| Boy has it been a LONG time since I've sat down and did any sort of writeup. The time just isn't there for me lately and as many of you know, people have been selling their Zs, ceasing to go to events and slowing down little by little over the last few years. That being said, ZCON (the TT.net events in particular) has completely rejuvenated how I feel about the scene, the people and the cars. In fact, numerous times throghout the last year I was >< that close to up and leaving the forum. No, I would have kept and enjoyed the Z, but at the very least I'd be away from here. I've probably said that 20-30 times before but I was really, really close about six months ago. Taking the helm of this SoCal event really kept me focused...and while I was majorly worried for a bit, it turned out better than I had ever imagined (yes, you told me so Spee). I could spend another 10 paragraphs analyzing it, but I'll say it in just this one: If you don't get out there and meet other Z enthusiasts, you will forever be at a disadvantage when it comes to this forum and the Z32 scene in general. If you sit there and try to question every aspect of this place without first getting to know a few of the key players here, you'll be left scratching your head or extremely pissed off for no good reason at all. If this doesn't make sense to you, then this message is meant specifically for you. If you consider yourself a hardcore Z enthusiast and you really love this place, get to one of the big events. Whether it is ECZA, ZCON or some other gathering, do it. Okay, enough speech...you bastards want the meat and potatoes, right? Seeing as most of us have covered the first few days of ZCON, I'll get started on Thursday at the banquet and bring you right up to Saturday at Fontana where we got to see the Steve Millen 75 300ZX IMSA car in an actual race. (you can proceed to kick yourself in the ass right about now for not coming). Setup at the Queen Mary begins at 2pm
 Just a fraction of the 160+ badges that had to be made before everyone showed up. Damon worked feverishly down to the last few days to get them done
 Some of the cars in the parking lot during the banquet. Not the 75 cars we had hoped for, but the 45 or so that turned out were EXCELLENT examples of classy Z cars. No need for PETZ violations here. Quality not quantity, right?
 Not the greatest pics, but I was up in the room setting up. More car pics below though.
 Noob4life
 Just a quick snapshot of some of the members in the Queen's Salon. I'm sure around 40-50 other shots will pop up as the week goes on.
 
Since many of you were sick of seeing dinner pics, let's move on to Friday outside of Dromo1. For the record, it sucks being beaten by a non-Z owner (damn you Kam!). Even so, I had a GREAT time. I qualified 5th out of 40 for the final race (top 9 only) and finished 7th thanks to Greg(Dallas) blowing the entrance to turn 3 and nearly taking us both out! Smooth one, Dad! ;)
 Saturday was my favorite day by far as I got to hang out and cause trouble with a bunch of the veterans. Well, that's how Monday and Wednesday were as well, but this time we were actually around cars instead of locked in Bernie's hotel room with nothing but Shiner and laptops. I had planned to head to the big Nissan Headquarters car show, but we were informed that Steve Millen would be running the famous "75" car at California Speedway in Fontana. I've seen my fair share of Z car shows, but to see the 75 car run again was something I could not miss. As if that wasn't cool enough, it was a huge Historic Car race weekend and we'd get to see the 75 car in actual competition. We had the best seats in the house since the event was far from crowded. It wasn't "dead" per se, but there were no lines, lots of friendly people and LOTS of bitchin cars. In fact, it couldn't have been any more perfect. A view from our seats above the pits.
 
Here's a video clip of the takeoff from the pits and the start of the race as they hit green on the opening turn Right Click, Save As It was only a lap before Millen was up into first and it was only at the end of that lap that the car mysteriously disappeared. Engine problems took him out pretty quick :(
 Back at the garages, which we had full access to.
 Steve and the gang trying to figure out what was up. We never did get word.
 Some of you may know this history of some of these great Porsches. You might even have a model or two of them :)
 Back at the Stillen paddock
 
Nixit pondering the carbon fiber ducting. Hard to tell, but I think he approves.
 Bernie, Spee and Nick.
 Quick quiz, anyone know what turbos the Stillen car currently runs?
 The pictures alone wont be enough
 Nick pointed out this interesting shot. Note the Le Mans sticker reminding us of the heritage.
 A better shot
 For the record, the car only came up to Nick's waist. That's almost as far as Spee (who I lovingly nicknamed the Black Tom Cruise).
 Okay, so he's not THAT short...but he is that shiny.
 I couldn't let them have all the fun. Yours truly kneeling with greatness.
 The man himself gave us a candid interview of sorts. You know...I've lived near Stillen for years and it took something Bernie and Spee said to change my view of Steve. As much as we give that company shit for their horrid sales department, the man is quite a guy. I mean, we don't know for sure how much input he has on day to day operations (and realistically, it's probably pretty low as long as they turn a profit), but the guy has ALWAYS been cordial, inviting and very easy to talk with. He recognized us as TT.net people and welcomed us in like we were part of the family. I'm sure the rest of the guys will concur in that this was one of the finest parts of the week.
 After we bid farewell to Steve and the misbehaving 75 car, we went to see the rest of the sights. It wasn't long before we found this completely carbon fiber BMW. You see kids, Nixit does like carbon fiber...when it is used for a PURPOSE.
 Ferraris were everywhere. Mostly older but there were a few 360s running around.
 
Where's Wagz and his mini-bike when you need him?
 I'd barely fit in one, but this is one Lotus I'd love to own.
 I think Nick agrees...but can he fit?
 Well, with the top off he is in luck...
 Later on we learned there was a Jaguar autocross course setup for people to have a few laps with a 390hp S-Type R and XJR. Free hat + ripping on a $70,000 car for free = fun.
 The final pic before heading home
 And there you have it folks. That was all the photographic evidence of my last three days at ZCON2K4. The scary thing is that this is only a small fraction of the total pics taken by the various TT.net veterans in attendance. Trust me when I tell you that you'll continue to see more and more pics/video over the next week or two. And if Spee can get off his ass and capture the video from the 75 Car stuff, you'll really be in for a treat. Get moving Spence! Anyway, I can't even begin to thank all of you for making this thing a success. From the dozens of people that volunteered or offered to volunteer to the countlesss people that made the trek all the way to California just to meet a bunch of strangers they know from a car forum. Our friends and family may not "get it" but to each and every one of you that I met over this last week, I consider you a part of this family we affectionately call TT.net. I also have to extend a big thanks to all of the vendors who went above and beyond in donating raffle prizes and other gear to the event. A rough mental count comes to well over $4,000 in giveaways. I just can't thank you guys enough for that and I'll be sure to post another post with the prize list very soon. Last but not least, a HUGE thanks goes out to Damon, Greg and Alex for keeping this place around amid all the garbage that the internet breeds. Without you guys, we'd have NOTHING. Until 2005...sayonara...
Seedy
My 300Zs: www.zheaven.com - Have a question about either of my 300ZXs? Answers lie within.
Admin: www.350ZForum.com - Your source for the lastest info on the new Nissan 350Z!
Writer: www.SportZMagazine.com - Nothing but Z cars from cover to cover! Subscribe today!
Moderator: www.TwinTurbo.net - Hands down, the best site for 90-96 Z car info and discussion! |
My ZCON 2004 Writeup (56k = death) - 
