Mt Tam I am's Driving Journal

Mt Tam I am · 11-27-2013, 11:02 AM

Last Sunday I went to Sears Point for my final track day of the season.

It was 35 degrees when I arrived and the ICY sign came on. As I am on summer tires I was on my toes. By the time I got on the track it had warmed to 49 degrees and that was fine. It was a bit moist so a few steering input corrections were made on the first few laps. The curbs were too wet. Open passing.

I had adjusted my suspension via the coil overs and may have removed too much rebound by cranking down the setting two clicks. I could not keep the nose of my car on the hairpins inside line, the front would wash out every time. It was so weird as I am used to the rear end sliding, not the front.

My best lap time ever was not captured on film. My camera gave me a green screen of nothing. It was timed but boo on the camera.

Numerous tows this day but the Z troopered through without incident.

I had a blast and am saddened that it will be months till the next one.

370Z CFRA Sears Point 11/24/13 Third run - YouTube

Mt Tam I am · 12-04-2013, 01:41 PM

Today it was 44 degrees in the garage and colder out. I was following a Prius which was moving at the limit initially. At 38 degrees I checked my tires by accelerating on a straight and sure enough they spun. You'd think it would slow me down but the Prius took care of all my bad intentions and kept me well under the limit.

It is crystal clear and dry. Later it will be 50* and I'll most likely take a jaunt.

TerribleONE · 12-04-2013, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Today it was 44 degrees in the garage and colder out. I was following a Prius which was moving at the limit initially. At 38 degrees I checked my tires by accelerating on a straight and sure enough they spun. You'd think it would slow me down but the Prius took care of all my bad intentions and kept me well under the limit.

It is crystal clear and dry. Later it will be 50* and I'll most likely take a jaunt.

Love your thread man!

CrownR426 · 12-06-2013, 05:03 PM

Can I see pictures of the Z?!

blackcherry20 · 12-06-2013, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Today it was 44 degrees in the garage and colder out. I was following a Prius which was moving at the limit initially. At 38 degrees I checked my tires by accelerating on a straight and sure enough they spun. You'd think it would slow me down but the Prius took care of all my bad intentions and kept me well under the limit.

It is crystal clear and dry. Later it will be 50* and I'll most likely take a jaunt.

my Z has been under cover for a month ....

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerribleONE

Love your thread man!

and will participate more once Harry is out of the garage.

Mt Tam I am · 12-06-2013, 09:43 PM

Here's to Harry, Hooray

We'll see you again.

Mt Tam I am · 12-06-2013, 09:46 PM

Spun my tires the same way today at 38 degrees. Later same place coming home but now it is wet and raining at 50 degrees and the tires didn't slip. Gotta love those Michelins.

blackcherry20 · 12-06-2013, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Here's to Harry, Hooray

We'll see you again.

lol!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Spun my tires the same way today at 38 degrees. Later same place coming home but now it is wet and raining at 50 degrees and the tires didn't slip. Gotta love those Michelins.

love love love my Michelins!

cossie1600 · 12-08-2013, 02:54 AM

fun stuff, Sonoma is a workout, cant wait to go back next year

Mt Tam I am · 12-08-2013, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

fun stuff, Sonoma is a workout, cant wait to go back next year

I agree. When will you be there? I'll send you an invite when I'm going.

cossie1600 · 12-09-2013, 02:03 AM

Sure, I will need one to get into Trackmaster. They wouldn't let me go in September because I was new at Sonoma, ended up going to Buttonwillow.

I normally don't like open passing, but you definitely need it at Sonoma. That track is so hard to pass, barely any straights.

Oh yeah, you need better tires for it next year. Michelin needs to go!

Mt Tam I am · 12-19-2013, 12:30 PM

Yesterday was the warmest day in weeks, 58* degrees. This is the first time since the cold snap that I've had confidence in my tires.

It is nice to know the car handles as well as ever and the drive home was made fun. I had a mile or so without any other cars then a few minute hold up where the road bifurcated and the lead car let me past.

All went well, running all 6 gears and stared back down. I hit third gear as I rounded a curve and looked way ahead to see a law enforcement vehicle there. Having just downshifted I was slowing anyway. As I went by he waved at me. I'll consider it a warning and take a ticket next time.

The next mile was all alone and the Z continued to put a smile on my face.

Mt Tam I am · 01-09-2014, 12:02 PM

As I left work coming by was a red 458 Ferrari. I suddenly became excited that I might be able to catch up and drive with him. Three cars separated us. I was talking to myself ex. "get out of the way", "let's make the light" , Nooo". After a two blocks or so I ended up behind the Italia. I wished for my camera.

A way down the road somebody signaled left and waited for an opening in traffic which stopped the two of us. Meanwhile the car just ahead moseyed along. Once the car completed the left the Ferrari waited another five plus seconds revved the engine and took off quickly but not crazy. I followed until we caught the car ahead which turned off leaving us alone on a 180 degree sweeping left which the moment you exit becomes a 55 MPH zone. I was applying gas towards exit and was WOT at exit. So was the 458. It was so cool. I didn't gain or fall back on this tiny straight uphill. We caught up to a car ahead driving 25-30 MPH so the Ferrari would slow down and run through his F1 gear box drive at a snails pace then speed up and catch the slowpoke.

At a pull out, the Ferrari pulled off the road and I did too he made a bit more room too. I got out, or tried with the auto locking doors, then approached the car. He rolled down his window and I extended my hand and we shook. I thanked him for playing with me. He was a bit younger than I, with his lady beside him who was friendly too. He told me they were out for an evening jaunt at sunset or similar word, and would I like to tag along. Without hesitation, said yes and rushed back to my car. He even allowed me to get my seat belt back on and then we were off.

When the road bifurcated he went left. The road less traveled. I have not driven this direction in several years. I prefer coming up this way as opposed to down as we now went, because the chances of driving without encountering tourist traffic is minimal.

Here is the part of the story where we Z folks can not compete. Every car pulled over for the Ferrari where normally you in your stupid Datsun will just have to wait. Even BMW's. It was amazing.

One thing that impressed me was that the Z did so well accelerating with him from 25. What impressed me about the 458 was the entry speed of a turn he could negotiate without trail braking. I was at the limit and he was not.

Eventually we met a militant type that would not budge so the Ferrari would hang back for a minute and then shift down into first gear, which gave me a warning, and then chase the Element down again and again. I kept thinking he would ignore the double yellow and pass but to his credit, he did not.

I could not stand the thought of unknown miles behind this rainbow flagged Honda, so I waved, flashed lights, honked and signaled to turn right up a head. Sadly he did not. Goodbye South Dakota* plate Italia1. I chose the better road. For the next 15 minutes I ran all out without a single car or bike. in the way. I got home and felt like I might be (car) sick for a couple minutes. I truly tossed myself around.

For all of you who put your Z's into hibernation, I feel for you. Remember this is the first time in my life when an unknown Ferrari chose to drive with me so this is extremely rare.

* He probably lives here in California but saved thousands of dollars registering there.

blackcherry20 · 01-10-2014, 06:37 AM

wow! What a story!! You have the best encounters.

Mt Tam I am · 01-10-2014, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

wow! What a story!! You have the best encounters.

This was the culmination of a life time. Thanks.

I told a friend I had a 45 minute drive home. He said how awful. I asked under what circumstances would it not be? He couldn't imagine, then the lights came on as soon as I said Ferrari. He's known me since childhood. My buddy was more impressed that I had an unobstructed drive back from Stinson Beach.

11-27-2013, 11:02 AM	#376 (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: 3843	Last Sunday I went to Sears Point for my final track day of the season. It was 35 degrees when I arrived and the ICY sign came on. As I am on summer tires I was on my toes. By the time I got on the track it had warmed to 49 degrees and that was fine. It was a bit moist so a few steering input corrections were made on the first few laps. The curbs were too wet. Open passing. I had adjusted my suspension via the coil overs and may have removed too much rebound by cranking down the setting two clicks. I could not keep the nose of my car on the hairpins inside line, the front would wash out every time. It was so weird as I am used to the rear end sliding, not the front. My best lap time ever was not captured on film. My camera gave me a green screen of nothing. It was timed but boo on the camera. Numerous tows this day but the Z troopered through without incident. I had a blast and am saddened that it will be months till the next one. 370Z CFRA Sears Point 11/24/13 Third run - YouTube __________________ "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

12-04-2013, 01:41 PM	#377 (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: 3843	Today it was 44 degrees in the garage and colder out. I was following a Prius which was moving at the limit initially. At 38 degrees I checked my tires by accelerating on a straight and sure enough they spun. You'd think it would slow me down but the Prius took care of all my bad intentions and kept me well under the limit. It is crystal clear and dry. Later it will be 50* and I'll most likely take a jaunt. TerribleONE 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

12-06-2013, 05:03 PM	#379 (permalink)
CrownR426 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Korea Posts: 4,676 Drives: Manual Rep Power: 848	Can I see pictures of the Z?! __________________ Love + Hardwork + Passion RIP SVTRacer

12-06-2013, 09:43 PM	#381 (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: 3843	Here's to Harry, Hooray We'll see you again. blackcherry20 likes 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

12-06-2013, 09:46 PM	#382 (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: 3843	Spun my tires the same way today at 38 degrees. Later same place coming home but now it is wet and raining at 50 degrees and the tires didn't slip. Gotta love those Michelins. blackcherry20 likes 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

12-08-2013, 02:54 AM	#384 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	fun stuff, Sonoma is a workout, cant wait to go back next year blackcherry20 likes this.

12-09-2013, 02:03 AM	#386 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	Sure, I will need one to get into Trackmaster. They wouldn't let me go in September because I was new at Sonoma, ended up going to Buttonwillow. I normally don't like open passing, but you definitely need it at Sonoma. That track is so hard to pass, barely any straights. Oh yeah, you need better tires for it next year. Michelin needs to go!

12-19-2013, 12:30 PM	#387 (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: 3843	Yesterday was the warmest day in weeks, 58* degrees. This is the first time since the cold snap that I've had confidence in my tires. It is nice to know the car handles as well as ever and the drive home was made fun. I had a mile or so without any other cars then a few minute hold up where the road bifurcated and the lead car let me past. All went well, running all 6 gears and stared back down. I hit third gear as I rounded a curve and looked way ahead to see a law enforcement vehicle there. Having just downshifted I was slowing anyway. As I went by he waved at me. I'll consider it a warning and take a ticket next time. The next mile was all alone and the Z continued to put a smile on my face. __________________ "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

01-09-2014, 12:02 PM	#388 (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: 3843	As I left work coming by was a red 458 Ferrari. I suddenly became excited that I might be able to catch up and drive with him. Three cars separated us. I was talking to myself ex. "get out of the way", "let's make the light" , Nooo". After a two blocks or so I ended up behind the Italia. I wished for my camera. A way down the road somebody signaled left and waited for an opening in traffic which stopped the two of us. Meanwhile the car just ahead moseyed along. Once the car completed the left the Ferrari waited another five plus seconds revved the engine and took off quickly but not crazy. I followed until we caught the car ahead which turned off leaving us alone on a 180 degree sweeping left which the moment you exit becomes a 55 MPH zone. I was applying gas towards exit and was WOT at exit. So was the 458. It was so cool. I didn't gain or fall back on this tiny straight uphill. We caught up to a car ahead driving 25-30 MPH so the Ferrari would slow down and run through his F1 gear box drive at a snails pace then speed up and catch the slowpoke. At a pull out, the Ferrari pulled off the road and I did too he made a bit more room too. I got out, or tried with the auto locking doors, then approached the car. He rolled down his window and I extended my hand and we shook. I thanked him for playing with me. He was a bit younger than I, with his lady beside him who was friendly too. He told me they were out for an evening jaunt at sunset or similar word, and would I like to tag along. Without hesitation, said yes and rushed back to my car. He even allowed me to get my seat belt back on and then we were off. When the road bifurcated he went left. The road less traveled. I have not driven this direction in several years. I prefer coming up this way as opposed to down as we now went, because the chances of driving without encountering tourist traffic is minimal. Here is the part of the story where we Z folks can not compete. Every car pulled over for the Ferrari where normally you in your stupid Datsun will just have to wait. Even BMW's. It was amazing. One thing that impressed me was that the Z did so well accelerating with him from 25. What impressed me about the 458 was the entry speed of a turn he could negotiate without trail braking. I was at the limit and he was not. Eventually we met a militant type that would not budge so the Ferrari would hang back for a minute and then shift down into first gear, which gave me a warning, and then chase the Element down again and again. I kept thinking he would ignore the double yellow and pass but to his credit, he did not. I could not stand the thought of unknown miles behind this rainbow flagged Honda, so I waved, flashed lights, honked and signaled to turn right up a head. Sadly he did not. Goodbye South Dakota* plate Italia1. I chose the better road. For the next 15 minutes I ran all out without a single car or bike. in the way. I got home and felt like I might be (car) sick for a couple minutes. I truly tossed myself around. For all of you who put your Z's into hibernation, I feel for you. Remember this is the first time in my life when an unknown Ferrari chose to drive with me so this is extremely rare. * He probably lives here in California but saved thousands of dollars registering there. JARblue 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

01-10-2014, 06:37 AM	#389 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240459	wow! What a story!! You have the best encounters. __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
O&G's Journal	O&G	Member's 370Z Gallery	648	02-16-2017 04:30 PM
a6walter1's Journal	a6walter1	Member's 370Z Gallery	33	08-04-2014 12:28 PM
My Journal gone	SPOHN	The370Z.com Feedback, Suggestions & Questions	12	11-13-2012 03:12 AM
RHD's Journal	rhd	Member's 370Z Gallery	3	06-07-2012 03:37 PM
Z BEST Journal	Z BEST	Member's 370Z Gallery	26	01-09-2011 04:19 PM