Nismo Performance Academy (Lime Rock Park)-One of a Kind Event for Nissan Enthusiasts

AK370Z · 09-12-2013, 09:13 AM

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

AK370Z · 09-12-2013, 09:14 AM

Driving through beautiful Sharon, CT.

Kinda caravan-ed with a Z and GT-R. I didn't know them. We simply met at the road.

Just lining up outside the LRP gate

haha BMW doesn't know what these GT-Rs are going to do to Lime Rock Park

Breakfast

Here you can see Dan (chief instructor) telling us how our day will go. Carl Phillips on the left.

Getting classroom instruction

View from the classroom

Autox

Competition

Skid pad

Zs and GTRs to be driven at the track by attendees

I took one of the Z to the track

Here's me driving at the track.

Just look how beefy GT-R looks. A perfect supercar

This is when chief instructor comes up with the idea of parade laps

Award ceremony

AK370Z · 09-12-2013, 09:15 AM

RESERVED FOR VIDEO (currently being edited )

Arrvaxx · 09-12-2013, 09:21 AM

Jealous!

My birthday is coming up! Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

DEpointfive0 · 09-12-2013, 09:40 AM

A wild AK has appeared!

6spd · 09-12-2013, 01:30 PM

Awesome I cant wait for Homestead coming up!

OMg that spread looks good!

MC · 09-12-2013, 01:46 PM

Glad you had an awesome time man! You started this site with the same enthusiasm and in the same vein ive put into everything ive always done in the Nissan Community. That doesnt go unnoticed so it was important for me to get you this opportunity not only as a thank you on behalf of everyone on the here but because you deserve it for all your hard work!

Im glad you met Carl too. He is the man to know when it comes to Z GTR and NISMO and a great contact as he really has a good sense of the community. The guy has really looked out for me and acknowledged my dedication all these years. With the new Z on the way I hope you guys can start a dialogue as It would be wise of Nissan to reach out and take advantage of such a great asset that is the member base on here

As for the Event NISMO Performance Academy is really important to Nissan as it is the beginning of a big push of the revitalized NISMO brand. The event at Circuit of the Americas was the highlight of my year for sure and Im appreciative i got to go as well as being able to be involved with getting the GTR owners the same chance to these 3 events. YOu said it but the presentation was top notch as was the staff. How great and seriously how fun was the NISMO Juke Autocross haha!! I saw video of the Lime Rock event and it seems you guys had like a mini road course where we had more of a traditional autocross course!

I hope you got enough seat time in the GTR as well!

looking forward to seeing the videos and additional thoughts on the event. You should be getting an email from NPA in a few days with a gallery and a montage video of your day

-MC

6spd · 09-18-2013, 03:21 PM

Does the inspection sheet have to be signed by an actual Nissan dealer, or can I sign it myself through my shop?

MC · 09-18-2013, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6spd

Does the inspection sheet have to be signed by an actual Nissan dealer, or can I sign it myself through my shop?

for the FL one? you can have it done anywhere or actually yourself

tires and brakes would be the main thing..

ohohoh123456 · 09-18-2013, 04:21 PM

cool event. Wish I can go (within my driving distance).

Tigger · 09-18-2013, 04:33 PM

So awesome. Quite inspiring. Makes me really want to get into racing again.

fairlady_Z · 09-18-2013, 09:11 PM

Hehe, so that was YOU following me to the event (I'm the silver 370z in front of you in the morning "caravan").

That event was a blast! Nissan was sooo cool to have hosted this event, and I hope word gets around about how awesome these cars are! The Juke NISMO was surprisingly fun to drive in the autocross, and words cannot describe the sheer joy of driving the GTR on the track.

THANKS, NISSAN!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Driving through beautiful Sharon, CT.

Kinda caravan-ed with a Z and GT-R. I didn't know them. We simply met at the road.

Just lining up outside the LRP gate

haha BMW doesn't know what these GT-Rs are going to do to Lime Rock Park

Breakfast

Here you can see Dan (chief instructor) telling us how our day will go. Carl Phillips on the left.

Getting classroom instruction

View from the classroom

Autox

Competition

Skid pad

Zs and GTRs to be driven at the track by attendees

I took one of the Z to the track

Here's me driving at the track.

Just look how beefy GT-R looks. A perfect supercar

This is when chief instructor comes up with the idea of parade laps

Award ceremony

6spd · 09-19-2013, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC

for the FL one? you can have it done anywhere or actually yourself

tires and brakes would be the main thing..

Ok cool! Yeah, florida.

Felix 808 · 09-19-2013, 12:24 PM

Wow very cool AK

Thanks for sharing

Ghostvette · 09-19-2013, 01:50 PM

Thanks AK for getting my hopes up... Too bad I live in 'fly over' country, its doubtful Nissan would come to KC even though we have a NASCAR track...

09-12-2013, 09:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Nismo Performance Academy (Lime Rock Park)-One of a Kind Event for Nissan Enthusiasts 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 __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

09-12-2013, 09:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Driving through beautiful Sharon, CT. Kinda caravan-ed with a Z and GT-R. I didn't know them. We simply met at the road. Just lining up outside the LRP gate haha BMW doesn't know what these GT-Rs are going to do to Lime Rock Park Breakfast Here you can see Dan (chief instructor) telling us how our day will go. Carl Phillips on the left. Getting classroom instruction View from the classroom Autox Competition Skid pad Zs and GTRs to be driven at the track by attendees I took one of the Z to the track Here's me driving at the track. Just look how beefy GT-R looks. A perfect supercar This is when chief instructor comes up with the idea of parade laps Award ceremony Leuz likes this. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

09-12-2013, 09:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Reserved for Video RESERVED FOR VIDEO (currently being edited ) __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

09-12-2013, 09:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
Arrvaxx A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Whore Island, MN Posts: 1,243 Drives: 40th F.I. Twin Turbo Rep Power: 19	Jealous! My birthday is coming up! Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? __________________ 2010 370Z 40th Anniversary (#480 born 1/19/2010) Fast Intentions Twin Turbo \| Varis Arising II \| Limited Edition Recaro Sportster \| Tuned by Specialty Z \| 604hp 525 torque @14lbs boost on 100 octane

09-12-2013, 09:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
DEpointfive0 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,824 Drives: a lot Rep Power: 17152	A wild AK has appeared! AK370Z likes this. __________________ Do YOU want to know what/where I got my username from? ( Click to show/hide ) NSFW due to language:

09-12-2013, 01:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 26	Awesome I cant wait for Homestead coming up! OMg that spread looks good! __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

09-12-2013, 01:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
MC Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 3,238 Drives: 2015 GTR NISMO Rep Power: 24	Glad you had an awesome time man! You started this site with the same enthusiasm and in the same vein ive put into everything ive always done in the Nissan Community. That doesnt go unnoticed so it was important for me to get you this opportunity not only as a thank you on behalf of everyone on the here but because you deserve it for all your hard work! Im glad you met Carl too. He is the man to know when it comes to Z GTR and NISMO and a great contact as he really has a good sense of the community. The guy has really looked out for me and acknowledged my dedication all these years. With the new Z on the way I hope you guys can start a dialogue as It would be wise of Nissan to reach out and take advantage of such a great asset that is the member base on here As for the Event NISMO Performance Academy is really important to Nissan as it is the beginning of a big push of the revitalized NISMO brand. The event at Circuit of the Americas was the highlight of my year for sure and Im appreciative i got to go as well as being able to be involved with getting the GTR owners the same chance to these 3 events. YOu said it but the presentation was top notch as was the staff. How great and seriously how fun was the NISMO Juke Autocross haha!! I saw video of the Lime Rock event and it seems you guys had like a mini road course where we had more of a traditional autocross course! I hope you got enough seat time in the GTR as well! looking forward to seeing the videos and additional thoughts on the event. You should be getting an email from NPA in a few days with a gallery and a montage video of your day -MC __________________ 2015 GT-R N1SMO "THE ONE" Instagram MCGTRN1SMO Youtube MCGTRNISMO Last edited by MC; 09-12-2013 at 02:45 PM.

09-18-2013, 03:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
6spd A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,001 Drives: Q50RS Rep Power: 26	Does the inspection sheet have to be signed by an actual Nissan dealer, or can I sign it myself through my shop? __________________ -Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com

09-18-2013, 04:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
ohohoh123456 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: (‧‧)nnn Posts: 329 Drives: a Baby Rep Power: 13	cool event. Wish I can go (within my driving distance).

09-18-2013, 04:33 PM	#11 (permalink)
Tigger A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NM Posts: 8,063 Drives: Awedeeeeee Rep Power: 603	So awesome. Quite inspiring. Makes me really want to get into racing again.

09-19-2013, 12:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
Felix 808 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 1,063 Drives: 2011 PW/Grey T/S 7AT Rep Power: 2807	Wow very cool AK Thanks for sharing __________________ Semper Fi Μολὼν λαβέ

09-19-2013, 01:50 PM	#15 (permalink)
Ghostvette A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Shawnee KS Posts: 5,698 Drives: 15 Magma Red 6MT Rep Power: 2684378	Thanks AK for getting my hopes up... Too bad I live in 'fly over' country, its doubtful Nissan would come to KC even though we have a NASCAR track... __________________ 2015 Magma Red 6MT Sport Tech/2012 Fairlady MB 6MT Base (RIP 08032018)https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/370Z/Coupe/

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