Denver fun...
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From: Denver, CO
Denver fun...
Any of you guys ever go out and have fun in Denver? I have been to several get togethers and I am always the only Z. This weekend freak'n rocked with all kinds of sports cars. My buddy was out in his 500+hp skyline, tons of heavily modded evos (400+hp), a brand new porsche turbo 996 (aero package), a slew of mini's, 500+hp civics, and every other car in between. We mostly just hung out. Caravaned around a little, and each stop turned into a car show.
Is the Z crowd just weak out here? Is there only like 4 organized events a year? I have raced 4 autocrosses in the last 12 months and have only seen one other member at an event, and he didn't even race! (Not a personal shot zand02- nice car by the way!)
I'm just complaining to be complaining. But there are never any hooters lunches, caravans around town, bar-b-que's, nothing! I understand that the track events are a lot of fun -but expensive, require racing gear, and just don't happen enough to create a close group.
I would love to meet some new people!
There is a great dyno shop right off of 70, is anyone interested in a dyno day? I have talked to the owner and we can get a group discount.
Post up Denver!
Is the Z crowd just weak out here? Is there only like 4 organized events a year? I have raced 4 autocrosses in the last 12 months and have only seen one other member at an event, and he didn't even race! (Not a personal shot zand02- nice car by the way!)
I'm just complaining to be complaining. But there are never any hooters lunches, caravans around town, bar-b-que's, nothing! I understand that the track events are a lot of fun -but expensive, require racing gear, and just don't happen enough to create a close group.
I would love to meet some new people!
There is a great dyno shop right off of 70, is anyone interested in a dyno day? I have talked to the owner and we can get a group discount.
Post up Denver!
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,258
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From: Golden, CO
Wow, I'm not really sure where to start.
So far this year, we've had:
5 350Z track days (8 if you count the Z-Car Club track days.) Believe me, it doesn't take long to bond with other people at a track day and form a close group. Plus, it really doesn't take all that much special equipment to get started.
3 mountain drives.
At least 2 happy hours.
A BBQ (with free beer - thanks again, Mudd!)
A meet for the CART race.
And probably a few other things that I'm forgetting.
So I ask...where 'ya been? Don't take this the wrong way, but it's odd to see somebody who hasn't been to a single group event organized on this board (out of a dozen so far this year) ask if the local 350Z crowd is weak.
For me personally, meeting up with a bunch of other car owners and just tooling around town, stopping in random parking lots to hang out just isn't that much fun. Don't get me wrong - I think that Skylines, Porsches, S2000s, etc are great cars, and I'm sure that those who own them are just as enthusiastic as the Z group is. But my free time is limited, and I've found that the number of Z events that we have is more than enough to fill my available time and satisfy the car guy in me while hanging out with some great people.
Likewise with Auto-X (no offense to those that enjoy it, but hanging out in a parking lot all day waiting for a small handful of very short runs just doesn't do it for me.) The track days that we have, combined with the local SCCA Time Trial series, is more than enough to feed my urge for top speed in a controlled environment.
I know this reply sounds negative, but you asked the questions, and these are my answers (note that I don't speak for anyone else here...just myself.) That being said, I hope to see you at an event soon.
Gary
So far this year, we've had:
5 350Z track days (8 if you count the Z-Car Club track days.) Believe me, it doesn't take long to bond with other people at a track day and form a close group. Plus, it really doesn't take all that much special equipment to get started.
3 mountain drives.
At least 2 happy hours.
A BBQ (with free beer - thanks again, Mudd!)
A meet for the CART race.
And probably a few other things that I'm forgetting.
So I ask...where 'ya been? Don't take this the wrong way, but it's odd to see somebody who hasn't been to a single group event organized on this board (out of a dozen so far this year) ask if the local 350Z crowd is weak.
For me personally, meeting up with a bunch of other car owners and just tooling around town, stopping in random parking lots to hang out just isn't that much fun. Don't get me wrong - I think that Skylines, Porsches, S2000s, etc are great cars, and I'm sure that those who own them are just as enthusiastic as the Z group is. But my free time is limited, and I've found that the number of Z events that we have is more than enough to fill my available time and satisfy the car guy in me while hanging out with some great people.
Likewise with Auto-X (no offense to those that enjoy it, but hanging out in a parking lot all day waiting for a small handful of very short runs just doesn't do it for me.) The track days that we have, combined with the local SCCA Time Trial series, is more than enough to feed my urge for top speed in a controlled environment.
I know this reply sounds negative, but you asked the questions, and these are my answers (note that I don't speak for anyone else here...just myself.) That being said, I hope to see you at an event soon.
Gary
Last edited by GaryM05; Nov 9, 2004 at 08:43 AM.
Joined: May 2002
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From: Aurora, Colorado
Let me second GaryM05's comments and also mention that the track days we have also include (usually) lunch at the track and dinner out. It's a great time! The track fees we pay here in Colorado range from $35 (LaJunta) to $60 (PMI) and are CHEAP compared to the anywhere else in North America! It's great to bench race or just meet new Z owners, but it's even better to get out and improve your driving skills for minimal cost. Check any of the other boards and ALLl the other states in the SW forum- the Colorado group is WAY more active in comparison.
As for your dyno day idea, C5demon- I think the biggest obstacle is most 350Z owners that I've met have retained their stock setups (except for CAIs and exhaust). Most everybody knows that they will see between 235-250 RWHP. The local guys with Forced Induction setups have either crashed or moved out of state (with the exception of the Boulder Nissan Zs, who run primarily at the dragstrip). Still, if you want to put one together, I'd be interested. Post cost and date and let's get together. BTW- I went to a dyno day two years ago with the twin turbo group (10-12 Zs there alone) for some baseline data. Cost was around $55 for 3 pulls that day and there might be some other Z owners who are interested...
As for your dyno day idea, C5demon- I think the biggest obstacle is most 350Z owners that I've met have retained their stock setups (except for CAIs and exhaust). Most everybody knows that they will see between 235-250 RWHP. The local guys with Forced Induction setups have either crashed or moved out of state (with the exception of the Boulder Nissan Zs, who run primarily at the dragstrip). Still, if you want to put one together, I'd be interested. Post cost and date and let's get together. BTW- I went to a dyno day two years ago with the twin turbo group (10-12 Zs there alone) for some baseline data. Cost was around $55 for 3 pulls that day and there might be some other Z owners who are interested...
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From: Denver, CO
Hahaha...
That's funny that you two were the first to reply. This thread was directed to pretty much everyone else but you two! I knew both of you guys were heavy into the track days, and probably not interested in what I was posting anyway.
I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings here.
Three social gatherings in a year (note non race events) pretty much proves my point. I came from a sports car community where there was something going on weekly.
I guess I'm just bitching because I can't find that out here. Even our corvette club had dinner once a month at some fun new location.
Has anyone tried to organize a Z club? There might be a large interest!
I have nothing but love for the racing community- been racing for years myself.
That's funny that you two were the first to reply. This thread was directed to pretty much everyone else but you two! I knew both of you guys were heavy into the track days, and probably not interested in what I was posting anyway.
I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings here.
Three social gatherings in a year (note non race events) pretty much proves my point. I came from a sports car community where there was something going on weekly.
I guess I'm just bitching because I can't find that out here. Even our corvette club had dinner once a month at some fun new location.
Has anyone tried to organize a Z club? There might be a large interest!
I have nothing but love for the racing community- been racing for years myself.
I lived in Denver...well A-town for 3 years and the only scene out there were the people that hung out at Paragon Tuning and Bandamir(sp). I think it's the fact that for whatever reason half the people start hibernating in the winter. I miss Colorado soo bad, but CA and Florida represent hard in comparison for being auto enthusiasts.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Golden, CO
LOL - no offense taken, and definitely no feelings hurt. I just thought that some of your comments didn't necessary reflect reality as I see it, and I felt compelled to speak to the fact that there are more local events than maybe you've been aware of. We're all friends here 
We've had about 6 social, non-track or -race related events this year (between the mountain drives, happy hours, and BBQ,) and I think that we all wish that we had been able to have more. For whatever reason, this has proven to be a more difficult year than last year was for putting together meets and getting people together...or it could be that so many are interested in the track days that take up so many of the weekends that would otherwise be used for other events
And to underscore what dkmura mentioned, a track day is an extremely social experience, and there's nothing to say that you have to actually drive on the track if you come out for one (although I suspect that it would tough to fight the temptation!) Between the meet, the drive down, all the conversational time at the track, lunch, and dinner, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a more complete car-oriented event (and that doesn't even count driving on the track!)
The issues that our 350Z group has experienced in the past with having regularly-scheduled events is that we live all over town and tend to have very different schedules. As a result, we've had some happy hour gatherings that have seen a dozen people attend, and then we've had others that have seen 2 attend...it runs the gamut, and it's something that we've all kind of adjusted to.
Speaking of clubs, the Z-Car Club of Colorado (www.zccc.org) is a very active organization that has monthly dinner meetings and a slew of other events (everything from track days to mountain drives to ski outings.) Most of us in the local 350Z group are members of that organization, but I suspect that most of us only take advantage of their track days and discount list (which can save you a TON of $.) Additionally, board member Cyclemut has started a local chapter of the Nissan/Inifiniti B-Speed car club (http://www.team-bspeed.com/main.html,) but the last time I spoke to him about it, he was having trouble getting much interest beyond the first 3 or 4 meetings.
As for Colorado car activities vs. other areas of the country, I absolutely agree that you'll see more general interest in a place like SoCal, Dallas, or Florida, but I'll guarantee you that nobody has more (or cheaper) track events than we have here. I know that's not what you're into, C5Demon, but it's the most unique aspect of our group, and it's something that nobody else can match.
In addition to the upcoming track day this weekend and a possible dyno day at some point, I'd be curious if we can get together a holiday-season dinner/happy hour meet for the local group within the next few weeks. I'll try to put up a thread within the next few days/weeks and see what we can get together.
Gary
We've had about 6 social, non-track or -race related events this year (between the mountain drives, happy hours, and BBQ,) and I think that we all wish that we had been able to have more. For whatever reason, this has proven to be a more difficult year than last year was for putting together meets and getting people together...or it could be that so many are interested in the track days that take up so many of the weekends that would otherwise be used for other events
And to underscore what dkmura mentioned, a track day is an extremely social experience, and there's nothing to say that you have to actually drive on the track if you come out for one (although I suspect that it would tough to fight the temptation!) Between the meet, the drive down, all the conversational time at the track, lunch, and dinner, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a more complete car-oriented event (and that doesn't even count driving on the track!)The issues that our 350Z group has experienced in the past with having regularly-scheduled events is that we live all over town and tend to have very different schedules. As a result, we've had some happy hour gatherings that have seen a dozen people attend, and then we've had others that have seen 2 attend...it runs the gamut, and it's something that we've all kind of adjusted to.
Speaking of clubs, the Z-Car Club of Colorado (www.zccc.org) is a very active organization that has monthly dinner meetings and a slew of other events (everything from track days to mountain drives to ski outings.) Most of us in the local 350Z group are members of that organization, but I suspect that most of us only take advantage of their track days and discount list (which can save you a TON of $.) Additionally, board member Cyclemut has started a local chapter of the Nissan/Inifiniti B-Speed car club (http://www.team-bspeed.com/main.html,) but the last time I spoke to him about it, he was having trouble getting much interest beyond the first 3 or 4 meetings.
As for Colorado car activities vs. other areas of the country, I absolutely agree that you'll see more general interest in a place like SoCal, Dallas, or Florida, but I'll guarantee you that nobody has more (or cheaper) track events than we have here. I know that's not what you're into, C5Demon, but it's the most unique aspect of our group, and it's something that nobody else can match.
In addition to the upcoming track day this weekend and a possible dyno day at some point, I'd be curious if we can get together a holiday-season dinner/happy hour meet for the local group within the next few weeks. I'll try to put up a thread within the next few days/weeks and see what we can get together.
Gary
Last edited by GaryM05; Nov 9, 2004 at 03:24 PM.
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From: Arvada, CO
What Gary and Dave said !!! The Z club has a monthly meeting, track days, BBQ's , kart racing, ball games, road trips to various car museums and concours events, ski trips, mountain road trips and plains road trips when the weather is marginal. There are also trips to Z events in Calif. and also points east for track days and car rallies. If you attended them all you'd one busy fellow. I don't really know how to get much more going on and still find time to earn the money to allow all the playtime.
I see people from other areas of the west complaining that their areas don't have the events and interest shown in the Denver region.
Don't comp[lain just pick some meets and show up.
I see people from other areas of the west complaining that their areas don't have the events and interest shown in the Denver region.
Don't comp[lain just pick some meets and show up.
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What they all said^^^^^
Hope to see you Sat. at PMI C5. I know you will have a great time.
BTW......I think I have seen you a few times tooling around town in that beautiful PPW Z. Not sure if you work around downtown or off of Broadway or something, but thats where I have seen what I believe is you.
Mudd
Hope to see you Sat. at PMI C5. I know you will have a great time.
BTW......I think I have seen you a few times tooling around town in that beautiful PPW Z. Not sure if you work around downtown or off of Broadway or something, but thats where I have seen what I believe is you.
Mudd
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From: Denver, CO
What's up Mudd?!
That would be me you saw. I worked at CBS on lincoln/broadway and 11th. Quit last week, so you won't see me down there anymore. What are you in? color? I'm sure I've seen you.
I'm leaving for Seattle this weekend for training, but I am looking forward to meeting up with you guys in the future.
I didn't know about zccc! Thanks!
That would be me you saw. I worked at CBS on lincoln/broadway and 11th. Quit last week, so you won't see me down there anymore. What are you in? color? I'm sure I've seen you.
I'm leaving for Seattle this weekend for training, but I am looking forward to meeting up with you guys in the future.
I didn't know about zccc! Thanks!
I rarely bring my car down here, it's a Lemans Track model. I'm usually driving a comapny car down here. I'm not in an office much.
I work at 8th and I-25 which is for the most part one big ghetto. I usually won't drive my car here unless I know I will be around it all day due to the quality of this neighborhood. It's a dump.
Mudd
I work at 8th and I-25 which is for the most part one big ghetto. I usually won't drive my car here unless I know I will be around it all day due to the quality of this neighborhood. It's a dump.
Mudd
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From: SoCal
I've heard they look ok...but i wouldn't know myself...LOL
So is anyone else gonna start meeting up with us or what!!??
blah..blah..ballgames, bbq's, ect....
We meet at least once a week sometimes twice, so come on guys!
So is anyone else gonna start meeting up with us or what!!??
blah..blah..ballgames, bbq's, ect....
We meet at least once a week sometimes twice, so come on guys!
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From: austin
I might be interested, but I can't stand the ricer meets, like what I've seen posted on HAI. 50 kids in Sentras/Civics/Integras just doesn't do it for me -- and I can't stand street racing. Hanging out, meeting people, eating food, tossing back some drinks.. that's fun, and I might be interested, if you post the info. I wouldn't mind seeing a GT-R33 in person either.
As for the dyno day.. I would have to decline. Running my stock Z on the dyno isn't going to tell me anything I don't already know.. in fact, it will just remind me how much I hate the altitude.
The only other real problem I have is driving my Z in the winter. I drove the Z sparingly last winter and really beat up the front bumper and windshield. The rocks they spread all over the highways are brutal.
Oh, and Paul... any brakes that don't squeak are girly-man brakes.
As for the dyno day.. I would have to decline. Running my stock Z on the dyno isn't going to tell me anything I don't already know.. in fact, it will just remind me how much I hate the altitude.
The only other real problem I have is driving my Z in the winter. I drove the Z sparingly last winter and really beat up the front bumper and windshield. The rocks they spread all over the highways are brutal.
Oh, and Paul... any brakes that don't squeak are girly-man brakes.
Last edited by azrael; Nov 11, 2004 at 10:59 AM.
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From: SoCal
When we meet there are some civic's and evo's and what not...but we make sure we know who were calling...
we meet to hang out...but no drinking...that doesn't mix well with fast cars....
well maybe you and "C5DEMON" can have a few b/c your cars can't get you in too much trouble anyway...LOL
I'm totally just kidding...i just love busting C5's *****...lol
But on a serious note....I don't want to deal with that ricer crap either....its bad enough as it is....I actaully don't like hanging at one place too long either b/c people drive by and see the cars....
anyway we usually roll with some big power/ high profile cars....supras, rx-7's,vipers, 996's, evo's and civic's (but fast one's)
we just like meeing and having fun......
you said u don't like racing but we always end up lining up on the highways from destonation to destonation .......but if you don't want to play thats fine...
like i said we just meet and hang out...were all good people...
no trash talkers...etc..
hope to see ya out...
take care,,
Paul,
p.s...my car's a 32 not a 33
we meet to hang out...but no drinking...that doesn't mix well with fast cars....
well maybe you and "C5DEMON" can have a few b/c your cars can't get you in too much trouble anyway...LOL
I'm totally just kidding...i just love busting C5's *****...lol
But on a serious note....I don't want to deal with that ricer crap either....its bad enough as it is....I actaully don't like hanging at one place too long either b/c people drive by and see the cars....
anyway we usually roll with some big power/ high profile cars....supras, rx-7's,vipers, 996's, evo's and civic's (but fast one's)
we just like meeing and having fun......
you said u don't like racing but we always end up lining up on the highways from destonation to destonation .......but if you don't want to play thats fine...
like i said we just meet and hang out...were all good people...
no trash talkers...etc..
hope to see ya out...
take care,,
Paul,
p.s...my car's a 32 not a 33
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From: Parker, CO
C5DEMON... nice to see your enthusiasm for group meets and such. As everyone above so elequently mentioned, we have had quite a few meets, track days, and social gatherings to meet the car-guy needs of those who attended. In fact, we had eleven (11) 350z's out for a HDPE day at PMI in October. Sorry you missed it...
Keep posting suggestions for meets and gathering... you'll get someone I'm sure.
Cheers!
Keep posting suggestions for meets and gathering... you'll get someone I'm sure.
Cheers!
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From: austin
Originally posted by Paul2x
But on a serious note....I don't want to deal with that ricer crap either....its bad enough as it is....I actaully don't like hanging at one place too long either b/c people drive by and see the cars....
anyway we usually roll with some big power/ high profile cars....supras, rx-7's,vipers, 996's, evo's and civic's (but fast one's)
we just like meeing and having fun......
you said u don't like racing but we always end up lining up on the highways from destonation to destonation .......but if you don't want to play thats fine...
But on a serious note....I don't want to deal with that ricer crap either....its bad enough as it is....I actaully don't like hanging at one place too long either b/c people drive by and see the cars....
anyway we usually roll with some big power/ high profile cars....supras, rx-7's,vipers, 996's, evo's and civic's (but fast one's)
we just like meeing and having fun......
you said u don't like racing but we always end up lining up on the highways from destonation to destonation .......but if you don't want to play thats fine...
As far as the racing goes, I don't usually like to participate. Most of the street racing I've witnessed has been highly dangerous and really reckless. It pisses me off just to see it. In moderation and far from the public, it might not bother me quite so much. Personally, I need a traffic ticket like I need a hole in the head, so I'd rather take it to Bandimere.
My mistake on the R33/R32. I thought the GT-R33 was introduced in 1993. Looking forward to seeing the R32, then.
Matt
