Last winter we had a high performance driver's ed session at Pueblo Motorsports Park (PMI). I believe it was the first all-350Z track event held in North America! I'd like to run one (or two) again this fall and have contacted PMI's track manager. He indicates that all of the October weekend dates are taken by the bigger clubs. However, if we can take a Friday off from work (say the 10th?), we will have the track to ourselves! If that is not feasible, Saturday, November 1st appears to be open. The day(s) would be run in a similar fashion to our last track day: low-speed driving exercises to acclimate us to the joys of heel-toe downshifts and analyzing corners. We'd also use portions of PMI's 2.2 mile road course to illustrate the how and why of elevation changes and late apex turns. After lunch, we'd move on to lapping the entire course and begin moving the speed up gradually.

PMI remains a bargain at $60/car and in my opinion, is the most challenging road course layout in Colorado. We will emphasize safety throughout the day, but folks should be aware that they will be asked to sign a waiver and wear helmets- S*** can and does happen!

I'm also going to ask for some help with my SCCA racing operation. This fall/winter I plan to rebuild my tubeframe GT racecar. I'm evaluating whether to convert the car over to 350Z bodywork and mechanicals, but this would take a lot of time and $$$. More likely, we'll retain the 200SX Se-R fiberglass bodywork and run my old Nissan engines. In either case, these sessions will take place in my garage in preparation for 2004 SCCA Nationals (some of which will be at PMI). If you have any mechanical ability and a willingness to learn, I'm ready to give a true introduction to racing 101 (or is the mechanical stuff the 202 class?).

In either the track day or pit crew scenarios, please post here to give me your opinion(s) and/or committments.

 

David, both days would work for me for the pmi event. Saturday would be better, but to have the track to ourselves would be worth taking a day off work. I also would like to lend a hand with your new car. Just let me know when you want to start.

P.S. Thank you again for letting me drive your Z

~Dennis

 

I favor Saturday's but would do either. I am in for sure, unless something drastic happens.

I can't wait for this track day.

Brian

 

Count me in! I'd be willing to take a Friday off for PMI (10/10 works for me,) but a Saturday would work too, if necessary.

David, you've witnessed first-hand my horrifying lack of mechanical ability, but I'd like to help out with your racecar however I can.

Gary

 

For the benefit of everybody who failed to make the PMI day last February,













DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cuz lunch is good.

Joe

 

Whow! I didn't know Shogun liked lunch THAT much! But yes, the restaurant we went to is one of the best (if you like Mex). I was hoping the driving was as memorable!

 

David,

Long time no see ( sorry guys, been busy as ......)
another track day sounds great. Sat works better for me.
I might have a neighbor that would be interested (S2000) if it's ok with everybody.

Also would like to get my hands dirty with you on your racer,just let me know when and I'll try to get free.

Rob

 

I'll be there and will actually join you on track when I drop a couple of hundred pounds from my buttocal area. Until then, smile --- you may just end up on the pages of Sport Z.

Dennis, what did you think of the fall issue? I expect to get blasted here so take your best shot.

Bob

 

SWEEEEEEET.

I just picked up the Z and have been needing to attend a HPDE to learn how to handle a RWD car at speed. I have Oct 10 off already, and Saturday would work for me as well. I really hope this event happens.

 

I would love to join everyone for the event... Since I am self employed takeing the day off would not be a problem... Either day will work for me... Also, I would be more than happy to help with the racecar.. I too am working on getting my Z nationals ready by next season.. I currently run bsp but would like to do more work to make the car a little more competitive.. If anyone would like to go there is an Auto Cross this saturday the 28th you can register for the event @ www.rmsolo.org

 

Hey what do you race at the autocross?

I have managed to make most of the ones in Denver this year and I don't remember seeing any other 350Zs.

 

if I can make time, I'll try and run on Sunday. I'll be in Novice BSP because of my Nismo wheels.

 

The only reason that I am in BSP is because of a Super AFC.. I don't think that that adds too much advantage over stock but what can you do.. I have missed the last few events due to work.. I did run a few months ago when I first got the car and I ran in SM2... other than that I was running a Ford ZX2 in sts at the start of the season.. I will be there saturday though.. I have a silverstone touring 350z

 

Thanks to everyone who replied. I've made a reservation with PMI for Friday, October 10th for our second all-350Z HPDE/track event. The track manager told me that 10-15 cars was what he usually asked for on exclusive use of the track, but that he would grant us an exception for that day. Confirmed participants from this thread include:

Dennis (bluz03), Brian (Mudd), Joe (Shogun), Gary (GaryM05), Matt (Azrael), Speedphreek350.

Bob, the Publisher of Sport Z magazine, has stated that he'd like to come and document/photograph the event and we welcome him.

Now, for some details: let's all meet at the rest stop on I-25 just south of Castle Rock past the Larkspur exit as close to 9 a.m. as possible. We'll caravan down to Pueblo and into the track. We'll meet the track manager and everyone who plans to put their car on the track will pay $60 to him. Everyone will have to sign the track waiver as well. The morning will be spent checking driving and hand positioning, reviewing heel-and-toe downshifting and performing relatively low-to-moderate speed driving exercises in the paddock. After that, we'll try to get on the track before we break for lunch.

If it's OK with everyone we'll have lunch at a very good Mexican restaurant about 5-6 miles east of the track. As Shogun says, "Lunch is gooood"!

The afternoon sessions will have us continuing to run the track in sections and talking about vehicle dynamics specific to the 350Z. After a few hours of hard running, we'll let brakes cool down a bit and I'll take each person around the entire course to familarize you with the racing line. Once we are all fully oriented/acclimated (hopefully by mid-afternoon) we'll try running the full 2.2 mile course. Depending on our progress and fatigue factors (believe me, racing is an athletic event and you'll be tired by the end of the day), we'll do laps 'till we're ready to lock the gates. Remember, safety will be the top priority during the day and only you can know what your limits are. Stopping or sitting out a session at any point you become fatigued is a good idea.

Preparations before the event: brakes will be a limiting factor and I strongly encourage everyone to check how much brake pad you have left (particularly the rears on the stock 350Z brakes). Consider getting a set of high-performance pads (I recommend calling Cobalt Friction) with a higher heat range and upgrading to DOT 4 brake fluid (Valvoline SynPower works for my Brembos). All lugs need to be properly torqued (let me know if anyone needs a torque wrench) the night before. Also inspect for tire wear and inflation pressures well before Friday. Clear out the interior of stuff that can come flying off and distract you while you're trying to save your life driving. Wear flat soled shoes (no sandals for real driving) and be sure to have a helmet (preferably SA85 or newer) ready for you and any passenger you plan to bring along.

Sorry to make this so long, but I'd like to do my best to insure that everyone has a fun, safe and hassle-free day. If we do this properly, we should be headed back (after rush-hour) with a smile on our face (from triple-digit speeds), some dust on the paint (mandatory for any racetrack experience) and hopefully, greater skills and experience to face future challenges. Please post here if you have any questions or concerns. See you all on the 10th!

 

If we have enough 350Z lovers at PMI, I would like to do some kind of drawing of 3 names to join me at one of the Bronco Home Games. Most of my club seats are already promised to friends, but two or three games remain open. For the transplated Charger fan among us, he's invited to throw his business card into hat as well.

Drop youy name into a hat and 3 of you can join me for a day of excitement at Invesco Field at Mile High.

By the way, help support ChrisMCagle's SUPERCHARGER CHALLENGE in the General Forum. It has become very "lively."

Bob

 

The 10th it is. This will be a blast. Hopefully my SS brake lines will be in by then and I'll have a chance to put them on before the track day.

Lunch at the Mexican place sounds good to me.

Gary

 

Everyone have a blast on the 10th. I got popped with jury duty and can not make it. I can't tell you how bummed I am. I will be looking for the next chance for anything.

 

Jury duty? Ouch, that's bad timing. They might cancel it the night before. I was scheduled for jury duty last month, but when I called the number they provided to get details, the message said that it had been cancelled. Here's hoping yours gets cancelled and you can join us.

Gary

 

Count me in! I have finally passed the 1200 mile mark on the new brick, so she is ready to rock!
Gary

 

Welcome, daprofessor! It looks like we have a replacement for Shogun, who won't be able to get away from work that day.