I recently had a chance to experience an event called - Nismo performance Academy. Of course I was super excited when I heard about the event. An event that gives me chance to drive the almighty GT-R and Nismo 370Z (also the new Nismo Juke)? I wouldn't miss it for the world! I had to clear out my schedule for few days to make this happen. Also, having the event at my MOST favorite northeast track (Lime Rock Park), has made my decision (of attending) very easy
. I'll make any excuse to go to Lime Rock Park. I have been to some NE tracks, but I still haven't seen a track with such beautiful surrounding scenery. You have mountains on one side of the track and a small river on the other. This is a track, that'll keep your heart pounding as you climb the uphill and make you lose your breath, as you come downhill in triple digit speed. One little mistake coming downhill and you'll be kissing the sidewall! Hands down, one of my fav track.
First of all, I'd like to thank Matt aka MC (Co-owner/founder mygtr/Nagtroc/gtrlife). He is a true Nissan/Nismo enthusiast who took the time to pm me and offered to take my email address (and submit it to proper authority), so that I can get a chance to go to this event. Matt, I'll not lie to you, it WAS the best birthday present I have received in years.
What is Nismo Performance Academy? It's an event, where you get to drive the Nismo Juke through autocross, get classroom instruction on performance driving, go out and learn the Z dynamics on a wet skidpad, drive your own Nissan Z (or GT-R) and see what it's capable of at the track and get a taste of the almightly GT-R (if you haven't driven one yet) that will give you goosebumps when you floor the gas pedal! Yup, it's that one of a kind experience. I have actually been to many BMW, Audi, Lexus driving experience events. I have always wondered, "how come Nissan never do such events?" That thought has been on my mind for last 3+ years. Finally when I heard about the Nismo Performance Event, I was very happy. I knew this was a great idea and it'll make Nissan Z and GT-R owners feel good about their purchase and give something back to hardcore Nissan Z (GT-R) enthusiasts.
I had a chance to meet the guy behind the idea of this event. He is the chief marketing manager of NISMO and Nissan sports car marketing of Nissan USA. His name is
Carl Phillips. As I spoke to him and he seemed like a very down to earth, true Nissan enthusiast kinda guy. I have seen him go from Autocross section to skidpad section to track section and talk to various Z/GT-R owners throughout the whole event. During our conversation, we both agreed that events like these are truly appreciated by Z/GT-R owners. It gives us that satisfaction and makes us feel good about our addiction to Nissan Performance (vehicles). It also rewards us for buying our car. We need events like this to put Nissan on top of the game. I'm sure there are many people involved to make something like this happen (including Matt), I truly do thank each and everyone for making these events possible.
As for the event, it was perfect! The event was perfectly executed. Everything was on time and very predictable (under control). From the instructors to event helpers to Nissan reps -- everyone had a very professional attitude. There were various motorsports activity scheduled throughout the day (it's a 10 hour event!) and by the time you're done, you're very satisfied. I do have to say, it was the most eventful and perfectly executed driving experience event I have been to till date. We had so many things to do. We started out in the classroom where we learned how to drive these Nissan vehicles FAST and in-control at the track. Then we did some autocross practice followed by skidpad test. Then we did something called "Dynamics Course" where you go though all these small segments at the track with your own car where you can test out the ability of your car. We had catered breakfast and lunch which was top notch. After lunch, we did "Nismo Immersion" which was a jeopardy game based on Nissan and Nismo. Then, autocross competition. Followed by a 1 full hour of driving your own car at the track and one full hour of driving (Nismo) Zs and GT-Rs. Finally, there was an awards ceremony where very valuable prizes were given out.
In conclusion, I'd like to say thank you for organizing and allowing me to attend such event. I'm very thankful. I know how expansive events like this can be where just to rent the track for a day, it's tens of thousands of dollars! To pay for the instructors, food, the fleet of Zs and gtrs, expansive prizes etc, I'm sure hundreds of thousands of dollars are invested. I'd like to thank Nissan for events like these and I'd like to see more of these. The more you share images, videos, etc on your social media or forums etc, the more publicity events like this will get. The more publicity events like this will get, the more attention Nissan will pay. At the end, Nissan will be happy that they launched such events and CONTINUE to give us such events even in more frequent increments. So try to attend one of these event. I'm going to work with Carl and Matt and have a strong force to continue to help with successful Nismo Performance Events. If you've attended Nismo Performance event, do not hesitate share those pictures and videos with your Facebook, twitter, Instagram or forum friends. Remember, the more publicity you can show, they more Nissan will be interested to launch more events
.
Long live the Z and GT-R
