Hey all...

I am in for Saturday the 13th...

Is it still $65?

Thanks for all the suggestions and information about the brake pads. Sorry I have not posted my thanks earlier, but I have been out on vacation and the forum has been down almost every time I try and log on.

I am planning on ordering the Hawk HPS front brake pads later today from Performance Nissan. If anyone has any last suggestions or comments please let me know before the end of the day. Thanks again...

BTW: Is this going to be a Z (or Nissan) only event? I have a friend (has some track experience) w/ a 928 who expressed interest in joining.

I am looking forward to this day! This will be my first time driving on a track; so the experience, suggestions, training, and especially everyone’s patience are greatly appreciated.

Thanks to dkmura and the rest of you guys for setting this up… Please keep me posted.

Chris

 

Oh no! The high cost of motorsports strikes again! Tires are a pricey for the Z, but we knew that going in, didn't we? For both Azrael and Bottom, I understand completely the need to prioritize. If it will help, I have some badly feathered 225/40-18 040s that I'd be willing to provide for FREE if it will allow you to go.

Keep in mind that while we all need to cut expenses, the HPDE days we are enjoying currently may be numbered. With the demise of SCR, we probably won't be able to offer as many track days next year as both PMI and LaJunta will attract car clubs willing to pay more. Remember the days of $35-60/car track fees with fondness- there's not another deal like in ANYWHERE in North America!

So far, it looks like our November head count is dwindling. With the lack of response thus far, I think we may only have four confirmations to date...

Chris- The cost for PMI remains at $60/car. And while we've tried to keep the group as a 'Z only' group previously, I think we need to open it up this time around. What kind of motorsports experience does your friend have?

 

I'm still in on the 13th. If only four show up, it wouldn't be any different than LaJunta, and that was a good time with lots of track and little traffic.

 

I wish I could make it, after PMI and all, but I am going to sit this one out. There is a lot of stuff that I want to improve on the Z, and I learned some valuable things to back this up at PMI, (even though I had to split early), so some mods are on order. Work is the other factor, can't get the day off, so that is life.

I will probally be up for the next event, when ever that is, so count me in early.

You guys have fun, and we'll see ya soon,
beeman

 

I too will vouch for the awesome prices and service from Onlinetires.com.
I love them and have used them 3 times now.

David, I will be there on Saturday as well. If you are opening this up, I may have to let my friends know about it. One has an S2000 and one has an STI and they have been begging me to come to one of these. Let me know your feelings. One has lots of track experience, and one has little experience. But both have very high levels of drag race experience.

Brian

 

We'll have to monitor how this HPDE goes, but yes, your two friends will be welcome on Saturday. Please let them know what our format is (so they're in agreement with it).

I'm reserving judgement on whether this will become our future policy, but there just doesn't seem to be enough Z pilots out there to sustain our exclusive status for these track days.

Brian- please post who will be attending after you hear back from them! We'll do another head count next week as well as give a projected weather forecast!

 

I will let you know David.
One of these guys is in Mexico right now, so I may not have an answer until Tuesday for sure on him.
I will keep you posted though as to whats up.

Brian

 

Sweet, does that mean I can bring my Lotus Elise? It’s imaginary, but it gets great gas mileage.

I definitely won’t be able to make it this time. Still no extra disposable income for tires and brakes. It was a great summer going to the track and attempting to take on a new hobby. Even though it’s expensive for me, it’s worth every penny. I feel that I learned a lot and appreciate all the help, the advice, the lessons, and the track times. Hopefully by the beginning of the spring season I’ll be ready to join you guys at the track for another year. Everyone have a great time and post plenty of pictures.
David

 

Well, if you bring your Elise, I'll have my Ferrari F2004 F1 car at PMI as well (wouldn't THAT be absurd)!

Back to reality, just remember that if tires and brakes are limiting you, I have feathered 040s you can mount up and GaryM05 has some used high-performance brake pads that you can have just by asking! So don't pass up this opportunity- there's no guarantee of when we'll be able to do this again!

Last comment: the advance weather forcast as of 11/4/04 has the weather turning cold and snowy at some point next week. Everybody kep their fingers crossed and hope that it's not going to impact our weekend date!

 

Would one of you mind giving me a call on my cell phone when you reach the Interquest sign at the North end of Colorado Springs? I'll try and hook up on I-25 at the same overlook as last time. Just PM me and I'll send my phone number.

Thanks...

 

It's Tuesday- 11/9/04- and time to post about this coming weekend. First, the list of those who are confirmed:

-Resolute (Will)
-Peterputter (Don)
-Jgray (Joel)
-Shogun (Joe)
-Fizz2 (Chris)
-Mudd (Brian)
-Dkmura (David)

Besides this seven, I anticipate 2-3 other non-Zs to attend, but haven't had any confirmations. Please post here if you're bringing someone or you're not on the confirmed list.

Now, to the weather: I've checked two forcasting services and one lists the weather as being slightly overcast and reaching 50 degrees F. The other says there is a chance of rain mixed with snow and a high of 45. As most of us know, the 350Z is a terrible snow car and I wouldn't risk going if the temps were lower and a certainty of heavy snow forecast. While I think we can count on some cooler temps (bring those jackets!) and possible some wet spots, my best guess at this point is WE ARE GOING!

Unless the weather takes a huge turn for the worse, let's meet at the rest stop just south of Larkspur (for those that haven't been there, see earlier in this thread for directions) between 7:45-8:15 am Saturday morning. We'll give a call to Jgray as we head into the Springs and fill out our group from there (Joel- if no one has PM'd you back, please PM me with your cell #). Please pack water, snacks and have a full tank of fuel to begin with, as it'll save us some time later on.

I'll have a similar program to last month's, but may take advantage of the conditions (particularly if it's wet) to work on some different accident avoidence exercises and possibly a separate program on how the line around the racetrack changes with wet or inclement conditions. Count on this being a another fast, but fun HPDE, with a few twists thrown in!

 

I'll be there in my 240 with the pavement pounding 101hp. ;-)

 

Will the snow be gone by Saturday... who knows???

 

I am also getting apprehensive about the forecasted weather conditions!

The online forecasts that I have visited have not been as forgiving as the forecast that Don provided. Most show good chances of snow in the early to mid morning.

I doubt anyone here wants to be near a native southern Texan attempting to drive in snow, much less drive near him.

I will certainly be keeping my eye on the weather…

My co-worker with the 928 still wants to come, but has yet to give a confirmation because he is also wary of the weather conditions and is wondering how bad the low track temperature will effect control.

 

FYI - It's currently snowing here in Colorado Springs. No accumulation yet, just rain mixed with snow.

 

It has been my HAPPY experience a couple times this year to have had crappy weather just before a scheduled track event. However, when it came to travelin' day... things couldn't have been better... those peeps that didn't go were sure disappointed.

I'm not giving up hope yet.

 

Weather reports are not very promising...

Checked two forcasts for Saturday and both are NOW calling for snow showers and temps down from the 40-50 degree range into the 30's. Now, I can teach folks how to handle their Zs in the wet, but the best way I know to handle snow and ice is to keep those beautiful cars safely tucked into the garage!

I'll post once more tomorrow (Friday), but this could be the first real weather-related cancellation. Keep those fingers crossed!

 

Well.... crap. I'm still in even if the track looks like a giant snow cone machine exploded over it. I can always "test drive" an STi from Marzoff Subaru if need be, but I need one last hurrah before storing my car for winter. In all reality though, like Don said, every time the weather looked discouraging, it turned out prestine.
Of, course, if the weather looks down right diabolical, then safety first..... I'll check back tomorrow.

 

Well if the weather holds out David, my buddy with the Suby STI is going to come, hope thats still ok.

I'm crossing my fingers!!

Brian

 

It is with great reluctance that I announce the CANCELLATION of tomorrow's PMI event. Multiple advance forcasts have given us a better idea of what Saturday will look like and two critical features of these forcasts are important to consider: first, the cold front moving through Colorado Friday night will bring light snow to the Front Range, but heavy snow to the southern mountains. This front is also projected to now spill over into the southern plains and this could mean some serious snow during the day at PMI. Second, the temps are projected to be in the 30's and with the wind chill (you can only imagine how the wind just howls across that racetrack) it will approach the freezing point.

Sorry to have to change my stance from my optimistic tone of earlier in the week. The safety and well-being of everybody in this group is job #1 to me. I've talked to the PMI track manager this morning and he concurs that this weekend does not look good.

I'd also request feedback on whether next Saturday (11/20/04), might be of interest to the group. PMI is available (and I've put down a tentative reservation), but we'll have to be realistic that the weather may not cooperate at this time of the year. Please post your responses here...