Spun-out at Thunderhill
06-30-2007, 10:09 PM
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Spun-out at Thunderhill
All, here is my baby before my "off-track experience)
I attended HOD event at Thunderhill Raceway yesterday. The event was very well-organized. I was in group B. I've never had a problem with run groups at HPDE's but this event was like a school for folks with expensive cars and attitudes. Way too many cars in the groups.
Pretty cool car show though. Mclaren SLR, F430/grips of Z06/997TT/GT3/Ford GT:
I've never been off the track before. After getting frustrated with a Ferrari F360 and a Porsche Cayman S I let the "red mist" take over and I lost control of the Z in turn 1, sending me into the infield. The car spun a few times and slid across the dirt and I was praying for it not to roll-over. Waves of dirt rushed through the car and the interior looks like a rally car. I actually ended up close to the entry to turn 2! Scariest thing I've ever experienced in a car.
Here are video clips my good friend Scott took(also a Z owner/enthusiast):
Chasing the Cayman
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...5d018077f9.htm
The aftermath of the spin:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/b...5d01748955.htm
When the car stopped I got back on course and drove to the paddock. The right rear wheel was cocked outward, like it had excessive toe-out:
The rear toe-link was completely bent, probably from hitting a rut as I slid across the infield:
We put a jack underneath and slowly "raised" it back into place. Obvious improvement. I test drove her and felt better about driving 2hrs home, but too shaken to drive back on the track.
I learned an important lesson: street tires SUCK!
oh, and it's not a race
I attended HOD event at Thunderhill Raceway yesterday. The event was very well-organized. I was in group B. I've never had a problem with run groups at HPDE's but this event was like a school for folks with expensive cars and attitudes. Way too many cars in the groups.
Pretty cool car show though. Mclaren SLR, F430/grips of Z06/997TT/GT3/Ford GT:
I've never been off the track before. After getting frustrated with a Ferrari F360 and a Porsche Cayman S I let the "red mist" take over and I lost control of the Z in turn 1, sending me into the infield. The car spun a few times and slid across the dirt and I was praying for it not to roll-over. Waves of dirt rushed through the car and the interior looks like a rally car. I actually ended up close to the entry to turn 2! Scariest thing I've ever experienced in a car.
Here are video clips my good friend Scott took(also a Z owner/enthusiast):
Chasing the Cayman
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...5d018077f9.htm
The aftermath of the spin:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/b...5d01748955.htm
When the car stopped I got back on course and drove to the paddock. The right rear wheel was cocked outward, like it had excessive toe-out:
The rear toe-link was completely bent, probably from hitting a rut as I slid across the infield:
We put a jack underneath and slowly "raised" it back into place. Obvious improvement. I test drove her and felt better about driving 2hrs home, but too shaken to drive back on the track.
I learned an important lesson: street tires SUCK!
oh, and it's not a race
07-01-2007, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by alving
I learned an important lesson: street tires SUCK!
oh, and it's not a race
(street tires are perfect to learn on...they give much more warning when they're close to letting go [compared to R-comps])glad you're okay and the Z isn't too bad!
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07-02-2007, 07:56 AM
#10
Originally Posted by sfarrah
Glad to hear there was no major damage. I've gone off track several times over the years, but luckily haven't spun yet.
I had just asked if I could do a ride-along with Alvin, but this group doesn't allow passengers. I would have either slowed him down or shat my pants as we spun around in the dust.Alvin - let's clean her up this weekend (or maybe Tuesday night?)! You bring the beer (lots of it).
07-02-2007, 10:26 AM
#14
Originally Posted by M3ownZ
I feel for you bro. Next time you gotta get the dual wishbone suspension and double Vanos setup available in the beast you see below:
07-02-2007, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by M3ownZ
I feel for you bro. Next time you gotta get the dual wishbone suspension and double Vanos setup available in the beast you see below:
07-02-2007, 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by alving
Absolutely correct! It was all me.
07-02-2007, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by jmark
Alvin, Glad your car is OK. Who owned the Nismo Z? Was it tracked?
UPDATE: Both the camber arm and toe are bent. Will be replaced by factory parts soon!
Interior is frustratingly dirty. Seats will probably need to be removed
Last edited by alving; 07-02-2007 at 04:47 PM.
07-02-2007, 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by alving
UPDATE: Both the camber arm and toe are bent. Will be replaced by factory parts soon!
07-02-2007, 04:59 PM
#20
Originally Posted by alving
The Nismo was tracked a few sessions! I have video somewhere. I think it was a Nissan marketing car. It was also at a Nissan/Datsun show the very next day.
UPDATE: Both the camber arm and toe are bent. Will be replaced by factory parts soon!
Interior is frustratingly dirty. Seats will probably need to be removed
UPDATE: Both the camber arm and toe are bent. Will be replaced by factory parts soon!
Interior is frustratingly dirty. Seats will probably need to be removed