Z1 Nationals - 2017
 

Is anyone from the Maryalnd, Northern VA, DC area planning to go to the Z1 Nationals this October? I'm considering it and would like to caravan down with other Z owners.

For more info, check out: https://www.znationals.com

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Interesting idea, I might be down to take that trip. I need to look into hotels in the area and see what the rates are like. As long as I can make it work financially, I'm most likely up for it.

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Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I just saw your reply. I'm hoping to get at least a few more people to drive down with. Feel free to try and recruit others. I'll start lookimg in to hotel info and I'll post my findings. Feel free to do the same.

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Sounds good

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Z1 Nationals Event Registration Page:
Z1 Nationals 2017


This is the hotel Z1 recommends. They claim it still has $99 a night rooms left:
Sonesta Duluth Georgia

That's a pretty reasonable rate. When were you thinking of driving down and back? I'd have to make arrangements to board my dog for the weekend.

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Track day is on Friday the 13th (That's an omen if you ask me), so I'm thinking about going down on Thursday the 12th and coming home on Sunday the 15th.

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That would work for me as long as I don't have to take off from work on Thursday. No PTO is a major pain in the ***. I didn't even realize about the 13th until you mentioned it. I'm down to go to the track day but not sure about participating. I've never tracked the car before and from what I've read, an oil cooler is a must.

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Although I used to do a lot of track events years ago, I've only tracked the Z once. It was back at Z-Con in 2010. I did about 10 laps ("fun laps") on Nashville Superspeedway. It was a blast! If you're going to seriously track the Z, then yes you need an oil cooler. I actually just installed one this past spring. From what I can tell, you can make what you want of this track day. You can go out there and Mario Andretti it or drive like your Grandfather. For me, I'm going to be somewhere right in the middle. I want to push it a little, but I'm not going to go beszerk. I just want to have fun. I can't tell you want to do, but if you feel the same way I do, you can keep the revs down a little and let the lunitics pass and still have a boat load of fun. If it rains that day, I won't be on the track at all.

If you decide to hit the track, I recommend you do a few things first: check your tires, brakes and brake fluid. After the event I highly recommend an oil change, regardless of the mileage interval.

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Sound advice. I'm going to see my mechanic in the next few weeks to get the ecutek software installed and have her tuned. I'm going to look into the price of having an oil cooler installed when I see him. Just curious, did you have any prior track experience or did you go in cold?

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I'm actually planning to get Ecutek dyno tuned as well. I'm trying to decide between PTuning in Manassas and AAM in Annapolis Junction. Have you been to either?

I used to auto cross a lot about 15 years ago. I also did a few road course events at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut. So I had prior experience when I put the Z on Nashville Superspeedway. I found out today a guy who works for my company will be instructing at the track. I'm waiting to hear back if he wants to drive down with us.

I'm sure you won't be the only person there with no track experience. The nice part is you can have an instructor jump in with you. I plan to have one in the car for at least a few laps.

I picked up a brand new, opened box Mishimoto Oil Cooler on eBay a few months ago for $350. It was an excellent deal. The install was really simple.

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I've heard decent things about ptuning, not so flattering things about AAM. I only use Hill's Garage in Elkridge, MD. Frank is a Z guru as well as the most honest and upfront mechanic I've ever dealt with. Give them a shot and I doubt you'll ever go anywhere else. Good to know the track day is beginner friendly, that changes my perspective on participating.

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Does he have a dyno?

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Absolutely, only does tuning on Saturdays though

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I found him in the Ecutek directory. I'll take your advixe anf schedule a tune with him in a few weeks. Thanks for his info and the recommend.

I'm booking the hotel and the event today. I'm definitely going.

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Ok cool, I have to make sure I get dog boarding arrangements finalized, then I can book my room. Apparently I have to bring her to the dog day care for an interview before they'll take my reservation. I think you're going to like Frank a lot, he's extremely knowledgeable and a great guy. I'm going to call him this week to schedule my tune as well.

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I booked the hotel this morning. I had to call the hotel to get the $99 a night rate. The link on the webpage wasn't showing the discount. They won't charge my card until that weekend of, and I can cancel without a penalty up until the day before. I still have to register for the event though.

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Good to know, in that case I'll probably just book the room this weekend.

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I've created a profile on my350z.com and have created threads looking for 350 owners from this area that are interested in making the drive down with us. Hopefully I'll get a few responses.

Any progress with your reservations?

Last update:

If anyone wants to meet up, I'm leaving Springfield Virginia at 5am on Thursday morning. That should get us to the hotel around 3pm. Pre-tech for the race is being held at the hotel from 4-9pm.

If anyone is still interested in driving down with us, respond here or PM me.

I was going to drive down but my buddy came through with the truck hookup. Hope to see you guys there still

Hey man, I'm in fredericksburg off exit 126. If you leave at 5 am that would put you around me at 6am. I might tag along if my cars ready to roll by then. Still have to mount and balance tires, do pads and fluids and wash.
CRUNCH TIME!

I did all that last week. I have to flush the coolant tonight.

I'll Pm you My number. That way we can coordinate the morning of.

Did you make it down to the event? Just curious.