go z racer, go

whatever---Jerry

Hey, just got finished with watching my favorite non-paid cable show, "the shield." In this particular episode an accident unfolds at an intersection. A 280ZX rear ends a luxury car. The driver of the Z attempts to apologize for his action, the other driver responds with "yeah, that's easy for you to say, you drive a piece of $^!#." Not good.---Jerry

Thanks, it made it a lot easier to get my foot out of my mouth.---Jerry

Well, of course......I knew that.......I was merely testing you....---Jerry

Ahh, but then, Datsun rejected the Albrecht Goertz initial "Z" design submitted in 66. Datsun sold the design to Toyota, hence the Toyota 2000GT. Although the above mentioned is true, it was noted that Mr.Goertz was more intrigued/influenced by the lines found on the E-Type Jaguar. Simple coincidence that the "Z" resemble the BMW 507? Perhaps, but more likely due to the fact that Mr. Goertz designed the BMW 507 as well.---Jerry

Factory (working) Datsun/Hitachi AM/FM radio and fascia. Harness and antenna jack included. Looks almost new, however it is missing the tuning and volume knobs. http://www.classicZcars.com/forums/editpost.php?s=&action=editpost&postid=32494

Factory (working) Datsun/Hitachi AM/FM radio and fascia. Harness and antenna jack included. Looks almost new, however it is missing the tuning and volume knobs. $35 plus shipping

Just got through watching the live F1 "shocker" down-under. Wow, great race, best one I've seen in years. It was good to see David on the podium again. Montoya's post race whining wasn't surprising either. Not exactly what the BMW Public Relations had in mind for their multi million dollar investment. I followed his F3000 career, I have yet to see this most talented-cocky boy develop any maturity. What a shot in the arm for everyone. Opportunity was there for all on virtually every lap. Just ask David. However, this was an enormous "first day." Teams will be scrutinizing every tic-toc second of this day. I can't see a reason why round two would be any less exciting. While I understand it's far too early to make predictions, thus far, the controversy concerning the all the "new" rules, and their effects on F1, has Bernie looking quite brilliant. Time will tell.---Jerry *****Carl, I trust you made it home in time from work!

Hey Carl S.--Wow, I just read your most resent post regarding Minardi's "questionable" actions during yesterdays qualifying event. Thanks for clearing that up. I confess, it had me going in circles for a while. Very interesting indeed! A clever move, not unlike those performed in the past by Ross B. Man you have to wonder what Stodard (spelling) could "really" do if only for a budget. I wish him well in front of his fellow country men today. Well, I'm settling in for a much anticipated season opener with my fingers crossed for Rubens today and Schuey at seasons end. Though, should it rain, Ferrari drivers should have no problems as they both possess great skills in weather. Having said that, my pick, should weather become a factor, would then go to Schuey..---Jerry

Carl S.---- What the heck was Minardi thinking with both drivers not even completing a Qual lap? I think Minardi either: a.) knew they were destined to for "back row," so why even bother trying to push real hard on unreliable equipment that was yet "dialed-in." b.) they were not confident with their practice times, hence they feared elimination by virtue of the "best-to-last" time window minimum. Just my hunch Carl.---Jerry

Here's a little something for all you F1 fans....and Carl S. With exception to the top three grid positions the line up has a new look. Largely due in part (in my humble opinion) to the new rules concerning "qualifying cars," or the lack thereof. Ferrari must have a three stop game plan as they were over a full second ahead of third place, JPM. Also, if not for a crippled McLaren (Kimi) in his way, I believe Rubens would have easily beaten Schuey's time. After all, it was Ruben's setup that, a then struggling, Shuey adopted at the last possible moment. Man is it just me, or does it seem like Rubens fights twice as hard for less? The Man has heart. DaMatta, your teammate claimed 5th.....what happened? 1._M.SCHUMACHER_ Ferrari___1'27"173_ 2._BARRICHELLO__ Ferrari____1'27"418___ 3._MONTOYA____Williams BMW___1'28"101___ 4. FRENTZEN____Sauber Petronas___1'28"274___ 5. PANIS____Toyota______1'28"288___ 6. VILLENEUVE___ BAR Honda___1'28"420___ 7._HEIDFELD____Sauber Petronas___1'28"464___ 8. BUTTON____BAR Honda___1'28"682___ 9._R.SCHUMACHER_ Williams BMW___1'28"830___ 10. ALONSO___ Renault____1'28"928___ 11._COULTHARD____McLaren Mercedes___1'29"105___ 12._TRULLI____Renault____1'29"136___ 13. FISICHELLA___ Jordan Ford___1'29"344___ 14. WEBBER___Jaguar Cosworth____1'29"367___ 15._RAIKKONEN____ McLaren Mercedes___ 1'29"470___ 16. DA MATTA____Toyota_____1'29"538___ 17. FIRMAN____Jordan Ford____1'31"242___ 18. PIZZONIA_____Jaguar Cosworth____1'31"723___ 19. VERSTAPPEN___ Minardi Cosworth___ No Time 20. WILSON_____Minardi Cosworth___ No Time

Nice piece of detective work there Mattlock...I mean Alfadog. I had no idea as to what Leeroy had described. I think it looks rather nice, classic as it were.---Jerry

You hit the nail on the head Carl regarding broadcast race coverage. It seems each venue chooses to focus on the Ferrari, Williams, McLaren-podium "non story" up front, while unseen battles for positions yielding a single point (sixth place) are taking place a few cars back. Last years season ending race at Suzuka saw Jordan's Japanese driver, Sato (relegated this year as a test driver for BAR), finish in fifth place. Hardly worth noting to some however, to Teams competing for next years F1 perks (Bernie's monopoly) it was a million dollar difference. The pit shots of yellow men fixated to their monitors (for good reason too, every Honda powered car with exception to Sato's was DNF) and Sato driving above his abilities in front of his screaming home crowd (and all the factory Honda employees) for my money was refreshing. I may have just opened my trap a bit too early concerning my predictions of yet another Ferrari's strangle hold season. It seems that Ralph Schumacher "smashed" Ferrari's Jerez lap record by over a full second today. Good news indeed for us F1 fans. I'd enjoy nothing more than to see Michael put his skills to work for an unprecedented sixth title. However, I'd really love to see him "forced" to work. That would bring out the best in him as well as the sport it's self. This will truly be "Motorsport history in the making." I feel like I'm seven years of age again and Christmas is just around the corner!---Jerry

Hey Carl, and the rest of you F1 fans, here's a little something for you all (I do more than just scribble Z graphics).

I think the world is only now beginning to realize the domination that Ferrari has engineered for themselves. For so many years they have shot themselves in the foot so many times, talents wasted and chances blown that everyone is waiting for the Ferrari bubble to burst yet again. But that old Ferrari is long gone; DeMontezemolo, Todt, Brawn, Byrne, Martinelli, Schuey, etc., have all seen to that. For so long producing their own chassis, engine, gearbox, etc., was seen as a distraction from success. The British way, once was the only way, however things change. Now the in-house F1 team can be fully integrated, can plan long term and maximize its package. Toyota are no mugs, they're in for the duration and they've seen the future. If Mercedes and BMW wish to end Ferrari's domination then they're going to have to buy out McLaren and Williams and do it all in-house. However, I don't feel they're as committed to F1 like Fiat/Ferrari are, to them it's just a way to promote road car sales through image until the next big thing comes along. I think Ferrari are going to cause some barren times for the other teams over the next few years. With global recession looming will they want to invest the sums required to build what Ferrari have just to pick up a bit of silverware? BTW Carl S---To say I'm impressed with your paddock knowledge would be a gross understatement. Further more, you value Formula One's rich history and it's undeniable significance on modern day F1; a key component normally lost on (us) Americans. It actually borders on frightening. Carl, sharp wit is one thing, arming it with sophistication is quite another, and it would appear you have mastered both with little to no effort....I'm taking cover! ().---Jerry

Here's the 2003 F1 calendar.....just in case any of you mototrsport fans care to see state of the art vehicles driven by the worlds best road-course drivers. Rally drivers arguably poses the best all around driving skills, so said by the Man himself, Michael Schumacher. If early test reports of the F2003 abilities are correct, it spells disaster once again for Williams and McLaren. So, expect to see Montoya once again claim numerous pole positions (7 last year without a single win) with Michael and Rubens battling out in front. Although it will be interesting to follow Team Jordan's 2001 F3 Champion, Ralph Firman and Australia's F1 rookie of the year, Mark Webber (now with Jaguar). As well, Villeneuve has a new, stronger, Honda power plant that has put him on top of time sheets of late. Perhaps just the thing this former Cart and F1 Champion needs for an exciting season. Face it, with the Ferraris superiority, and Mikas departure from F1 (presently perusing a Rally Career) the real fights have come from mid pack. Just thought some of you domestic motorsport fans might find it interesting. After all, there's more to racing than just left hand turns.---Jerry 2003 F 1 CALENDAR _Date _Grand Prix _ 9 Mar _Australia 23 _Mar _Malaysia _ _6 Apr _Brazil _Interlagos _ 20 Apr _San Marino _Imola _ _4 May _Spain _Barcelona _ 18 May _Austria _A-1 Ring _ 1 Jun _Monaco _Monte Carlo _ 15 Jun _Canada _Montreal _ 29 Jun _Europe _Nurburgring _ _6_ Jul _ France _Magny-Cours _ 20_ Jul _ Great Britain _Silverstone _ _3_ Aug _Germany _Hockenheim _ 24_ Aug _Hungary _Hungaroring _ 14 Sep _Italy _Monza _ 28 Sep _United States _Indianapolis _ 12 Oct _Japan _Suzuka

Looks to me like the BRE (Brock Racing Enterprise) fiberglass front spook with adjustable down-force struts. About $110 from MSA, minus the ADFS.---Jerry

Carl Beck---Hey Carl, it's me Jerry, your fellow "Mac guy." The owner you mentioned with the early vin number "16," would that be our Florida buddy, Jimbo? I remember him telling me once he had "one-over" you. I could never figure out what he meant by that, until I read your most resent/first post here. Now it makes perfect sense. That's funny too, but typical Jimbo. Anyway, it was a real treat to see your expertise on this site, take care.---Jerry BTW---Kudos to Bambi Killer 240Z as well, he may have just saved one of us from being burned.

You present a remarkably knowledgeable argument. No doubt you are well read as you are versed. However, I feel you may have missed my point and for that I apologize. I'm not arguing the G35's DNA, but rather their owners. Why else would Nissan produce such a line? To appeal to a different market. It's not a matter of "excluding" a particular group from this club for choosing not to drive a Z car, it's more like "why" would they care to join. What's really here for them, what's offered here that would benefit a G35 owner? What could they possibly contribute from their experience as G35 owners that would have a value here? It's not because we don't care either. New Z owners posting the most fundamental of questions receive overwhelming response from seasoned mechanics void of snooty comments. Where else can you find (free) international attention to any question, regarding anything, that might concern your Z car? Here you'll find members with cerebral blue prints to assist you in converting your N/A 240Z into a turbo charged meat-rocket...and from junk yard parts no less! The same cannot be said for the G35. Too much plastic, emissions, silicon chips, and technology for me to digest. Even if I could, the engine bay affords little to no "working space." In short, the vast majority of G35 owners will not have much in common with "Classic Z" car owners. Nor do I feel they will find a need for this site. They won't be swapping engines or gear boxes anytime soon. Neither will they be seeking out "used" parts for their G35s anytime soon. More than likely, they wouldn't elicit "do -- it -- yourself" repair advise; again, no need. This car club, at times, acts very much like a Z owners support group. As a none smoker, I wouldn't join a "stop smoking" support group just because I could; no need. What good would it do me? As a none smoker what could I contribute? So, perhaps G35 owners would be better served else where, respectively. Now, I could be wrong about all of this, it wouldn't be the first time or the last.---Jerry

Hey Steve, I have nothing against the Infinity G35, or any other Z "cousin"for that matter. However, I enjoy and favor my membership to this particular site because it is very distinct. You, and everyone else here shares that distinction. We are defined as "Classic Z" owners. A good car club, and make no mistake -- this is a good car club, is not defined, or measured by head counts, but rather it's membership dedication, the desire, the passion for a particular mark. While the Infinity G35 is manufactured by Nissan (if you did peel away the less tan subtle Infinity badges you would find a 350Z) it is not a "Z." Another "dividing" component to consider would be the "owners." Although we come from all walks of life, and tune into Bay Watch in several different languages (yeah, as if any of us cling to the dialogue), we share at least one common factor. Our love affair for "Z" cars. Nissan didn't create "Infinity line" because they were selling too many cars. Actually, it was the exact opposite, at the time Nissan was some 14 billion dollars in the hole. Nissan, like Toyota, felt a need to cash in on a market that was once reserved exclusively for German made cars. I'll attempt to articulate this point. Now, this may come as a shock to some but, our passion for this L6 asphalt missile, budget 250 GTO Ferrari, Rice Rocket-hunter is missed by the average Joe-Public. That's fine with me. The Infinity G35's is designed to attract a particular market landscape. This market was missed by the MTV/Speed Channel, pride in Z ownership commercials that peppered our televisions the world over. This market missed the three year Z excitement found in all the popular motorsport publications that led to this years release of the 350Z. This market is drawn to the Infinity-brand, a social economic statement on wheels if you will. Still with me? This is not say that we are all in the poor house. Hell, if I won my state lottery I would fly to Japan and buy a bad arse Fairlady, factory G-nose to burn up my Laguna Seca race track built on my "Faster-Faster Land" Ranch. But that's me. Not the guy who chooses to buy the G35 over the 350Z. Chances are good that he's a nice guy too, but something tells me he'll never pick up a wrench. He'll probably pass on an after market parts catalogue in favor for a J. C. Crew, or a Crate & Barrel brochure. This guy might not soil himself if his wife purchased him a BRE replica 240Z for Christmas. More than likely, he'll ask/demand her for the receipt instead. I believe car clubs the world over represent a politicly acceptable segregated arena. A club by it's very nature, to some degree, is discriminatory. That's why there's so many clubs. Almost everyone I know, and don't know, drives a car, however, I only know a few that own Z cars. I'll walk up and start a conversation with a perfect stranger if notice their car to be a Z. I'll bet most of you do, or at least, have done the same. Right? Face it wer're a rare breed. So in short, yeah, of course you can connect the dots from an Infinity G35 to Nissan but, before you do, think back to the last time you ran over to greet a stranger closing the door to their Infinity---Jerry