DLo's Track Day Chronicles

DLo

If you are reading this, then you have made it to my thread dedicated to documenting my track events in my 2012 370z NISMO. I plan on linking/embedding multimedia for your viewing pleasure. Before I get to my latest event, here is a bit about me and the car.

Me:
My first track experience came by way of a defensive security driving school I attended for my career. It was awesome and I was immediately hooked on going fast in a controlled environment...where I wouldn't get a ticket. After that I took part in a NASA track event at Thunderbird Raceway in Phoenix, AZ. I was driving my 2008 EvoX MR at the time and had an absolute blast even if it was only in the beginner group. After this event my family and I relocated to SoCal where I began really feeding my track addiction. I attended a Speed Ventures event at Buttonwillow and soon rattled off 10+ events with Extreme Speed at Willow Springs (Big Willow and Streets of Willow). My focus throughout all of this was improving myself as a driver, which is why I made the eventual switch from my EvoX to the NISMO!

Car:
My 2012 NISMO is completely stock save for the Motul 600 running through the brake lines and clutch. I have about 2 full track days in the driver’s seat and already feel very confident on track. I am no where near the times I used to lay down in my EvoX MR, but that is OK with me. The EvoX MR practically drove itself. With all the computers, all wheel drive and the SST, I didn’t even have to shift!! I was spoiled and I knew it. So to challenge myself, enhance my driving capabilities and upgrade to a more sophisticated looking vehicle, I made the switch. Like I said, the NISMO is stock, but I am most likely ready for upgraded brake pads and tires to match (RS-3/RE-11). I won’t modify the car much past the intake, HFC and a tune. Aside from that, it is driver mod FTW. Although I am now learning to drive a manual-RWD car (and loving it), I have not completely given up on my all wheel drive, automatic transmission. I am just saving my pennies for a GTR, my next car!

So there you have it. Me and my car in a nut shell. What follows are track day accounts from my perspective with some media to view. Enjoy and see you at the track!

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2012 NISMO #294 Gunmetal Metallic - Stock

DLo

Event: SoCal HPDE – Streets of Willow (SoW) – 09/01/2012
Temp: 95 Degrees F

This was the first time running with the SoCal HPDE group and I must say I enjoyed myself. They arranged a day at SoW running CCW in the morning and CW during the afternoon. We got 8 sessions in if you can believe that, which meant each session was only 20 mins long. This seemed to work out perfectly for me though since I am only working with the stock 2012 oil cooler in the dead of summer. Right as my oil started to heat up I was off. I spent the next 10-15 mins checking a few things on the car (i.e. tire pressure, etc), watched the next sessions and then before I knew it I was back on track. I was really skeptical about the condensed and seemingly rushed scheduled, but it turned out to be one of favorite track days to date! Sina (SE5spd) and I along with the San Diego Z32 club hung out for most of the morning. It was a good time. I wouldn’t hesitate running with the SoCal HPDE group again.

Linked/embedded below are my best laps (captured with Hero2 HD), one going CCW and the other going CW. I can push the boundaries a lot more after watching the videos along with using some alternate lines…in due time. Enjoy!

CCW Best Lap Time


CW Best Lap Time

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2012 NISMO #294 Gunmetal Metallic - Stock