this is the first time taking the Z out for some autocross action. I had a blast doing it even though it was pouring rain. Thats me in the orange Z, my buddy Hank in the blue RX-7 and another buddy Jon in the blue Volvo S60-R.

here is a video of me spinning on the first turn.. this was my fourth run and all of them up til this one were improving. I guess i was just trying a little too hard on this one.

S60 R looks really stable. Love that AWD. Z looked really good. I am heading to my first real track day with my Z next month...

thanks..yeah Jon in the s60 actually ended up winning the Novice class that day, that thing was really good in the rain. Since these videos were taken, I've been in two more autocrosses, and feel like I'm steadily improving. Our latest one was on Jan. 24th, I finished 5th in the novice class, but would have won the NXF class which is where NASA classes my car.. the results are here by fastest time... im about halfway down 32 out of 58.. http://www.get-fast.net/nasacross/012410res_raw.htm I also plan to run on a real track on March 28th.. NASA is doing a circuitcross at VIR.. looking forward to it

As we all know, autocrossing is an absolute blast. Here comes some nostalgia....

Back in "the day," I autocrossed the Z. Did pretty well, too. Well enough to qualify for the SCCA Solo II run-offs two years running. Anyway, in '72 the Division Run-offs were held at Penwell Raceway, just west of Odessa, Texas. I hailed from Lubbock, about 150 miles down the road, up until about two months before the scheduled event. Had moved to Montgomery, Alabama. Now, that's a 'fer' piece to drive for an autocross, but I did. I had scarfed a set of used race tires from a buddy that raced a Datsun 2 liter and shipped them to my father-in-law in Odessa. Wifey and I made the trip, swapped the tires onto my wheels (which are still on the car in in the avatar) and set out to conquer the field. I almost did. Except for a dadgum Ferrari that had driven up from Houston. He beat me by less than a second to claim the A-Prepared trophy and to advance on to the nationals. That final run was one of two times in the car's life-to-date I saw the tach needle vibrate against 8 grand. In that run, I also tossed the fan belt and finished with 275 showing on the SW mechanical temp gauge I'd installed. Sometimes, the desire to WIN is too strong, given the inherent fragility in things mechanical. Plus, I had to drive back to Alabama after the fun. All ended well, except I got to go home.

Anyway, the Z is a superb autocross platform so you will have loads of fun and thrills, hopefully no spills or chills. Enjoy.

So, I'm just starting autocrossing also. Did a few events last season and first Summer Series race is this Sunday. What tires are you using and what other suspension mods have you made that mattered (more than learning how to drive right)? Also, I found the tail really wants to swing out with street tires, and I played with air pressure and it helped a bit. Will R-compound tires change that preference for oversteer? Do you think I should leave the spare tire in and race with a full tank to weight the back wheels more? or does that create too much lateral force to swing it out? Or do I just need to slow my arse down going into the turns :-)

First, as part of the safety and inspection procedures, you should not be running with anything in your Z (remove all carpets, tools, spare tire etc.). Second does your Z have a rear sway bar and/or adjustable shocks? If yes, then soften the rear shocks or remove the sway bar end links. You can also lower your tire pressures.

Most Zs want to swing out but they do so less when driven slower (slow in-fast out).

As to a full tank of gas, now you're not only adding more weight to the rear of the car but you will likely be flagged for a fuel leak.....

DOT R-compound tires will really transform the car. If you're just getting into autocross I'd start with a harder compound. Don't know if Victoracers are still available, but something like that would be good. You'll find that the faster you go the more you wear the outer edge of the tire. By starting with a tire that wears better, you'll spend less money on that and can concentrate more on modding the suspension to prevent that tire wear.

This is the part where the car starts to get REALLY fun to drive.