Did my first true Auto-x event

[DaveB]

In May I did the SCCA Solo driving school where I got a lot of driving time with and without an instructor. Last weekend, I finally had time to get out and compete in my first auto-x event. After studying the SCCA rule book, it appeared my 03 G35 sedan would be kicked into the ESP class because of my plenum spacer. That means I'll never be truely competitve in this class that includes WRXs, AWD Talons/Eclipses, and F-bodies, many of which are on some sort of race-spec rubber. That's okay though, my G is just stepping stone to getting into a fun car like an S2000.

My Gs performance/handling mods:

Cobb rear sway bar
Z/coupe springs
Revised Z shocks
18X8 ASA AR1 rims (19lbs)
235/45 PZeros
Revup airbox
5/16 plenum spacer
HR Y-pipe
05/06 sedan midpipe

The course was realtively long and fast. Almost a cross between an auto-x course and road course. My times were 65.6 to 64.3 to 60.4 to 59.6. I was a bit worried at first because I got the 65.6 which was 2 seconds slower than my friend's 08 Altima S 6MT on springs and rims/tires. He had raced quite a bit since May, but I thought my G should be a bit quicker than the Altima S. My goal was to get into the low 60s so I was pleased with the 59. I'm certain the car had a low 58s in it if I could figure out the best way to get into 1st around a tight hairpin. I was significantly quicker than the 330i and A4s running out there.

What was weird though was the number of people coming up and asking me what kind of car I was racing. Apparently many SCCA drivers are either not quite the car buffs I thought or seeing a G35 sedan out there is a rarity. They were all impressed with the way the big sedan handled course especially with the auto. When I told them my best was a 59, their eyes bugged out a bit.

[gunluvS14]

it's good to see a G sedan get out there and dodge some cones

Tires are the biggest performance gain man, if u are serious about this sport, get more seat time and buy some R-compound once you get good.

have fun