Still have a lot to learn

280z/300zx · 03-03-2012, 08:29 PM

So my wonderful girlfriend just got me for my 30th a session at our local track. I got to run an Audi R8 V10, Lambo Gallardo, and Porsche 997 turbo 5 laps each around a 1.4 mile, 11 turn course. Was accompanied by an instructor of course to guide me. Fastest I got up to was 125mph on the straight. I quickly realized that these cars have capabilities that I can't even comprehend and thanks to technology even a noob like myself can push these cars without crashing. I kept having to fight my instincts to brake or accelerate based off my experience with my Z because these cars could be pushed so much more. Kind of hard to explain but was a total blast. I went into thinking the Lambo would be my favorite but in the end it was 3rd to the Audi and Porsche. The Audi, the slowest one, actually felt the best to me and more natural in my hands. The Porsche was just down right scary in how fast it was.

Sadly the Porsche was actually supposed to be a GTR as I've been debating getting one for a while now but the guy driving it before me I guess didn't listen to the instructor and did some funky shifting. Long story short the car got screwed up somehow and the guy ended up spinning it out. They had to tow it to Nissan. Then they upgraded me for free to the Porsche turbo.

Lastly, paddle shifters are just odd. I'm sure I would get used to them but it definitely was a new feeling to racing cars. I see the appeal in racing applications as it frees up a lot of your concentration to actually driving instead of shifting; still I think for DD I would prefer a manual where as for racing I would definitely take the paddles. Prior to this I was never convinced of paddles and was a true stick shift fan but after today paddles are the way to go when racing. I just know that in a day to day drive I would just leave it in auto mode which would be no fun and paddles at street speeds just doesn't make sense to me. Who knows, I may change my mind after more seat time with paddles.

At this point I plan to go back in a few weeks to drive the GTR. Should be fun. Also I did do a ride along with a pro driver in a Z06 Vette who did both technical turns and drifting turns. Holy crap, he did things I never imagined doing with a car. Not mention made all of us noobs look like crap ripping his Vette past all these exotics.

Just thought I'd share. Now off to auto-x tomorrow.

DarkJak · 03-04-2012, 03:00 PM

Best girlfriend ever

Nissanboy · 03-04-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkJak

Best girlfriend ever

Rusty · 03-04-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkJak

Best girlfriend ever

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nissanboy

You want to share?

280z/300zx · 03-04-2012, 08:07 PM

No sharing, LOL, but yes she is the best ever. Not only that but she can be a little bad *** when she needs to. She drives nothing but sports cars. Previous cars were a 2001 Trans AM V8 and C6 Vette. Now she has a Camaro 2SS 6-speed, yes a stick shift. Not to mention when we go racing I mean WE go racing. I run my Z and she runs her Camaro. She has manicured nails and dresses all pretty but doesn't mind crawling under the car to help me if I need it.

Anyway, looks like the GTR will have to wait for April but I'll make a post as to what I think compared to the other 3 cars. Not that it really matters........

03-03-2012, 08:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
280z/300zx Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 689 Drives: 280z, 300zx, Vette Rep Power: 272	Still have a lot to learn So my wonderful girlfriend just got me for my 30th a session at our local track. I got to run an Audi R8 V10, Lambo Gallardo, and Porsche 997 turbo 5 laps each around a 1.4 mile, 11 turn course. Was accompanied by an instructor of course to guide me. Fastest I got up to was 125mph on the straight. I quickly realized that these cars have capabilities that I can't even comprehend and thanks to technology even a noob like myself can push these cars without crashing. I kept having to fight my instincts to brake or accelerate based off my experience with my Z because these cars could be pushed so much more. Kind of hard to explain but was a total blast. I went into thinking the Lambo would be my favorite but in the end it was 3rd to the Audi and Porsche. The Audi, the slowest one, actually felt the best to me and more natural in my hands. The Porsche was just down right scary in how fast it was. Sadly the Porsche was actually supposed to be a GTR as I've been debating getting one for a while now but the guy driving it before me I guess didn't listen to the instructor and did some funky shifting. Long story short the car got screwed up somehow and the guy ended up spinning it out. They had to tow it to Nissan. Then they upgraded me for free to the Porsche turbo. Lastly, paddle shifters are just odd. I'm sure I would get used to them but it definitely was a new feeling to racing cars. I see the appeal in racing applications as it frees up a lot of your concentration to actually driving instead of shifting; still I think for DD I would prefer a manual where as for racing I would definitely take the paddles. Prior to this I was never convinced of paddles and was a true stick shift fan but after today paddles are the way to go when racing. I just know that in a day to day drive I would just leave it in auto mode which would be no fun and paddles at street speeds just doesn't make sense to me. Who knows, I may change my mind after more seat time with paddles. At this point I plan to go back in a few weeks to drive the GTR. Should be fun. Also I did do a ride along with a pro driver in a Z06 Vette who did both technical turns and drifting turns. Holy crap, he did things I never imagined doing with a car. Not mention made all of us noobs look like crap ripping his Vette past all these exotics. Just thought I'd share. Now off to auto-x tomorrow. Last edited by 280z/300zx; 03-03-2012 at 08:31 PM.

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03-04-2012, 03:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
DarkJak A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,390 Drives: 2009 370Z Rep Power: 13448	Best girlfriend ever

03-04-2012, 08:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
280z/300zx Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 689 Drives: 280z, 300zx, Vette Rep Power: 272	No sharing, LOL, but yes she is the best ever. Not only that but she can be a little bad *** when she needs to. She drives nothing but sports cars. Previous cars were a 2001 Trans AM V8 and C6 Vette. Now she has a Camaro 2SS 6-speed, yes a stick shift. Not to mention when we go racing I mean WE go racing. I run my Z and she runs her Camaro. She has manicured nails and dresses all pretty but doesn't mind crawling under the car to help me if I need it. Anyway, looks like the GTR will have to wait for April but I'll make a post as to what I think compared to the other 3 cars. Not that it really matters........