As some of you guys know, I am heavily involved in the Z scene in the US; I go to a number of the shows there each year and I am a moderator on the US forum. Make no mistake, the scene is BIG, it can bit glitsy! I don't think many, if any of your have ever done any of the shows there, but if ever you get the chance, just do it. They're a LOT of fun. The people are super friendly, many of which I now consider family and the cars are first rate.

 

I've been to ZNationals, MidwestZfest, BransonZfest (which is where my commitments lie) and an assortment of regional meets and shows from Arizona to California, the Midwest and East coast.

 

Next year, I've committed myself to ZCon which, joy of all joys, is being held in San Diego. I go to San Diego a couple of times each year as I have friends there and when the announcement was made that it was going to be held there for 2014, I leapt for joy!

 

A bit of background to the show. It's probably the biggest show on the US Z calendar and is sponsored by Nissan USA and all manor of other high profile vendors like. This year it was in New Hampshire and the year before in Phoenix which was the one I was originally going to go to. All the big names go there like Z1, CZP etc Up until a few years ago, Mr.K (father of the Z car) used to attend these, but he's become too old to travel now as he's well over 100. I think he does a live video link to the event these days.

 

Here's a lot of photos of the 2012 event in Arizona. 100s of Z cars drive from all over the US. I expect next year's show in California is going to be HUGE as there is a huge ownership populous along the west coast.

 

http://www.jamesonapodacaphotography.com/zcon.html

 

The host hotel is here too, the Kona Key resort which is where all the parties and car show will be! Looks really nice doesn't it! Z cars will be at both big parking areas with food and music and all sorts going on. I am so excited that ZCon is being hosted in my favourite city. Not entirely sure which track they'll be using for the drag and track events, but I expect there will be some epic drives through the canyons arranged.

 

 

Sounds like loads of fun, but isn't it frustrating knowing that you can't take your own?

Heading West myself next year for 6 weeks,Wife needs to take care of family stuff ect....flying to east coast then driving West,i might consider timing it for this as we are totally flexible on dates:cool3: Whats the dates Simon?

Hi Si ( sounds a bit like something of an oriental Menu)

Been to three of these in the past Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Antonio and every time have been made so welcome it is unbelievable

You will have a blast at it

Awesome mate, good choice on SD as fave city, been there a couple of times as you know and haven't felt more welcome anywhere else in the world, and I'm quite well travelled haha.

 

What's the dates for it, see if I can worm a work funded trip to El Centro at the same time haha.

Sounds like loads of fun, but isn't it frustrating knowing that you can't take your own?

 

Not really. I have plenty of cars to drive out there. I have a silver 2+2 that I borrow that is currently out in Springdale, Arkansas. Too far to drive that really. I have a very good friend in SD who lets me drive his stunning 240z around. I have been toying with the idea of buying a SWB TT to have out there as I have places to store it in Arizona and Missouri.

 

 

Heading West myself next year for 6 weeks,Wife needs to take care of family stuff ect....flying to east coast then driving West,i might consider timing it for this as we are totally flexible on dates:cool3: Whats the dates Simon?

 

5th - 9th of August Bri.

 

 

Hi Si ( sounds a bit like something of an oriental Menu)

Been to three of these in the past Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Antonio and every time have been made so welcome it is unbelievable

You will have a blast at it

 

As with all the events I go to there. They're such an awesome bunch and they go the extra mile. Mad Mike will likely be there which will be good. I hope to do Branson and ZCon this year.

 

Awesome mate, good choice on SD as fave city, been there a couple of times as you know and haven't felt more welcome anywhere else in the world, and I'm quite well travelled haha.

 

What's the dates for it, see if I can worm a work funded trip to El Centro at the same time haha.

 

Rob, if you need a lift, I don't mind coming out to El Centro. It's only a few hours out of SD.

Si you must get loads of air miles. I'd love to go to the west coast, but flights are a fortune...

I don't even collect them. I travel on so many different carriers that are associated with various numbers of different alliances that it just isn't worth it. Flights are a fortune. I spent £2,500 on flights alone on my last trip! 8 flights in 3 weeks! Kinda killed me! haha

....last trip was to California, Georgia and the Midwest. I'm off over there again for Christmas. Going to Georgia for a few days + I wanna hang out with the Z1 guys again, might drive down to Florida for a few days, flight out to Arizona to see a few Z guys there and then drive over to San Diego for New Years.

You are one lucky sod...

Dates noted Si for further discussion next year:yes:

Nice one Si......

 

Enjoy it my friend; although it's pointless saying as I know that you will.......

 

Richard:thumbup:

Enjoy Si it sounds awesome :yes:

Change of plan! Unfortunately, I won't be able to make this. This October however sees a return trip to the guys at Z1 Motorsports for their yearly ZNationals bash. I've been to this before and it's awesome! Looking forward to heading back there. I spent some time with the guys in June last year and always, had a blast.

 

 

For those that don't know anything about it, Z1 Motorsports in the US hold their yearly Nationals event which includes track day action at Barber Motorsport Park, dyno sessions, car shows and parties. It's really good fun and a very well put together and well oiled machine! I hope to be doing a bit of announcing this year too.

 

Is that the hardtop convertible behind the ladies?

Yup, sure is! It's not theirs, but they have some customer cars on display also.