Mt Tam I am's Driving Journal

blackcherry20 · 04-01-2013, 06:29 PM

watched some of the video! So excited to hear you accelerate and watch you shift

does it get boring when there isn't anybody else around you on the track? Omg! Less than a month and I'll be on a track! Holy sh1t batman

Mt Tam I am · 04-01-2013, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

watched some of the video! So excited to hear you accelerate and watch you shift

does it get boring when there isn't anybody else around you on the track? Omg! Less than a month and I'll be on a track! Holy sh1t batman

Does it get boring when there isn't anybody else around you on the track?

I'd of stayed till I ran out of gas. What was exciting was to be able to focus more on the track and less on the mirrors.

RE: Nelsons Lodge. Be well rested, stay hydrated, eat even if you don't feel like eating. Do you have an instructor lined up? It's been hard for me, to get much info on the track. It looks like turn 7* (the hair pin before the start/finish line) is a good one for picking up your apex with your eyes, then your hands will correctly steer right to it like magic, giving you a fast exit down the straight.

Edit: You need to keep your gas tank full because before half a tank you will get to experience fuel starvation first hand. Most of the the track is right turns including a 270 degree right which will certainly set it off. A full tank between sessions will cure it. You might get away with two, then top off. Bring a credit card for gas or your own in cans. I do the less macho of the two.

If you want to ask me anything please do. You can even call me.

I am so excited for you.

* I'm guessing at it's number actually

blackcherry20 · 04-02-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Does it get boring when there isn't anybody else around you on the track?

I'd of stayed till I ran out of gas. What was exciting was to be able to focus more on the track and less on the mirrors.

RE: Nelsons Lodge. Be well rested, stay hydrated, eat even if you don't feel like eating. Do you have an instructor lined up? It's been hard for me, to get much info on the track. It looks like turn 7* (the hair pin before the start/finish line) is a good one for picking up your apex with your eyes, then your hands will correctly steer right to it like magic, giving you a fast exit down the straight.

Edit: You need to keep your gas tank full because before half a tank you will get to experience fuel starvation first hand. Most of the the track is right turns including a 270 degree right which will certainly set it off. A full tank between sessions will cure it. You might get away with two, then top off. Bring a credit card for gas or your own in cans. I do the less macho of the two.

If you want to ask me anything please do. You can even call me.

I am so excited for you.

* I'm guessing at it's number actually

thanks Tam. I have read about the fuel starvation issues but wasn't sure if I would need to bother with it since this is just a "fun" track day...no idea on instructors. I am planning on looking into pre-registration etc this week. I joined the Miami Valley SPorts Car CLub out of Xenia (Ohio) and there are several of them going. Most of them are veteran auto crossers and fun days so they have offered to help me too. I am printing your post so I can look at it with the track layout and study up.

Being able to watch other cars AND do well on the track with my driving wil be my challenge. Especially since I know I am going to be nervous.nervous just motoring the Z back and forth to work

Mt Tam I am · 04-02-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

thanks Tam. I have read about the fuel starvation issues but wasn't sure if I would need to bother with it since this is just a "fun" track day...no idea on instructors. I am planning on looking into pre-registration etc this week. I joined the Miami Valley SPorts Car CLub out of Xenia (Ohio) and there are several of them going. Most of them are veteran auto crossers and fun days so they have offered to help me too. I am printing your post so I can look at it with the track layout and study up.

Being able to watch other cars AND do well on the track with my driving wil be my challenge. Especially since I know I am going to be nervous.nervous just motoring the Z back and forth to work

Keep the tank full. It is the best we can do. Yes it is added weight but the price we pay for a cheaper car.

What I was calling turn 7 is called turn 13.
I found this finally. Nelson Ledges Road Course video and animated track map. I've watched without sound. Watch it over and over. Learn the line and that is half the battle.

To combat nervousness, just let every body behind you by, then you will be less self conscious. Soon thereafter you will be passing cars, and off to the races.

I tried, without luck, looking up the Porsche club to see if they have a turn by turn analysis. Maybe try the BMW, Audi etc. clubs.

blackcherry20 · 04-02-2013, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Keep the tank full. It is the best we can do. Yes it is added weight but the price we pay for a cheaper car.

What I was calling turn 7 is called turn 13.
I found this finally. Nelson Ledges Road Course video and animated track map. I've watched without sound. Watch it over and over. Learn the line and that is half the battle.

To combat nervousness, just let every body behind you by, then you will be less self conscious. Soon thereafter you will be passing cars, and off to the races.

I tried, without luck, looking up the Porsche club to see if they have a turn by turn analysis. Maybe try the BMW, Audi etc. clubs.

registered just now.
Printed out all the pertinent details driving and track rules etc... started a folder to keep it all together. I wish they had a static map posted so that I could look at it. Oh well...

thanks for all the support Tam!

blackcherry20 · 04-03-2013, 06:23 PM

Links to danegrey autocross runs while i rode along!! Soooo much fun!

"Thanks blackcherry,

take a look at these links

370Z Autocross Run #3 9-9-12 - YouTube

370Z Autocross run #1, 9-9-12 - YouTube

From the runs that you were in the car"

songbong · 04-04-2013, 05:47 PM

such nice stories :]

JARblue · 04-04-2013, 07:15 PM

blackcherry20 · 04-05-2013, 07:38 PM

Comment later. ^^^^^ tired.

Mt Tam I am · 04-09-2013, 03:26 PM

Driving home yesterday was another be careful the CHP motorcycles are out in pairs. So I made sure to accelerate where they can not hide and wait for me, and slow a bit where they could be waiting. I took the whole drive in third gear, where i would normally be in second. I had a 90% good cruise (all alone) home. I only panicked myself when once again in the same place I thought I'd be arrested before, I was creeping up on my speed. I just can not adjust to this new slower limit.

This morning was better. No thought of CHP and nobody in my way. I managed a new personal best around a turn that I am slowly but surely going faster around. Failure means off a cliff. It is sunny and 60 degrees. I had the road to myself until the very last turn and heck, I'll take this drive any day.

Ten minutes later, I noticed ten or five pairs of CHP motorcycles riding together. I'm glad it was later.

Most unusual car sighting of the day was a three wheeled Morgan.

Mt Tam I am · 04-10-2013, 02:15 PM

I just wrote a novel and it self deleted. Rats.

blackcherry20 · 04-10-2013, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Yesterday driving home in the rain and fog I got stuck behind an Accura SUV. I had a chance to pass but I thought I'd be a good boy. Did I regret that decision. Eventually I got ready for another pass with the VDC off. Just at that point, he pulled over, I had a hard time laying down the power. I was trying to wave thanks while spinning my rear wheels in the wet (VDC off). I get it under control, start to accelerate when out of the fog were two cars moving at 10 MPH or less. It startled me as I broke hard. Half a mile later these two cars pulled over and now the fog was so thick I drove by rote.

Not the best drive home but with the VDC off it made for very aware driving.

Life is wonderful, still raining but wonderful.

sorry so late in commenting. Your comment about being startled is how i feel most of the time driving mine. Always , in the back of my mind i'm expecting something to startle me. Hyper awareness hard to maintain

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Driving home yesterday was another be careful the CHP motorcycles are out in pairs. So I made sure to accelerate where they can not hide and wait for me, and slow a bit where they could be waiting. I took the whole drive in third gear, where i would normally be in second. I had a 90% good cruise (all alone) home. I only panicked myself when once again in the same place I thought I'd be arrested before, I was creeping up on my speed. I just can not adjust to this new slower limit.

This morning was better. No thought of CHP and nobody in my way. I managed a new personal best around a turn that I am slowly but surely going faster around. Failure means off a cliff. It is sunny and 60 degrees. I had the road to myself until the very last turn and heck, I'll take this drive any day.

Ten minutes later, I noticed ten or five pairs of CHP motorcycles riding together. I'm glad it was later.

Most unusual car sighting of the day was a three wheeled Morgan.

i seem to have misplaced all of my courage and skill gained last summer. Cannot burn tires. Cannot chirp from 1st to 2nd. Cannot butt wiggle. No courage to even try. No VDC off and Z has been on the road at least 10 times in past couple of weeks.

tired. Sorry for rant.

Glad you had a good drive

be careful though. Off a cliff is a high price.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

I just wrote a novel and it self deleted. Rats.

rats.

Mt Tam I am · 04-11-2013, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

i seem to have misplaced all of my courage and skill gained last summer. Cannot burn tires. Cannot chirp from 1st to 2nd. Cannot butt wiggle. No courage to even try. No VDC off and Z has been on the road at least 10 times in past couple of weeks.

tired. Sorry for rant.

:.

Sorry about your courage. Burning tires etc is not where it is at for me anyway. Butt wiggling is great to be able to deal with mid turn, but not what I seek.

blackcherry20 · 04-15-2013, 07:52 PM

where are you?
I have Qs

1-track tire pressure?
2-do i really need to change brake fluid and bleed!?
3-how do i check my brake pad thickness?
4-how much is "enough"? And am i going to have to replace them immediately after?!
Feeling a bit panicky and overwhelmed!

What else?!

How bad is this going to beat my Z up?!

Mt Tam I am · 04-16-2013, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

where are you?
I have Qs

1-track tire pressure?
2-do i really need to change brake fluid and bleed!?
3-how do i check my brake pad thickness?
4-how much is "enough"? And am i going to have to replace them immediately after?!
Feeling a bit panicky and overwhelmed!

What else?!

How bad is this going to beat my Z up?!

1) bring a gauge. Keep them at 35 psi or whatever is recommended

2) No but it can only extend the track time before it boils. I went to Sears Point at least 4 times with a stock set up before i changed my brakes at all.

3) I hire this done. Ask another for certainty, but I think you remove the wheel to inspect the pads visually. You might be able to use a mirror though.

4) Your track looks like you will have one big brake zone followed by a cooling down of the brakes via slight use. I think you will be fine all the way around. Go a little slower,down shift, and coast a bit into your big braking zones and they ought to hold up without worry.

Your Z will not be beat up so badly really. With 11 track events on mine, people still ask if it is new. I did put on an acrylic wax that seems to have helped with the tire rubber come off the hood.

Ask me anything

Good luck

04-01-2013, 06:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240460	watched some of the video! So excited to hear you accelerate and watch you shift does it get boring when there isn't anybody else around you on the track? Omg! Less than a month and I'll be on a track! Holy sh1t batman JARblue likes this. __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

04-03-2013, 06:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240460	Links to danegrey autocross runs while i rode along!! Soooo much fun! "Thanks blackcherry, take a look at these links 370Z Autocross Run #3 9-9-12 - YouTube 370Z Autocross run #1, 9-9-12 - YouTube From the runs that you were in the car" JARblue likes this. __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

04-04-2013, 05:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
songbong Base Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: houston Posts: 235 Drives: 2012 White 370z Rep Power: 13	such nice stories :] blackcherry20 likes this.

04-04-2013, 07:15 PM	#8 (permalink)
JARblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Age: 44 Posts: 36,450 Drives: 11 Z34, 98 E36 M3 Rep Power: 2684441	blackcherry20 likes this. __________________ 2011 370Z 6MT Sport Gun Metallic \| ARC \| CJM \| Ecutek \| FI \| Fujimura \| R2C \| SPL \| Stillen \| TWM \| Z1 \| ZSpeed \|

04-05-2013, 07:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240460	Comment later. ^^^^^ tired. __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

04-09-2013, 03:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3844	Driving home yesterday was another be careful the CHP motorcycles are out in pairs. So I made sure to accelerate where they can not hide and wait for me, and slow a bit where they could be waiting. I took the whole drive in third gear, where i would normally be in second. I had a 90% good cruise (all alone) home. I only panicked myself when once again in the same place I thought I'd be arrested before, I was creeping up on my speed. I just can not adjust to this new slower limit. This morning was better. No thought of CHP and nobody in my way. I managed a new personal best around a turn that I am slowly but surely going faster around. Failure means off a cliff. It is sunny and 60 degrees. I had the road to myself until the very last turn and heck, I'll take this drive any day. Ten minutes later, I noticed ten or five pairs of CHP motorcycles riding together. I'm glad it was later. Most unusual car sighting of the day was a three wheeled Morgan. GaleForce and blackcherry20 like this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

04-10-2013, 02:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3844	I just wrote a novel and it self deleted. Rats. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

04-15-2013, 07:52 PM	#14 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240460	where are you? I have Qs 1-track tire pressure? 2-do i really need to change brake fluid and bleed!? 3-how do i check my brake pad thickness? 4-how much is "enough"? And am i going to have to replace them immediately after?! Feeling a bit panicky and overwhelmed! What else?! How bad is this going to beat my Z up?! __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White Last edited by blackcherry20; 04-15-2013 at 07:57 PM.

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