Thanks to all who joined Clint and I at the Willow Springs Raceway with Speed Ventures yesterday. We had for the first time a substantial turn out of G35 drivers. AJ, Randy, Arash, and Kawika were out on the track, and Jason from Perf Nissan in his 350Z too. And lending no small measure of support on a very warm day (try 102 -106F on track at around 2PM) were Haime, Stephanie and Glenn. And yes, they got to ride around as much as they wanted to even though it was not a drive day for them this time. (I think next time we will have AT LEAST three more drivers in the ranks). The "Roval" at California Speedway is the next adventure, on the 25th of June).

There was so much track time if you wanted it, it was amazing. And if the weather had been a bit cooler I think we might have spent more time out there to take advantage. The morning was fine, indeed meeting in Sylmar it was in the mid sixty degrees range. But getting 50 minute breaks between sessions to let your baby cool down, and your tires to firm up, was prudent. Folks were pretty typically turning lap times in the low 1:50's to high 1:40's around 2.5 miles....and that is smokin' fast for a track average speed for newbies. (Help us out with the math here, but I think that is pretty close to 81-82mph average lap speed!!!) Check out some of the turns, especially that puckering #3, the double (triple?) apex Omega #4 at the top of the hill and the downhill #5....and that means you have to be carrying a lot of serious speed elsewhere to get the average speed up around the eighties! Good driving folks!

Typically we got 11 laps or more for each session. I think on the third session the marshall took a comfort station break because we got 13 timed laps!! To be going almost 33 miles of driving flat out is pretty intense. The cars handled it like a champ, but wearing a nomex suit I was definitely ready for a cold pool splash at the end of that one.

The first couple sessions were pretty slow because there were about 10 or 12 first time drivers, and they have instructors in the cars, are focused on getting familiar with the track, the lines to follow, the brake points and turn in points, apex location and track out lines, where to shift, etc., but by the third session it was getting fast as people got settled in and more comfortable, and began to explore the "edge" little by little...........and by the fifth session, and a few people having left after a couple of runs, everybody was really zooming. No dents, no prangs, no busted motors, just a lot of good fun. And I think that the first timers acquitted themselves most admirably with some safe and heady driving........while routinely topping 100mph at least twice each lap, on the kinked straight downhill from six and through seven, leading into the high speed sweeper turn 8, and down the front straight.

Clint got some video footage going front and rear, and I have some too, so we will try to put something fun together for you to watch and re-experience. It will take a few days, but it is safer than a Rasheed Wallace victory guarantee that you will like it. And more polite.

Cheers to all who went and thanks for a fine day, and the chance to meet some of the posters on this board in person.

Cpe 6MT/Aero/Prem/ATI/RT cats/Borla hdrs-catbcks/Nismo flywhl-cltch/TS-ECU/Tein flex EDFC/Stillen sways

 

Hey Ed,

Dont take this the wrong way, but for an old man (not that your old) you are the coolest guy i know now. Thanks foe the pointers when we got off the track, and also when i let you pass thanks for showing me some good lines. When Clint was in my car he would say man that was a pretty good line, except for the early apexing LOL.


I used to be all into the drag racing scene. But as someone told me on the track. Drag racing is 80% car, 20% driver. Well compared to open track racing its 80% driver, 20% car.

I honestly had one of the best times in my life. A very good expirence. I think next time when i go it will be a little bit better for me because NOW i know what to expect.

I wanna thank Clint for being such a cool instructor. You really helped me out alot. From giving me tips while driving, or while in your cousin S2K getting your *** handed to you. LOL. no but seriously thanks.

And i also got video from the inside of my car. But one problem. I FORGOT TO TURN MY MIC ON. What a bummer. So i think when i edit it i will add some nice soothing music to the backround.

Clint edit those videos ASAP i wanna see how my camera pod turned out in your car.

Again thanks to everyone showing up and to the girls that showed up, thanks for being warriors in the heat and the sun, hope you guys got a good tan. LOL.

2004 Diamond Graphite G35 Coupe 6MT, Premium Package, Aero Package, DVD Nav

2003 Brilliant Silver G35 Sedan Premium Package, Aero Package, DVD Nav

 

God O' Mighty!!! I lay there dead on my bed for 12 hours straight waking up a zombie still. That was perhaps the most exhausting track day I have experienced in a very long time for many reasons. Primarily, it had to do with the fact I did not catch any 'Zzz' the night before like I told the others to (*slaps own hand*), making it a sleepless 24-hr. My blood-shot pair of eyes would have been the tell-tell sign at the track and more than a few people did point it out then. So, how does a man manage to stay awake and running about without any sleep? Adrenaline! That wonderful hormone that pumps through one's veins making him Superman. In car terms, I was squeezing NOS into my system. The fact is, I was also elated by the mere presence of more G35 attendees. The mere sight of them having the time of their life was an additional 150-shot of NOS into my blood stream. That's how I stayed up!

The down side to the funny gas method is the bottles do not come bottomless. By the time we finish packing the gears and on the road home, this guy was SLAMMED! I find myself struggling to stay wake behind the wheel. This is bad! I called my cousin on the cell-phone to help me stay wake. We took a brief dinner break in Van Nuys at L&L's Hawaiian BBQ and then it was on the road again with everyone going their separate ways. Several minutes later, I was once again haunted by the all so powerful force of sleep deprivation. My eyelids slid shut a few times. Not good! I lowered my windows, I slappped myself, I screamed, I've tried everything to snap myself out of it. I could only imagine what the people in the cars next to me were thinking. Regardless of how hard I tried, I was not able to escape the Ring Wraths of sleep. My eyes shut for one more time and have probably stayed there for what seemed like eternity. By the time I have gathered enough will power to crack them open, the rear view mirror was flooded with a mesmerizing red, white and blues shimmering. For a good moment there I simply stared and thought to myself, "Wooo, how perrty". That is until the hippocampus gets back with the message of "You idiot! That's the CHP ... you are %$%$-ed!" Screeeetch ... DUH!!! Instantly, gone are the Ring Wraths of sleep ... reality sets in and I'm just a mere mortal. I'm certain the CHP was not amused by my extended acknowledgement time corresponding to the time he switched the lights, not to mention his royal highness’ mere presence. The first words out of his mouth were, "Woooh ... slow down buddy! You were doing 80 and you passed me up. I was following you. … license and registration please!" Wow ... where was I when this passing happened? Oh that's right. I was counting the sheep at the time. You don't suppose the old "But, I wasn't speeding officer" line is going to work here? Certainly not, I knew I was done for when I learned of this ‘pass’. I apologized and admitted to the offenses and told him exactly what happened. That was, I fell asleep behind the wheel. The response was, "... well, I could give you a ticket for that too." Ouch! I swallowed the pride and apologized a second time followed by plead for a warning instead. I swear for a second there I saw a glimpse of compassion from his eyes. He turns and started to walk towards his car, while leaning towards his left shoulder radio (presumably talking to his dispatcher). Half way to his car, he paused, turned and headed back my way. "This is your lucky day! I'm letting you off. I've got a call." He then took his time to show me how to get back onto the freeway safely. Lady luck was with me this night and I wasn't going to diss her. Cruise control set on 65 and the Ring Wrath was no where to be found

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE DAY ... both on and off the track!


Clint (THX723)

 

CLint:
Your many good deeds of this day for your fellow Gsters was rewarded by the gods of road racing.

Cpe 6MT/Aero/Prem/ATI/RT cats/Borla hdrs-catbcks/Nismo flywhl-cltch/TS-ECU/Tein flex EDFC/Stillen sways

 

Arash,
Ed's a fine gentleman indeed. I've had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with him on many ocassions and consider him a good friend ... like many I have made over the past 9 months of G ownership.

This track event was special to me for I do not remeber the last time more than a few G35s and Zs were seen at one time. Typically, you'll find Honda S2000s as the dominate theme, but we may have stole the show this time around Special thanks to all who made it for the first time. Arash, Randy, AJ, Kawika, Haemi, Stephanie and Glenn/wife.

The 'instructor' role was not originally planned. I recieved a call from Aaron of Speed Ventures the day before, asking if I could help out by filling in a vacant instructor's role ... I agreed. In a way, I think it worked out great since I was able to take you and Randy on as my pupil. Being a G35 owner, I'm able to pass on all the nooks and cranny of our car's handling traits. Being able to get a ride in my car for show'n tell at near 10/10 pace also provided the proper reference point for you guys to work with. I noticed a dramatic 'fire' within Randy's driving after such a ride with me.

Overall, I was extremely pleased and proud of both of you guys. The lap times you turned in were no laughing matters. Naturally, I'd like to think it's my godly insturctions, but really ... it's all you! I didn't get to ride w. Kawika or AJ, but they looked to be doing a superb job as well. Thumbs up for Kawika, the crazy Hawiian, who ripped some very fast times. Go Sedans! Woot woot!

You (Arash) are a natuarally smooth driver, a desirable trait amount great drivers. Great clutch/gear application also. Ya just gotta fine tune your racing lines and stop early apexing ... LOL. Also, start looking into heel 'n toeing. It looks like your JIC coilovers and Hotchkis sway bars also appeared to have paid devidant comapred to Randy's stock setup. While I can't say for certain unless I was the one driving, I did noticed certain positive tail-tail signs of desirable dynamics. The *stock* coupe suspension's no sloutch however. Wow ... this the first time I've been on track w. a coupe. Surely, it could be even better with a set of properly dialed in coilovers + sway bars, but you coupe people really have nothing to complaint about.

In contrast, Randy appears a more aggressive driver and that is also what it takes to be fast as well. One needs to be 'aggressive' to attack turn-8 without lifting and yes our cars can do it! He does brake deeper, but falls for the common early brake dis-application mistake. It's a natural response when you think you can stop shorter than the car can from high speed. But what's really getting in his way is the fact he's also not familar with the art of heel-and-toeing. The is the secret of deep braking and early power application. It will be neat to see the two of you to continue progress. Do I feel a little one on one in the future? Just kidding!

By the way, remember ... we are all getting Timing Transponders 'on the house'. Yes, that includes you Ed. So be sure to double check your credit-card bill.



Ed,
While riding shotgun and instructing Arash, you got by and proceeded to put my words of what a proper racing line ought to look like in front of us with your driving. Thanks for making my job easier. I belive the words out of Arash was, "Ohhh, so that's what you wanted?"

Again, the lack of sleep cost me in many ways this time. I didn't feel quite as sharp on the the track and many brain fades in regards to preperation and setup. My car never felt fully dialed in. It was much too hot for me to want to get underneath the car to make changes. The biggest SNAFU, however, was my camera setup. Boy am I really kicking myself on this one. Not only did I not used the external mic like I had planned, I forgot to dampen the camera mount w. a piece of foam like I have been doing so many times in the past. I'm just not happy w. the footages I have so far I'll do my best to cover up these deficiencies in post editing magic.

Clint (THX723)<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by THX723 on 06/05/04 03:40 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

i was there last monday (on my bike!!) and it was great
my best lap last week was a 1:34.45, which is ok for a beginner (like me!) my best race lap was last race at 1:33.11

I'm planning on hitting the high 32's this upcoming race june 20th

you guys are all welcomed to come out and watch, there are alot of fast guys out there



maybe if i get some *****, i'll take my car out on that track, till then, two wheels only!!

Suicide Kings Racing

 

SAM, *****? HA HA HA you are the one going at it with a BIKE. you got some *****. Come out next time


Clint:

Thanks for those cool words, i really appreciate it. Honestly your starting to become one of my good friends.

Again i became cool with everyone and became closer to everyone. BEST TIME OF MY LIFE


Again thanks. I think we now have a good group of friends that go to the track quite often now. Im so into it that im going to buy some slicks HE HE, and I think i will try to make it out to california speedway.

Anybody wanna go?


2004 Diamond Graphite G35 Coupe 6MT, Premium Package, Aero Package, DVD Nav

2003 Brilliant Silver G35 Sedan Premium Package, Aero Package, DVD Nav

 

woo hoo! was definatly an awesome time...

smokin hot day... i am now a burnt to a crisp redneck... HAHAHA... I am sooo sunburnt and stillen today didnt help with that!

next time im going to wear sun block!

Jason
AIM: PerformanceNISMO
Yahoo: MyNISMOParts
http://www.performancenissanparts.com

 

Rashman:
I am already signed up to go to California Speedway on the 25th of June, so I will see you there.
If you are serious about tires, definitely think about the Toyo RA-1. It is DOT street legal, so you can put them on and then drive to and from the track. Otherwise, if you do get slicks, you have to either trailer the car, or find a way to get them up there....you can't carry a full set of four in the coupe, so you need a buddy with a truck or SUV to come along.

Tires make a HUGE difference, especially when you are exploring the limits of adhesion on turns like 2 and 8 and 9 at Willow Springs......8 was like 110mph and 9 was 90mph, and 1 and 2 are 80mph plus!. But the real little nasties were the uphill lefty 3 where you drift right, and 5...the downhill lefty where you can just start to slide off. The upgraded rubber will really help you grab and hold on. But you have to get used to them because they do not give as much warning when you get to the edge as compared to the "talking" that the stock tires do give you. Jason set me up with a good arrangement, so if you are serious, give me a pm and/or talk to him.

You and Randy and Kawicka and AJ were really excellent for your first time out, no baloney. I was impressed.
And as for being an "old guy", hey that is ok. I am celebrating my 26th birthday.....for the 26th time!
As Lee Trevino said..the older I get...the better I used to be!

Cpe 6MT/Aero/Prem/ATI/RT cats/Borla hdrs-catbcks/Nismo flywhl-cltch/TS-ECU/Tein flex EDFC/Stillen sways

 

i am glad you guys had fun at willow. also glad that some of you decided to go to cal speedway on the 25th as i already signed up for it before the willow plan. my thought was two track days in a month is too much for my old bones...lol. see you guys at the speedway!!

Bo
6M/T Coupe, DP/Willow, Premium, Al pedals, splash guards, Z-tube w/ K&N drop in, Fujitsubo Y-Pipe

 

I had a blast! I learned more about my car than myself that day. Clint, excellent instructing. You gave me the courage to push my car that extra mile and boy did I. Doing 115 around turn 8 was amazing! I think once I lower my suspension and put sway bars on, I'll be a lot better off. Everyone was cool and I thank those who showed up for support. Glenn, that was quite a ride in session 4, huh? Arash, great driving. Kawika... should be aka, INSANE Hawaiian! And Ed, Sleeper1...you're a great guy and boy am I glad those screws didn't make it into my engine! All in all, the best experience I've had with my car.

2 G or NOT 2 G, there is no question!

Injen SES, Kinetix cats, K&N Typhoon, 19" PIAA Super Rozza's (19x9 & 19x10)

 

Footage, where's the FOOTAGE!

2 G or NOT 2 G, there is no question!

Injen SES, Kinetix cats, K&N Typhoon, 19" PIAA Super Rozza's (19x9 & 19x10)

 

well my footage wont be good reason is i got for got to turn on my microphone inside the car.

2004 Diamond Graphite G35 Coupe 6MT, Premium Package, Aero Package, DVD Nav

2003 Brilliant Silver G35 Sedan Premium Package, Aero Package, DVD Nav

 

Randy:
I have good video capture. Clint is going to swing by my place tonight and I will give him the digital tape. My editing program is great, but unfortunately after doing all the magic to it.....it won't burn! So it is trapped in the stupid computer.

Clint can take the tape and do his normal magic. Then we will get our friend Matt at G-Owners to host it. The article will be done late tonight.

Cpe 6MT/Aero/Prem/ATI/RT cats/Borla hdrs-catbcks/Nismo flywhl-cltch/TS-ECU/Tein flex EDFC/Stillen sways

 

for the next track event I am going to bust out my circuit city credit card or call up my buddy crazy gidian! haha

Jason
AIM: PerformanceNISMO
Yahoo: MyNISMOParts
http://www.performancenissanparts.com