Tracking The Z

Well we finally got to do it... when I bought the car she needed work, I did what I could so she could run a few autocross events. Even managed to win the STR Solo Class for the year in 2010 for the SB Region of the SCCA (Event Pics). I always wanted to get her on a track and today was the day... 

It's been about a month since I got her back and finally running. We did a Cars and Coffee event (car show) and then I registered for the Festival of Speed open track time at Gingerman Raceway. I had to do a lot to prepare for the event. I decided to pull the Shelby Cal500 wheels that were on her when I got her (14x6) out of storage. Cleaned them up a little, and made the decision to just throw some cheap used rubber on them as I knew I just need to learn the car and get used to driving her. 

I had to get all my race stuff back together. Luckily my SA2005 helmet is still good, my air tank and compressor got to work, and I pulled together my race day tool bag and found most of the things that went in it. I had the anxiety of prepping for the race all week and of course didn't sleep the night before. I got up early, packed food, packed the car, and rolled out... 

I had a beautiful sunrise drive on the way to South Haven. I rolled up into the track, signed my waiver, found a parking spot and headed to registration and tech. It eerily felt like old times, but also so new or like I have never done it before. I signed up for the open track event portion. We got three heats of 20 minutes each on course. No timing, passing only in the straight aways, but still workers on corners, and about 20 cars at the same time. 

I was probably the car with the least horse power... much less than half (more like 1/4 or less) of the HP in the Hellcat, McLaren, Porsche, and the monster prepped Bells Brewery Camaros that all passed me like I was standing still on the back straight... I will say though, I think I was the best looking though... 

The first trip out I really took it easy... I have never been on a track on regular street tires, and I was on some used all season radials and I kinda regretted right away not spending a little more on tires. I soon got over that as I was just having fun driving, taking corners, trying to stay on line, listening to the tires, enjoying the track, and watching for the McLaren creeping up quick to pass me. 

The break between the 1st and 2nd time on track was short, I got another coffee quick and walked a bit and chatted with other drivers. The 2nd run I pushed it more. I tried thinking more about shift points and planned ahead where to shift and watched the braking markers better. My other times on the track I was in cars much more prepped for the track, so it was different for me learning what she could, or more importantly, would do for me. Also realized she is capable of much more so I felt like I was letting her down. 

The final set we got, I really pushed it more. I got the rear end loose a couple times, and was honestly then glad I got the cheap rubber. I feel like I got to feel the car kinda raw, how she came from the factory (she is really bone stock) and then I can build up from there. One car broke down on course so that sucked a little of our track time while they cleared the car, but I felt like my laps were getting better, I was learning how she liked to turn and how to keep traction on the rear tires so we could pull stronger through the turns.

Once we finished... I didn't stay long (it was a whole weekend event), I mingled with a few friends, and then I rolled home... unlike many of the fancy cars there the Z arrived on her own power, and then got us home. No trailer here. 

So what was my favorite part of it all... well it was time with the kids on it. The night before, N asked to go for a sunset cruise to take pictures with her new camera. We did (first picture) and had a nice chat as we drove from spot to spot for pictures. It was really fun working with Cruz to get her ready, especially with all the trouble getting the race wheels on her (Blog: Garage Lessons). He helped get the wheels on, new bumper, and learned tools and applications and why I put more air in the tires. Mari well, when I told her I was going to race against a McLaren, she replied, "I rather just see a monster truck". 

I posted videos on my youtube channel... ha... here is my arrival, search the page for more from that trip and others: