So are you ready for some "High Speed Meditation"? Recently there has been interest expressed by a number of ZONC members concerning "track days", "auto cross", etc .. I was asked if I would assist in providing some information to make ZONC members aware of upcoming events for this. My plan is to provide information and details for upcoming events that offer an opportunity for ZONC member participation, these will be added to the ZONC calendar. Additionally I will share some past "lessons learned" to help you understand what to do in preparation for a "track / auto cross event" and also what to expect one you arrive. Bear in mind that there may be some variation from group to group so I will generalize and you will need to review the rules, etc .. for events you plan to do prior to signing up.
MarqueMadness at Laguna Seca was a great time! The event ran from April 28th (Thursday) thru May 1st (Sunday) [WebMaster: Look for pictures on the club's website] On Thursday I reprsented ZONC as one of the pace car drivers for the Tour Day. The intent for the event was to allow people to drive the Laguna Seca track at reduced speed (about 5/10th race speed) in groups led by one of the pace car drivers. The MarqueMadness touring day started out with rain and a very wet track but by mid-morning the weather cleared up and the track dried very quickly. There was ample opportunity for everyone to get a lot of time on the track. Several of the race drivers who had not previously driven Laguna Seca signed up for the tour day so they could spend some time on the track in preparation for the upcoming weekend race events. Due to rain, Z Car Garage's drag competition was cancelled and the plan was to reschedule the event for another time so check ZCG's website (http://www.zcargarage.com/events/htm) for updated information on this.
ClubZ will host a track event at Thunderhill Park on Tuesday, June 29th. Entry information and event details can be found at http://www.clubz.org/track/062805.html
If you are planning on participating, go to the ClubZ website (http://www.clubz.org/track/form/entry.asp) and sign up. They will assign you to a group depending on your previous track experience.
Download the event tech checklist (http://www.clubz.org/track/tech_checklist.html) and inspect your car for compliance to each item, bring the completed tech checklist to the track with you. Be sure to review event details (http://www.clubz.org/track/062805.html#details) which gives you an overview for driver information, safety requirements, etc.
Be sure to bring plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated, a hat, sunblock, long pants (shorts and sandals will not be allowed for drivers nor passengers), on occasion long sleeve shirts are required, so bring one just incase. Plan on arriving at the track early (I think it opens at 7AM or 7:30AM) as you will need to get your car inspected, this will be done by Z Car Garage personnel. If you have questions, feel free to contact me or see me at the event.
Upcoming Events: June 1st and 29th (Wed) - ZCG Wednesday Nite Drags at Infineon Raceway. Updated information can be found at: http://www.zcargarage.com/events.htm Additional information about Infineon Raceway's Wednesday Nite Drags and the rules for car/driver requirements can be found at: http://www.infineonraceway.com/news_flash/home_4/463034.html June 28th (Tuesday) - Club Z will be hosting an event at Thunderhill Park (Willows, CA). Details and entry form will be available at the Club Z website (http://www.clubz.org/) prior to the event. In order to participate you have to be a member, for those having older Z's (pre z32) you must join as an associate member, details are given on the website or call me for information. Personally I have participated at numerous Club Z events and highly recommend them. They are well organized and have instructors available for new participants and anyone requesting one-on-one in-car instruction. July 14-17 (Thurs-Sun) - The All Datsun Meet starts on a Thursday at Thunderhill Park and then moves to Mount Shasta for more fun, food and lots of nice Datsun/Nissan cars. This is one of the better deals you will find, I will provide additional information as it becomes available. (Note: More information can be found in the Calendar portion of this website.)
If you have suggestions and/or questions, feel free to send them to me at: Zblues7769@yahoo.com
Click here for last month's Competition Corner.
There was a mix of very nice cars and a great group of people in attendance; from the conversations I had with various participants, it seems that they really enjoyed the day. As for me, it had been several years since my last track day at Laguna Seca and it refreshed my memory as to how beautiful the Laguna Seca area is and how much fun it is to drive the track with all its variations including elevation changes, turn variety, and of course the famous "Corkscrew". Hopefully MarqueMadness will return next year and if you have ever wanted to drive Laguna Seca, you should seriously consider doing the Tour Day.