Hey everyone,

I am somewhat new to the Z family (just got my SB Touring model 3 weeks ago). I'm in the Southern California area (near the Orange Circle) and was wondering if there are any Z clubs that meet near here? Any information would be appreciated.

-Chris

 

*sigh*
You should have read this board a bit before you posted. There's a thread titled "Orange County Meet" right at the top. We meet all over. Sometimes in LA, sometimes in OC, sometimes in SD. You might have to drive a little now and then, but we have meets all over.

-Sean

 

Chris... nevermind Sean's post there... He's our token white dood with the whiteboy shuffle dance, which he only unleashes after he gets drunk. HAHA!

WELCOME to the club!

Even though there is no *official* club here... we do have meets all over so cali...

 

I will ask this question in the hopes that

1. Someone will have another group for us to check out
2. It might open the eyes of Group Z to the attitude towards newcomers.

Are there any other 350Z clubs that meet in the OC area besides Group Z??? We went to the meeting on Thursday and my wife and I have never felt so unwelcome in our lives. We parked and walked over to where everyone was standing and nobody said a thing to us. We walked around looking at the cars for a few minutes then went inside. Still nobody said anything. The only person who even talked to us the whole time we were there only did because he apparently did not receive a "ZBreeze" newsletter and we did and he asked if he could look at ours. That was it!! Talk about a rude group of people!! I mean if the "Group" is only for the existing members, then they should make it publicly known so that future newcomers don't feel like they have to leave halfway though like we did.

-Chrismcagle

 

Sorry about your poor experience at the meeting Chris.

I got there just before 7:30, and didn't have a chance to hang out in the parkinng lot before the meeting started. If I would've known you would be attending, I would have made it a point to look for you.

I've found the best way to start a conversation there with someone is to, well, start a conversation with someone. I met Bert, who just bought an 04 Silverstone, and Tony who has an 03 Redline, and Kevin, who has three older model Z's. All by extending my hand and saying "Hi, I'm Jeff".

If you stayed through enough of the meeting to hear Bob (the Pres), and John (the VP) talk, I think you would've found these 2 guys to be very approachable. They are very interested in hearing from 350Z owners, because even though they might drive 240's, they know the future growth of the club is in making us 350Z owners feel welcome.

One thing to keep in mind is that GroupZ has been around for many years, and for the past 7 years, all new members had a car that the current membership could relate to; had knowledge of, parts for, etc. The 350Z is changing things at the meetings. I've noticed that when they announce a new member who has a 350Z, the acceptance applause is not as vigorous as when they annouce a new member who has a 240 or 260. But it is getting better, especially as the lot fills up with more 350Z's.

If you decide to give it another try, let me know that you are going, and I will make it a point to get there earlier so we can meet.

As for other ZCCA clubs in California, you can check out this link

 

Jeff,

Thanks for the info. I think that we got there at about 7:00 and were sitting right up front for the meeting. We stayed all the way until they were going to start the auction/raffle. In my last post I said that noone talked to us (other than the guy asking to look at our newsletter). I had forgot about the "newcomer" introduction and I agree that the "acceptance level" for anyone who said they drove a 350Z was far less than the other Z models. I suppose that you are right in that it takes two people to have a conversation and my wife and I could have approached someone, but there was almost a "snobby" attitude in the air when we walked over to where everyone was gathered. It would have been nice of at least someone to say "Is this your first time here? Hi my name is..." or something. I guess that there is "saftey" in the midst of friends and when you are not part of the "group" the is a little anxiety in meeting new people (kind of like your first day of school). Anyway, thanks again for the info.

-Chrismcagle

 

Chris:
The VP of Groupz here.
Did I talk to you during the visitors intro? As I stated in my little speech on thursday night, this may not be the club for you. That's why I ask folks to come to a few meeting before joining. My first attendance at GroupZ was a long time ago,
1990. At that time the only really accepted cars were the first generation 240Z's. Over time that has changed and with the 350Z it will change much faster because of the concerted efforts many of us have made to get the club membership up and diverse.
Unfortunately my time is limited at the meetings, but if you will search me out at our next one I'll be happy to introduce you to as many 350Z owners as I know.
We are the oldest Z club in Southern California, in fact in the US. Many of our members work for Nissan at the dealer level or at Nissan North America. We are the hosting club for the ZCCA National Convention in 2004 (June 14-19). We put on drives, BBQ's, show and shines, etc. Not everything we do is for all the membership, but I believe we have something for every Z owner and enthusiast.
If GroupZ is not for you, I hope you find a club that is. I have found involvement at the club level quite rewarding and that is why I commit a good chunk of time to this.
John vp@groupz.com