Awesome news. I'll be there a little before 8:00 then.

 

You won't see a bigger smile on anyone else's face than mine... that is if I don't run into any snow or ice between Parker and Larkspur!!!

Yippieeee!!!!

 

Sorry I can't make it David. You already know my sad tale. Take pictures and let me know how the Koni's perform.

Bob

 

NOTE: Everyone who didn't make it, for whatever reason (real or lame), you missed... an AWESOME sunburning, tire shreadin', curb hoppin', grin makin', brake fryin', David screamin', Alex backwardin', Gary flyin', Allen wishin', Don smilin', fun fantastic day!!!!!

TO: Those of us that DID (David, Allen, Gary, and Alex), you ALL made this day a really fun, unforgetful, and special time for me.... THANKS!!!

 

Another pic of the group... notice the blue skies!!!!?

 

What an incredible day! Thanks to PeterPutter for his great pics and comments to document a little of what we experienced. Hard to believe, but we were at the track for eight straight hours! We did so many laps that most of us had to go into town to refuel and finish out the day.

While our group was a small one, it really provided more time for individual instruction and I think everyone learned something new. One item of note was the increasing tire pressures during the day. The weather was flat-out perfect with just a slight breeze (as opposed to the sandy gales experienced at PMI the weekend before), but the temps slowly rose during the day. After a short lunch, I was a few laps into afternoon session when I noticed my Z began oversteering going into turn one. I managed to catch two distinct slides, but Alex learned the meaning of snap oversteer as he went off into the runoff area near T3. After we got back in, we all readjusted tire pressures to around 40# and found the grip much improved after this. Something to remember for future track days.

I want to thank Don for his pictures and enthusiasm. Gary for his help in sharing what he's learned and comments on the Koni install. Allen for being the only BSpeed member out there and his comment on driving: "I had no idea that it was that violent! The Z was sliding, bucking and clawing for traction." Alex is another newbie who acquitted himself quite well and we look forward to seeing him at future events.

Despite a low turnout (where ARE all you guys!?), this was IMHO the BEST track day yet! I'm still a bit tired (but quite happy) from the long drive and athletic driving, but am quite satisfied with what we accomplished yesterday. We also kept our record intact with not one scratch on any Z (or my 200SX Se-R) at the track and no tickets on the road. It's a goal we'll continue to strive for.

 

David, good to talk to you this morning, sounded like youZ guyZ had a blast. I'll be with you on mountain runs this summer.

Thanks for the Koni article sidebar -- perfect as usual.

Bob

 

Hey, that place looks familiar

Looks like you guys had a great time, but where are the Bspeed guys? I had a crazy busy weekend so there was no way I could have made it, and I think my ol' Sentra was happy about that. It gets tired of being burned by Z cars, but hopefully by the next time I join you guys for another track day that will be remedied. (Nothin a beefy clutch, cams, exhaust, good tires and suspension can't fix). Now wheres that time and money I need....

Anyway, post more pics if you got em!

Mike

 

All lined up while we're walking the course and David is telling us showing us the course layout... where to brake and how to transfer into and through the turn. Setup is key when trying to get the most fun out of your car, don't you agree!!!?

 

Pic of Gary and Alex... I think Alex is trying to explain what happened to him in turn # 3... right Alex!!????!?!?!

 

We would do anywhere between 7-10 laps, many times that day, and then have to come in to talk and let the brakes cool on a couple of the Z's... not saying which ones...

 

A shot of Alex and Gary haulin' a$$ down the front straight... we'd get up to 100-105 mph at the end and then accelerate through turn 2 & 3. What fun... but it took me a couple (quite a few) laps to gain the confidence to do it well enough to keep someone at bay...

 

One more of the digital pics.... I have two rolls of 35mm in getting developed right now... hopefully they will be much better pics.

This last one is of 'The Master', David Muramoto (hope I spelled that right) showing us how the pros cheat, just a little, on the final turn before the front straight... isn't that right David????

 

Glad everyone had a great time, wish I could have been there.
How'd the new Stoptechs work Gary, your brief feedback would be great. Not like I need to buy some or anything so you don't have to be to descriptive, just what you thought of them.

Brian

 

Trying to explain how fast I was going on that turn but unfortunately wasn't facing the right way if you guys know what I mean Apart from the little misshap on turn #3, I had a great time and learned alot about the Z's abilities on the track. I'm anxiously waiting for the next track event and can already tell I am getting addicted!!!! Thanks to David for spending the time teaching us how to master the Z and everyone else who made this event so memorable.

Alex

 

I also had an excellent time at the track event. Aside from getting David's Z a little (*cough*a lot*cough*) sideways on the last 2 turns while he watched from in front of me (curious, he was mostly in front of me... I had an excellent time.

Seriously, I had less than zero idea that the inside of a race car was that violent. David took me along on his famous "Wanna see what it's supposed to look like?" rides, and I just about ripped the passenger side door pull off in my hand! Wow!

Excellent teaching David. Excellent company guys, Don, Alex and Gary. I'm going to get the BSpeed group to go at some point, if they can get out of bed before 10am!

Thanks again guys, memorable as always.

 

Great pictures, Don. I especially like the one of David attacking the curbs.

Brian - sorry you couldn't make it. The Stoptechs were great...it was worth every penny to not have to worry about my brakes. Having those better brakes up front did make the rears work harder over a longer period of time(as evidenced by the anti-seize on the rear pad shims burning off in dramatic fashion,) and I could feel that the rears were getting really warm towards the end of the day. But the effect of that was just a slightly softer pedal over the last few laps, as opposed to having 90% of my braking ability disappear as I experienced with the stock brakes in the past. And it's nothing that trimming that heat-shield around the rear rotors shouldn't take care of.

I agree with David...that was the best track day yet, and it was too bad more people weren't able to make it (but that just meant more track space for David, Allen, Don, Alex, and me.) I think everyone had a lot of fun driving and talking about driving (I know I did,) and we're all anxiously awaiting the next opportunity to get out on a track!

 

Sounds like you guys had a great time, I'm jealous. That's two track days I've missed due to other plans. My future plans may just have to be cancelled when the next track day comes up.

Hopefully David's schedule isn't too busy for another track event.