| decided they wanted to put an event together for their enthusiasts. In particular they wanted their GTR and 370Z owners to come out to the Nismo Performance Academy. It was chance for Nissan to teach the drivers some basic driving techniques and for the owners to get an opportunity to experience their cars on the track. Now to put on this event a very cool Nissan exec had to convince the powers that be that not only to rent a track so we could drive our cars on but also hand us the keys to the Nissan demo cars and give them a rip around the track. I can just image the lawyers faces "You want to do what?!" Carl was able to sell this program and the first track that was selected was The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Despite not having a GTR or 370Z I got lucky and was able to participate. The morning started off beautiful:
 Down the main straight towards the now very famous Turn 1
 
The event got started with a breakfast and a run down of the day ahead. It would include some driving instruction in our cars, an AutoX, A braking zone/slalom course, lunch and finally more driving time in our cars and in the Nissan cars on the track-the full circuit would be open to us.
*Rodel's pic Of course what event wouldn't be complete without goodie bags. Drivers and their guests got this: (all Rodel's pics)
 and a little something extra in the driver's goodie bag:
 A few pics of us on the course. This is me driving my Nismo 350.
 My buddy Ron driving one of the Nissan owned GTR's
 Me at the slalom course:
 Hanging out with Nissan GT Academy Winner Bryan Heitkotter
 
A video of the day:
[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDO6asw6JBQ&feature=share&list=UUDzBQrWonNfloAobNhELmvg ]
So after getting the chance to drive their cars my impression on them. Nismo Juke is actually a pretty cool little car and I would defintiely consider it if I was in the market. Handles well , has a nice interior and the seats and steering wheel were pretty sweet. The 370Z although did not have the power of a Z32TT but it handled quite well on the track and the Sync Rev Match thing was freaking sweet. Finally the GTR. Wasn't sure if I was really going to like this car but I must admit I am hooked. The power is awesome and the car handles great for being as big and heavy as it is. Would I ever own one..you bet your a$$ I would!
Anyway that's it for me. Am sure Ric will post more of his pictures and videos when he gets time.
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Ok for those that did not know Nissan - 
