Sydney Skid Pan Day
 

I saw the video of the BluZ's 370Z on the Brisbane http://www.the370z.com/australia-new...1-skidpan.html and thought we should do one in Sydney. I have done a few skid pan days before in my WRX, and I'd like to see what the 370Z can do.

I asked Aaron McGill from Automotion Australia if he would be willing to put on a skid pan day for 370Z owners. He has said yes, however we will need at least 16 attendees to cover costs. If it goes ahead, it will cost $220 per person and will be on the Eastern Creek Skid Pan (it doesn't come cheap).

This is not just a fang around a track, it is an opportunity to learn how the car behaves and to explore the limits in a safe environment under expert instruction. It is primarily advanced driver instruction with a fun factor thrown in. It can make the difference between having an accident or avoiding it. No experience (other than a drivers license) is necessary.

At this stage, I'm just seeing if there is sufficient interest to pursue it. It would be great if it was all 370Zs, but I don't know that we could get 16 370Z owners. Maybe some of the Melbourne crew might like to come up for a weekend ? If we fall short on numbers, we could possibly open it up to friends, family or even 350Zs.

What do others think ?

Kelvin

great idea mate, im definitely in

16 attendees....thats gonna be difficult. i doubt we'll be able to get that many 370's, although it'd be quite a sight if we can pull it off

I've been wanting to do some kind of Advanced driver training. So I would be intereseted in this.

Do you have more details on whats covered? Is it a Advanced driver course or just session on drifting as i'd prefer to spend that kind of money on Advance/defensive driving
Thanks

I don't know if Aaron does drifting days, but that wasn't my intention. One of the benefits of organising this ourselves is that it can be tailored to suit our requirements. I'd suggest an advanced driver training day would be the best format for us, and one where we would learn the most about the capabilities of our cars and ourselves.

It typically starts with some classroom instruction :rolleyes: (sounds dull I know, but you will find it very valuable later). Aaron will show you how to set up your seat and steering wheel for best control. He will tell you what to do, and what not to do when driving. Perhaps with some interesting examples of why that is the case.

Then on to the wet skid pan where several different scenarios are set up with witches hats. What does ABS feel like ? What does it do ? How long does it take to stop from 60kmh ? 100kmh ? Can you steer to avoid obstacles while braking ? How fast can you corner ? What difference does traction control make ? What happens if you turn it off ? What do you do if the car oversteers or understeers ? Can you induce oversteer with the throttle or the handbrake ? Can you control it ?
An instructor usually demonstrates each exercise first, then sits with you in the car as you do it until you get the hang of it.

The day is run as Advanced Driver Training under instruction. It is not a free for all, hooning or any dangerous driving is not tolerated. Having said that, there is still an incredible amount of fun to be had.

Sounds great - thats definatly what I am after. I want to learn the limits of both myself and the car and should something happen on the road, that I can handle the situation.

cheers

Well, that's 3 of us. 13 more to go and we're in bsuiness.

If you're short on numbers, let me know and I'll put a post on the 300ZX forum (or you can do it yourself if you like), as long as you don't mind some brothers joining you.
It's certainly a little more that I paid but if it includes some advanced driver training, it's probably worth it. Mine was just a 'play day', so I say go for it.

Garry

Im in let me know when and where :)

Actually let me know if we need more numbers I'm sure my brothers would be in as well one has an Audi TTS the other a C63 and I'd love to give them a hard time

Thanks Joe, thats only four 370Z's so far, so I suspect we will have difficulty getting sixteen. So it might be a better idea to open it up to friends and family first to see if we can make up the numbers. My wife will come in her Audi S3, and my mate in his WRX. So with them and your brothers, that makes 8.
Invite your friends and family guys, how many more can we get ?

I am in. Love to learn technical driving skills.

I'm in. sounds like a great idea.

that makes six according to my abacus!

Six 370Z's plus at least two friends I can bring, plus Joe's two brothers makes 10. Still looking for at least 6 more.

Planning to do it in late January if we get the numbers and if that suits everyone.