I was wondering if anyone knew of any amateur autocross events in the Sacramento/ Central Cali area? I don't want to go in as competitive, but I'd like to be able to take my Z out on a race track and see how I do on a course. I thought that I had heard something about racing at sears point, but I don't recall fully. If anyone knows, let me know!

 

You just missed a good low key group last weekend in Stockton. Here is the schedule for the SCCA events. Just let them know it is your first time and someone will help you out. http://www.sfrscca.com/solo2/Sacramento/index.html
There is a beginner section on the website too.

The Sacramento sites at Mather, McClellan and Cal Expo are no longer available to us so Stockton is the closest site I know of.

If you are looking for driving on a racetrack at speed but not actually racing fender to fender, there are 2 Datsun/Nissan events coming to Thunderhill Raceway an hour north of Sacramento in June and July.

 

yeah, that's kind of what I was looking for. the bad part is that my datsun has no motor in it at this time. I feel that my driving abilities would be well suited for the track, and I wouldn't mind getting my *** handed to me by even more experienced drivers.

 

Even though you are driving in a parking lot around cones, autocrossing is the place to learn car control and car setup. There are some very experienced drivers and well setup, high dollar cars in that group to help you learn before you try the higher stakes, high speed open track events. Oh yeah, autocrossing is also very fun.

 

yeah, I'm all down for cone courses, they won't hurt your car as much as a wall would...I'd like to go driving and sliding on a skidpad or what not, it'd be awesome.

 

I've been reading up on track racing too, and after watching some videos of Z's on the track, it seems like something I'd really like to get into. What all would I need to be able to do track racing? I live in Sacramento, so where would the closest track be to race on? I am pretty good when it comes to following the fastest line (I do kart racing at this kart place over here, I always come out with consistent times, and I'm almost always the fastest on the track) so I think I'd do pretty good with some practice.

I just want to know prices, parts to buy, requirements, what it'll do to my Z, etc.

 

Look in the events section on this website for the event put on buy ClubZ at Thunderhill, a track 1 1/2 hours north of us in Sacto. Another Datsun event at this track is part of the Mt. Shasta event Dennis Hale puts on every year. More info can be found in the events calender at http://dimequarterly.tierranet.com/

 

I read up on the autocross rules, and I read the handbook for novices. Autocross is a cone course, where as track racing is actually on a track, correct? I didn't find any infornation on how much tread must be on the tires of the vehicle, so how much would I need? Autocross sounds like an exciting sport, and definitely something I'd like to get into.

 

I just read all of the solo2 book for autocross (that was a long read!), and I noticed that they have rules against loud exhaust. I have a glasspack with no cat, that is pretty damned loud, how would I know if I would be able to participate?

 

The San Francisco Region events are more **** about the sound limit. I think you would be O.K. at the Stockton events. There are 2 this weekend you might want to checkout. $35 dollars for non SCCA members. http://www.sfrscca.com/solo2/Sacramento/Cup20053.htm Let them know at the registration table it is your first time and ask for an instructor to ride with you. It makes all the difference.

 

man, I wish my Z was insured and I had some extra money, I'd be down there and racing!