire 2.2-mile road circuit to demonstrate brake, entry, apex and exit points at points around the circuit. This gives the group an opportunity to examine the circuit in detail. Questions and comments are invited!

Once we complete the track tour, the instructor will lead the group in single-file order for 4-5 laps. No passing at this point in the program! Pay particular attention to developing a rhythm as you drive ‘the line’ around the track. Use each lap to orient yourself to where you are on the circuit. As you learn the line, begin to use your eyes to track ahead and pick up the braking point, turn-in and apex for each turn- as well as where and when to feed-in throttle as you exit a turn.

LUNCH BREAK- Every participant should bring a light lunch or snacks to the classroom to maximize our time here. After lunch, we’ll discuss how the afternoon track safety exercises will be conducted and how to safely pass and be passed.

1:00 PM- in our afternoon sessions, speeds will increase as the group will again follow single-file behind the instructor and use a ‘leap frog’ passing technique on the front straight to give everyone the opportunity to follow directly behind the leader. There will be multiple 15-20 minute sessions, during which we speeds will gradually increase and braking points moved in. Note what happens with an early apex vs. a late apex turn (PMI is mostly all late apexes for the fastest way around). After each follow-the-leader session, stop in the paddock to talk with the group and gather feedback.

2:30 PM- Car control exercise with a partner: each group will meet and pair up to do one slow lap around the entire circuit side-by-side. After this exercise is completed, we will review passing rules and begin open lapping sessions until the track closes at 5 PM.

Remember that as the day and track heats up, so do your tires. Check tire pressures periodically during the day (start G35 or 350Z tire pressures at 35# (cold) and keeping them under 40# will aid grip). Also, drink water regularly and stay hydrated! If your brakes begin to fade and need to cool-down, feel free to ask one of the instructors to let you ride along for the next session. Should you begin to feel tired or fatigued at any point during the day, please do not hesitate to stop and take a break.

Remember that the grand prize for the day is to increase your awareness and knowledge of high-performance driving and track safety. Your reward is to take your gorgeous car home- INTACT- once the day is over. Students who complete the entire course MAY be awarded certification to open track days at PMP in the future. The track will close promptly at 5:00 PM and all cars must be off the circuit.

 

David

You know I will be there! Mailing you a check ASAP.

One note for all participants: gas! Like David said, make sur eyou have at least 3/4, and preferably a full tank before you start. As the Z/G's get down to about a quater tank or less, you start getting fuel starvation issues in the corners, something you do NOT want. I suggest you fill up right on Highway 50 leading to the track.

Also, if anyone is interested, and willing to drive to the Springs, I would gladly host a tech day on Friday, Feb 1st, at my house, in the morning, afternoon, or early evening.

 

Thanks Dave90TT for the quick reply. As of Monday morning, there have been 30 views of this thread, but no further committments from the Z community. While it's not the time of year we usually get out, remember that this will most likely be the ONLY Pueblo Motorports Park safety class we'll have for Z novice drivers in '08! If you pass, your name will be placed on the list of approved drivers for open track days at PMP.

I could go out anytime and teach at other marque driving schools or SCCA racing schools. But I've made it my mission to help new Z and Nissan drivers get started on the right foot. Our HPDE program is proven and will help develop YOUR driving skills. All it takes is getting up off the couch and a willingness to learn some new things about your Z and yourself! In the afternoon, you will see triple digit speeds every lap without the threat of losing your license. As a bonus, several drivers have reported that the skills they learned helped them avoid accidents on the street.

All things to consider before you plunk down that $150.

 

Ill agree, it has helped me greatly and really teaches you how your car handles. Even if you thought you knew it already, it will open your eyes to certian things, the final chicane course is very challenging especially when you push it to the limit and dont go soft. Remember guys, this is the place where you can push the cone course to the limit of the car and if you go past your limits, your only hitting cones and not walls or cars, its the best way to learn without damage to your ride (says someone who has hit a fair share of cones, including flipping one in the air if yall recall!)

 

Tuesday bump, just want to get some reaction around here!

 

Sending Check.

 

There continues to be a lack of interest in this event. I'm sure we can get at least ten participants if we invite the Corvette, Porsche and BMW drivers to attend, but I'm beginning to question the reasoning behind this. I'm a NISSAN driver and enthusiast first and foremost. A big part of my rationale in holding these events is to get my favorite marque (and their pilots) out on the track to exercise their vehicles and learn new skills.

Without more interest from the local Nissan/Infiniti/Datsun community, it becomes just another mixed marque event. While I have nothing against that, there are plenty of other club events (ie. NASA, SCCA, etc) at better times of the year to pick from.

There's only 10 more days before the entry deadline for this event. Thus far, I have NO confirmed entries (and not much action on this thread itself), so I'm somewhat pessimistic about this coming together. Not that I won't be going to the track anyway- just that it will be an 'open track' situation and only those with racing licenses and/or PMP safety certifications will be eligible to attend.

 

Come on guys, i know we have more than 3 drivers that want to do this! (Not including David.) Lets back him up on this one! Btw David, check is in the mail, hopefully you will get it soon, if not let me know, my postman in the building sometimes doesnt get mail out promptly.

 

I am surprised as well. There should be my friend Matt sending in his check. But still, that is what, maybe 4people? Come on people!!!! We need more Z's!!!!

 

I can't figure out why people are hesitant to take this. This is the best "upgrade" you can do for your car.

You can have the best brakes, suspension, high horsepower, but if you don't know how to enjoy it, what's the point?

 

Some people don't want to "ruin their investment."

 

Dangit... I gotta drive all weekend to get my ride "broken in". Only 150 miles on it as of now. I am 100% commited to the next time such an event is held... Sad that might be next year though. :-(

I figure a month after getting the car is such a great time to learn when and how you can push it.. but I just can't do this until atleast after the first oil change.

Am I spewing non-sense or does this make sense?

 

Well, I wouldn't take it to the track the day you get it, but a month after delivery? Sure, why not? I didn't do the 1000 mile break in on my G, and it runs great, 35k miles later, along with the turbo kit and all. Just make sure you do some decent driving between now and then. Change the oil before the track event, and drive to the event. That will be more than enough miles. And I guarentee you will have great fun!

Dave

 

dkmura, Dave90TT.. Your right... this is to good to pass up. IM IN.

 

I don't know you but I think I love you!!! J/K! Glad to see another Z owner getting involed with this. This will be the best $150 you'll ever spend on your '08 Z.

 

Sweet! The more the better! You won't regret learning about your Z!!!

 

Hell ya, I got this machine so I could have fun with it. Allready I'm finding it anoying to barely open it up and allready be wayyy over the speed limit.... Will be great to do this in a much safer controlled environment.

I wish that V1 would arrive quicker. ;-)

Now I need to see how my buddies helmit fits or just get a new one.

 

If you're serious about HPD event I would invest in a personal helmet.

 

I agree with Robert. Besides, you have to make sure the helmets fits you. Also, other people sweat in the helmets. You know. I want to sweat in my own helmet.

 

I'm in if we can get 10 people.

David, do you need the check before hand or are you waiting for the head count to reach 10?