2nd Creek Track Day, Denver
Well I got my front tires replaced for free this morning at Peak Nissan. They just looked at the tires, replaced them, aligned, and washed the car. They even had the tires in stock. I would have like to get all new non-Bridgestone tires, but this was the cheapest solution for me. I knew there was a lot of noise from the feathering, but I didn’t realize how loud it was until after the adjustment. It took about two and a half hours. That gave me plenty of time to walk around the dealership and the new Infiniti dealership in the same lot.
Side note: They had about seven new Zs and four new roadsters. There were about five used Zs, one of them a Track model. They also had a brand new hail damaged touring Z for $28K.
See everyone at Second Creek (Sixteen days from the time of this post).
David
Side note: They had about seven new Zs and four new roadsters. There were about five used Zs, one of them a Track model. They also had a brand new hail damaged touring Z for $28K.
See everyone at Second Creek (Sixteen days from the time of this post).
David
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From: Parker, CO
David: Great news on your tires, although I'm sure stock ones weren't what you were hoping for...
Darrel: What kind of Z do you have? If it's a new 350, then you can get it looked over right there at the track. Just come a little early so they can get it done... that's what I do!
Darrel: What kind of Z do you have? If it's a new 350, then you can get it looked over right there at the track. Just come a little early so they can get it done... that's what I do!
Well it turns out that about a month ago I was talking to one of my friends and I mentioned the track day. I offered to let him drive my car in a different class that day. The other day he mentioned it to me that he might be out here for that and if it was still okay to use my car. I’m not worried about the liability part or anything like that, I was just concerned about the Z doing double duty that day. Any comments on this?
Craig: I know that your Z is doing double duty. Do you have any concerns and how did it do last time?
I will have the Redstuff pads on and the Motul brake fluid. It's same setup when we went to La Junta and I know that they got fried that day, but they still worked fine with no fade.
For the tech inspection; it took about five minutes in line and five more minutes inspecting. The ZCCC member looked at the engine, the battery, checked the torque on the wheel bolts, and checked the helmet for year and DOT approval.
12 days from the time of this post and counting.
David
Craig: I know that your Z is doing double duty. Do you have any concerns and how did it do last time?
I will have the Redstuff pads on and the Motul brake fluid. It's same setup when we went to La Junta and I know that they got fried that day, but they still worked fine with no fade.
For the tech inspection; it took about five minutes in line and five more minutes inspecting. The ZCCC member looked at the engine, the battery, checked the torque on the wheel bolts, and checked the helmet for year and DOT approval.
12 days from the time of this post and counting.
David
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,258
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From: Golden, CO
David,
I know that others (Craig, etc) have done double-duty in their car and not had much trouble. The upgraded pads and fluid will definitely help, but you might want to ask your friend to come in a little early each session to give the brakes a little extra time to cool (especially if you'll be going out in the very next session.)
You'll also want to check your tire pressures more often, as double duty will make the tires that much hotter and raise the pressures that much more. No big deal, just check them each session before you go out, and let some pressure out if necessary.
You'll also want to check your power steering fluid after each session...I don't think you've got enough track miles on your Z yet to have really broken that fluid down, but every hard-driving mile (especially at the track) gets you that much closer to overheating and boiling the fluid, and getting the cavitation (and possible power steering loss) that goes with it. I don't want to make you worry - I'm just mentioning something else to check between sessions.
It's cool that you're letting someone else drive your Z...this will give you an opportunity to hear that Stillen exhaust at full throttle from the outside!
Gary
I know that others (Craig, etc) have done double-duty in their car and not had much trouble. The upgraded pads and fluid will definitely help, but you might want to ask your friend to come in a little early each session to give the brakes a little extra time to cool (especially if you'll be going out in the very next session.)
You'll also want to check your tire pressures more often, as double duty will make the tires that much hotter and raise the pressures that much more. No big deal, just check them each session before you go out, and let some pressure out if necessary.
You'll also want to check your power steering fluid after each session...I don't think you've got enough track miles on your Z yet to have really broken that fluid down, but every hard-driving mile (especially at the track) gets you that much closer to overheating and boiling the fluid, and getting the cavitation (and possible power steering loss) that goes with it. I don't want to make you worry - I'm just mentioning something else to check between sessions.
It's cool that you're letting someone else drive your Z...this will give you an opportunity to hear that Stillen exhaust at full throttle from the outside!
Gary
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Parker, CO
Double duty at SCR... are you insane!? Not a good idea, especially if your groups are one right after the other. Gary is right... new pads and synthetic fluids will help significantly. My stock brake fluid made my brakes very mushy at the end of every session, the last time at SCR. Since then, I've gone synthetic like everyone else who abuses their braking system, and smile at the same time!
I've also changed my rear diff, transmission and engine fluids with synthetic (AMSOIL) and am very anxious to see/feel the difference at the track.
Gary: Speaking of power steering, didn't you have an upgrade installed on your baby? Has it made a noticable difference at the track, or even around town?
Two months is a long time between track days... I know 'Johnny Law' will be happier when I get another dose of speed... to calm my twitchin' feet!!! LOL... See you guys soon!
I've also changed my rear diff, transmission and engine fluids with synthetic (AMSOIL) and am very anxious to see/feel the difference at the track.
Gary: Speaking of power steering, didn't you have an upgrade installed on your baby? Has it made a noticable difference at the track, or even around town?
Two months is a long time between track days... I know 'Johnny Law' will be happier when I get another dose of speed... to calm my twitchin' feet!!! LOL... See you guys soon!
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From: Denver, CO
I was thinking that I would swing by SCR on the 11th (I think thats the day) just to check things out and say hello to the other Z owners. My car is still not through the "break in" stage and I do not have a helmet, so I would just be there as a spectator.
I have not yet joined the ZCCC. I printed the membership form, but have not mailed it with my check (laziness). Do you think that there will be someone at the track that I could turn my membership form and check into?
I figure this will probably be the last track day of the year and I will be missing out, but I should be ready to drive come next spring.
Hope to see some fast 350s there, if I can make it.
Chris
I have not yet joined the ZCCC. I printed the membership form, but have not mailed it with my check (laziness). Do you think that there will be someone at the track that I could turn my membership form and check into?
I figure this will probably be the last track day of the year and I will be missing out, but I should be ready to drive come next spring.
Hope to see some fast 350s there, if I can make it.
Chris
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Parker, CO
Chris, the first time to SCR I too was not a member of the ZCCC and only showed to see the action and chat with my on-line buddies face-to-face. However, after seeing them having so much fun without me, I sought out the club membership person, joined, and drove... an experience not too be forgotten, ever!
A helmet? You can find one between now and then... but if you don't, I'll lend you mine!!!
Hope to see you there!
A helmet? You can find one between now and then... but if you don't, I'll lend you mine!!!
Hope to see you there!
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,258
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From: Golden, CO
Don - Yeah, I got the Nismo power steering cooler to take care of the boiling and cavitation that I experienced after several hard track days. Hearing what sounds like golf ***** bouncing around under your hood is NOT what you want to experience while going through Kamikaze at SCR!
It seems to be working well, but a cooling mod like that is the kind of thing that you'll only ever find out if it's NOT working...it doesn't improve steering response or anything fun like that, but having experienced boiled power steering fluid first-hand, I decided that this was a good cheap 'maintenance' mod as insurance against that ever happening again.
And I know what you mean about needing another track fix...it's about time!
Chris - Come on out! Even if it's just to say hi and chat, it will be worth the drive. Like Don said, his first time out at SCR was 'just to watch.' That lasted all of 5 minutes before he decided to get out there and join the fun. There's no pressure, but you should be prepared to be SERIOUSLY tempted to drive your Z like it was meant to be driven. And while this is the last Z-club track day of the year, I suspect that we'll be organizing several more 350Z track days during the rest of the fall and into the winter (scheduling around weather, of course.)
All - Speaking of Second Creek, the SCCA is having a double-regional race weekend out there this Saturday and Sunday. Racing starts around 1 pm both days with 6 groups (each with multiple classes) racing in succession. If you want to see SCR at full-tilt, you should consider heading out to watch for a few minutes. It'll make our track days look like Grandma's Sunday drive! And even if you can't come out in the afternoon, there is practice and qualifying in the morning, which would also be interesting to check out. My wife and I are planning on heading out one afternoon for a couple of hours just to watch, and it's always fun to watch with more friends.
It's typically free to go watch the SCCA race, but supposedly they've been known to charge a small ($5 - $10) entry fee every once in a while. If you come out, be prepared to see everything from lightweight formula cars with full downforce to hot-and-heavy Trans Ams and 'Vettes going at it. Good stuff.
It seems to be working well, but a cooling mod like that is the kind of thing that you'll only ever find out if it's NOT working...it doesn't improve steering response or anything fun like that, but having experienced boiled power steering fluid first-hand, I decided that this was a good cheap 'maintenance' mod as insurance against that ever happening again.
And I know what you mean about needing another track fix...it's about time!
Chris - Come on out! Even if it's just to say hi and chat, it will be worth the drive. Like Don said, his first time out at SCR was 'just to watch.' That lasted all of 5 minutes before he decided to get out there and join the fun. There's no pressure, but you should be prepared to be SERIOUSLY tempted to drive your Z like it was meant to be driven. And while this is the last Z-club track day of the year, I suspect that we'll be organizing several more 350Z track days during the rest of the fall and into the winter (scheduling around weather, of course.)
All - Speaking of Second Creek, the SCCA is having a double-regional race weekend out there this Saturday and Sunday. Racing starts around 1 pm both days with 6 groups (each with multiple classes) racing in succession. If you want to see SCR at full-tilt, you should consider heading out to watch for a few minutes. It'll make our track days look like Grandma's Sunday drive! And even if you can't come out in the afternoon, there is practice and qualifying in the morning, which would also be interesting to check out. My wife and I are planning on heading out one afternoon for a couple of hours just to watch, and it's always fun to watch with more friends.
It's typically free to go watch the SCCA race, but supposedly they've been known to charge a small ($5 - $10) entry fee every once in a while. If you come out, be prepared to see everything from lightweight formula cars with full downforce to hot-and-heavy Trans Ams and 'Vettes going at it. Good stuff.
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From: Parker, CO
Gary, do you have a schedule for this coming weekend? I'm working day shifts, but may head out there after I get off work (2:30 ish) if they will still be going at it... besides, it will be fun to finally meet the Miss's!!!
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Golden, CO
Don - The schedule (such as it is) from www.coloradoscca.org:
SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2004 – at the track
RESTRICTED REGIONAL RACES
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration
7:00 a.m. – Lunch – Tech hours
7:30 a.m. – End of competition – Scale hours
EXCEPT DURING IMPOUND
GROUPS:
1. DSR/SRF.
2. GT4-5, EP, FP, GP, HP, SSB-C, IT-A-B-C-S, LEG.
3. SM/S7.
4. FA, FC, CC, FM, CSR, S2, FS1, FSCCA.
5. GT1-2-3, T1-2, AS, ITE, SP, SSA, ASR.
6. CF, FF, FS, FV, F5.
8:00 a.m. 20 minute Practice sessions groups 1-6
Driver’s meeting / Worker Break.
20 minute Qualifying sessions groups 1-6
LUNCH BREAK - Worker Lunch Provided
AFTERNOON RACES - 18 LAPS FOR REGIONALS
Restricted Regional, RMD Championship Points Races
18 laps groups 1-6
Worker Break between races groups 3-4.
Race PARTY at end of day!!
SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2004 – at the track
RESTRICTED REGIONAL RACES
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration
7:00 a.m. – Lunch – Tech hours
7:30 a.m. – End of competition – Scale hours
EXCEPT DURING IMPOUND
GROUPS:
1. DSR/SRF.
2. GT4-5, EP, FP, GP, HP, SSB-C, IT-A-B-C-S, LEG.
3. SM/S7.
4. FA, FC, CC, FM, CSR, S2, FS1, FSCCA.
5. GT1-2-3, T1-2, AS, ITE, SP, SSA, ASR.
6. CF, FF, FS, FV, F5.
8:00 a.m. 20 minute Practice sessions groups 1-6
Driver’s meeting / Worker Break.
20 minute Qualifying sessions groups 1-6
LUNCH BREAK – Worker Lunch Provided
AFTERNOON RACES – 18 LAPS FOR REGIONALS
Restricted Regional, RMD Championship Points Races
18 laps groups 1-6
Worker Break between races groups 3-4.
The main thing to gather from this is that the races start "after lunch," which I've found usually means about 1pm. Each race is 18 laps, which probably means that there will be a new race starting every 40-60 minutes or so (depending on delays, caution periods, worker breaks, etc.) So I think you should be able to catch some racing after work.
A quick breakdown of what types of cars are in the above groups:
1 - Open-cockpit prototypes (think of your generic LeMans (not Sunset!) car...these are basically much smaller versions of those.)
2 - Smaller displacement tube frames and showroom stocks...these are what David previously raced (when he had the good sense not to bust up his noggin!) The car that Allen drove at LaJunta is a good example of what you'll see in showroom stock.
3 - Spec Miata/Spec RX-7. Expect close racing here in Miatas and RX-7s.
4 - Faster open cockpit, open wheel formula cars (similar to what Don's girlfriend Danica Patrick drives)
5 - Big bore muscle car types (and the kind that David will be racing when he returns with his new car)
6 - Smaller, lower downforce formula cars
Yeah Don, you met Joanne at the last SCR track day...I think the fumes from all of those screaming, burnt tires are starting to get to your head! And incidentally, she's planning on making her track-driving debut in her new Audi Allroad at the Z-club track day on the 11th....I'm kind of curious to see how that goes.
We don't know what day or time we'll be able to head out to SCR this weekend to watch the racing...with so much going on, we'll pretty much be improvising our schedule as we go. But if anyone wants to try to meet out there, we can try to plan accordingly.
And unfortunately, I don't think there's much chance that David will be back in time for the SCCA races this weekend (and even if he was, the withdrawal from being at the track but not able to race would probably keep him from coming!) I know that he is hoping to be back in town by the Z-club day at SCR, though, but that will depend on how everything goes with his trip.
Gary
SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2004 – at the track
RESTRICTED REGIONAL RACES
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration
7:00 a.m. – Lunch – Tech hours
7:30 a.m. – End of competition – Scale hours
EXCEPT DURING IMPOUND
GROUPS:
1. DSR/SRF.
2. GT4-5, EP, FP, GP, HP, SSB-C, IT-A-B-C-S, LEG.
3. SM/S7.
4. FA, FC, CC, FM, CSR, S2, FS1, FSCCA.
5. GT1-2-3, T1-2, AS, ITE, SP, SSA, ASR.
6. CF, FF, FS, FV, F5.
8:00 a.m. 20 minute Practice sessions groups 1-6
Driver’s meeting / Worker Break.
20 minute Qualifying sessions groups 1-6
LUNCH BREAK - Worker Lunch Provided
AFTERNOON RACES - 18 LAPS FOR REGIONALS
Restricted Regional, RMD Championship Points Races
18 laps groups 1-6
Worker Break between races groups 3-4.
Race PARTY at end of day!!
SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2004 – at the track
RESTRICTED REGIONAL RACES
7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration
7:00 a.m. – Lunch – Tech hours
7:30 a.m. – End of competition – Scale hours
EXCEPT DURING IMPOUND
GROUPS:
1. DSR/SRF.
2. GT4-5, EP, FP, GP, HP, SSB-C, IT-A-B-C-S, LEG.
3. SM/S7.
4. FA, FC, CC, FM, CSR, S2, FS1, FSCCA.
5. GT1-2-3, T1-2, AS, ITE, SP, SSA, ASR.
6. CF, FF, FS, FV, F5.
8:00 a.m. 20 minute Practice sessions groups 1-6
Driver’s meeting / Worker Break.
20 minute Qualifying sessions groups 1-6
LUNCH BREAK – Worker Lunch Provided
AFTERNOON RACES – 18 LAPS FOR REGIONALS
Restricted Regional, RMD Championship Points Races
18 laps groups 1-6
Worker Break between races groups 3-4.
The main thing to gather from this is that the races start "after lunch," which I've found usually means about 1pm. Each race is 18 laps, which probably means that there will be a new race starting every 40-60 minutes or so (depending on delays, caution periods, worker breaks, etc.) So I think you should be able to catch some racing after work.
A quick breakdown of what types of cars are in the above groups:
1 - Open-cockpit prototypes (think of your generic LeMans (not Sunset!) car...these are basically much smaller versions of those.)
2 - Smaller displacement tube frames and showroom stocks...these are what David previously raced (when he had the good sense not to bust up his noggin!) The car that Allen drove at LaJunta is a good example of what you'll see in showroom stock.
3 - Spec Miata/Spec RX-7. Expect close racing here in Miatas and RX-7s.
4 - Faster open cockpit, open wheel formula cars (similar to what Don's girlfriend Danica Patrick drives)
5 - Big bore muscle car types (and the kind that David will be racing when he returns with his new car)
6 - Smaller, lower downforce formula cars
Yeah Don, you met Joanne at the last SCR track day...I think the fumes from all of those screaming, burnt tires are starting to get to your head! And incidentally, she's planning on making her track-driving debut in her new Audi Allroad at the Z-club track day on the 11th....I'm kind of curious to see how that goes.
We don't know what day or time we'll be able to head out to SCR this weekend to watch the racing...with so much going on, we'll pretty much be improvising our schedule as we go. But if anyone wants to try to meet out there, we can try to plan accordingly.
And unfortunately, I don't think there's much chance that David will be back in time for the SCCA races this weekend (and even if he was, the withdrawal from being at the track but not able to race would probably keep him from coming!) I know that he is hoping to be back in town by the Z-club day at SCR, though, but that will depend on how everything goes with his trip.
Gary
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 310
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From: Parker, CO
Thanks for all the good info Gary. If you plan to show, give me a call so I'll know where you are when we try to meet up (720) 470-1792.
Wow! Two speedracers in the family... can't wait to see this. Is she nervous about it?
Danica Patrick? What do you mean? You sound as though I have a thing for her or something... well, doesn't everyone??? So what if I have her pics and posters plastered all over my garage... hmmm? Who doesn't? LOL!!!!
Wow! Two speedracers in the family... can't wait to see this. Is she nervous about it?
Danica Patrick? What do you mean? You sound as though I have a thing for her or something... well, doesn't everyone??? So what if I have her pics and posters plastered all over my garage... hmmm? Who doesn't? LOL!!!!
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 263
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From: Arvada, CO
Gary,
My car did double duty at CHP with no detrimental side effects. It will be doing the same at 2nd Creek. I hope it handles the day as well as it did in Golden. We'll see. If it doesn't do well that may be incentive for the big brake upgrade we talked about. That would be a shame.
When I pulled the pads for replacement the rears were at about 1/8th inch thickness. The fronts were probably less than 40% of the thickness of the new pads. While they did not suffer fade at CHP they sure did wear!
Don,
I'm going to bring the seat belt tensioner with me. Maybe you can take a look and see what I'm doing wrong. I'd really like it to work. I think it would be a great advantage especially on this track. I've heard there is not much time to relax.
See you all at 2nd Creek
My car did double duty at CHP with no detrimental side effects. It will be doing the same at 2nd Creek. I hope it handles the day as well as it did in Golden. We'll see. If it doesn't do well that may be incentive for the big brake upgrade we talked about. That would be a shame.
When I pulled the pads for replacement the rears were at about 1/8th inch thickness. The fronts were probably less than 40% of the thickness of the new pads. While they did not suffer fade at CHP they sure did wear!
Don,
I'm going to bring the seat belt tensioner with me. Maybe you can take a look and see what I'm doing wrong. I'd really like it to work. I think it would be a great advantage especially on this track. I've heard there is not much time to relax.
See you all at 2nd Creek
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Craig: You'd better bring the CG-Lock, as I want to know why it doesn't work. I don't believe the roadster seat belts are any different from the coupe, but then what do I know, eh?
Definetly will see you there!
Definetly will see you there!
Alright, so I can join this Saturday then? I'm in the same boat as Chris, I printed and filled out the form, have the check, but it never got mailed. I just bought my first house and now, after the move, all kinds of things are showing up that I didn't take care of before hand. I'll bring it and the redistration fee on Saturday, and hope to race. Can't wait to see everyone there.
Will
Will
