I am finally getting back on US Time and getting my head around what I actually just experienced while in Japan. At first look 10 days doesn't seem like a long time and the schedule doesn't look like it will be as heavy as it actually is.
The whole experience is so surreal. Starting off the week by watching a Super GT race was amazing. The sights and sounds of being at that race cannot truly be described. Then the fact that we were able to go into Yokahama's VIP area and hang out with those guys was a huge bonus. Then somehow we get another privilege and we get into Nissan's Crystal room and sit with some serious Nissan heavy weights. Nissan winning the championship just made the night that much sweeter. We also had perfect timing on this trip because we got to see Mr. K get inducted into the Japanese Automobile Hall of Fame. It was truly an honor to finally meet the father of the Z car and see him get this long deserved award. Then in the following days we had the privilege of going to Nissan's secret testing facility called the "Grand Drive". We also visited the Nissan Design Center and met with John Yukawa-Chief Designer of the 350 and 370 and his design team. We also had the opportunity to visit the Tochigi Plant and see them build some Z cars, Inifiniti's, etc.. And how can I forget getting to hang out with Tetsu and his gang. Their Z Fiesta event was amazing. The people were fantastic and the cars were awesome. On the second day of the Fiesta the event is moved to the Tochigi plant where they set up an auto cross event. But the big part is getting to drive around the 4 mile oval located at the Tochigi plant. A true honor getting to do this and then having "C" give me the keys to his Twin Turbo to let me do a few laps. How many people who do the same here in America? Just hand the keys to your TT and let some stranger take it for a ride. To cap off the event we got full speed rides in the ring with the Nissan test drivers. Truly a life time memory to get the chance to do that. Then something that caught my attention, as the cars line up to leave at the end of the day the people line up to wave and bow to the driver's as they make their way home. I made some great new friends and met some incredible people in Japan. The trip was a once in a lifetime experience and I hope someday to be able to go again. I cannot thank Mad Mike enough for putting this trip together and letting me be a part of it. I hope you guys can come to San Antonio for ZCON 09 and you guys get to meet some of the Japanese that are coming. I know the economy stinks but like Tetsu and Mr. K told the crowds at the Z Fiesta don't let the economy hold you back from making friends and lifetime memories. Once again thanks to all of our gracious hosts and Nissan. And to Rodel, his wife Aurora, Halo Z , Chris and Mike-thanks for being easy to get along with and providing me with some laughs and great memories-Kampai!!! 
All of my ZAMA Pics can be found on my page here:
[ http://senorfrog99.smugmug.com/gallery/6601242_Vjgmd#420610732_ap7S6 ] And if you haven't caught my previous post on our trip to Japan then please click: Arrival:
[ http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/forums/general/view/2219598/OK-here-we-go--Pictures-of-our-trip-to-Japan.html ] Super GT Part 1: [ http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/forums/general/view/2219622/Super-GT-Race-Pics-Part-1.html ] Super GT Part 2:
[ http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/forums/general/view/2219626/Super-GT-Race-Pics-Part-2.html ] Mr. K Induction:
[ http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/forums/general/view/2220547/Mr-K-Induction-into-Japan-Automobile-Hall-of-Fame.html ] Z Fiesta:
[ http://www.twinturbo.net/nissan/300zx/forums/general/view/2220883/Z-Fiesta-in-Japan-111508.html ]
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My ZAMA Pictures - 
