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The Golden Week Kyusha Festival is returning to Northern California again May 9th! This will be a fantastic gathering for Japanese classic cars at the Crane Way Pavillion in Richmond, Ca. Registration will open March 1, for more information visit www.gwkfest.events.
Z Car Garage is a proud sponsor of the show, check out my report from last year’s event, and don’t miss this one!
We had a tremendous week racing at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 14-16. More commonly known as the “historics” at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, this epic vintage race is part of several events occupying the week-long Monterey car festival leading up to the Pebble Beach Concours. Every year the RMMR highlights a featured marque but for 2019 the International Motor Sports Association, better known as IMSA , was celebrated.
Typically we would be joining a large group of fellow Nissan/Datsun owners on the race track but it was a bit different this year. Despite IMSA being the featured marque many of us did not gain admission. Fortunately, our customer Alex McDowell got his Nissan Bluebird and Datsun 280ZX accepted along with newcomer Doug and his DeKon Monza. As a service offered to our customers, we provided full trackside support in addition to race preparation/tuning for the RMMR event.
The Reunion is a highlight for race fans, but it is also part of Monterey Car Week which is filled with classy events like auctions and the famous Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance. The Japanese Automotive Invitational hosted by Infiniti returned since its inaugural event last year. While I did not have a chance to visit the JAI, our friends at Japanese Nostalgic Car did. We are proud of several Datsuns displayed: Steve Tetreault’s stunning ’64 Datsun 1500 (from Florida!), John Baker’s 1969 Datsun 2000, Brian Kippen’s 1972 Datsun 240z and Nissan Patrol and the Jim Froula-restored Ex-Greg Sorrentino 510 B-sedan:
The IMSA GT group (5A) was a fantastic mix of our favorite cars like the Z car, Porsche 911, BMW CSL and American muscle like the DeKon Monza and Corvette. Z Car Garage supported Alex McDowell in the 1979 Datsun 280zx and Doug Stevens’ in the 1976 DeKon Monza.
Alex did really well this year, having run the RMMR a few times now. The Fitzy 280zx received a fresh engine with more power and performed flawlessly.
It was unfortunate that our familiar Datsun buddies were not on track with us: only Alex and David Martin in the Friselle 240Z were out there repping Datsun. The two had a great battle with Alex eventually pulling away from David, enjoy the in-car footage from the 280zx below.
Z Car Garage supported three race cars at the 2019 RMMR and the biggest challenge was a new kid in town…Doug Stevens and his DeKon Monza. He hails out of Bakersfield, CA and came to ZCG for a dyno session on referral from Chad Raynall of Impeccable Inc.. Doug wanted to get the DeKon dialed in after it been mothballed for years. It’s always been a goal of his to run the RMMR, so we fully prepared this car, having to change many parts.
Our first race was at the Sonoma Historics where Doug lost a wheel causing him to go off track. The left rear flare and bumper/taillight were damaged. So there we were in late June with the Rolex approaching in August. Doug sourced a fender flare and we called upon our man William to fuse it into the existing bodywork…the damage was undetectable and patina retained!
At RMMR, more problems arose. Rob recounts the events at the Pre-Historics (a “practice” weekend proceeding RMMR):
“The way the rear suspension is designed it loads rear wheel bearings heavily. The combination of a wide 15″ tire, high power and grip allows the seal to wallow out. A few hot-rod fixes were not applied to this car b/c it has a real vintage setup, yet to be updated. We fought that over the weekend, sorted it out and Doug was able to finish the session.”
Then, in the last practice session of Pre-Historics weekend we lost a brake line and caliper which resulted in a fire in both front wheels.
We were stranded without a wheel or replacement front brake setup. Missing the big show was becoming a possibility. We towed car back to the shop Sunday afternoon. Josh and the ZCG team helped sort the front braking system with new brackets fabricated and last minute work from Brian Kippen. By 9pm the car was back together and now the backup wheels won’t fit over the new brakes. We looked all over for a replacement wheel including racers and the BBS factory with no luck. Success: Chad Raynall called us with old wheel centers and Larry Oka had the old hardware.
Doug finished the final Group 5A race at the RMMR, Rob:
“After sorting issues the Monza ran wonderfully at RMMR. Doug’s family and parents came out and it reminded me of when Joel Anderson first went out. We are lucky to help someone realize their goal, a shared dream that we also have. It was rewarding to be with his family with hugs all around, so gracious. Doug will return this winter for a full teardown/inspections.”
We will have a zcarblog full feature on the Monza, for now here is a nice one from Stanceworks
The Group 4B (GT cars under 2.5L) had some heated battles between Alex in the Bluebird and John Wilkins in the Ex-Bob Studdard Datsun 2000. Watch them mix it up with Porsche 911s and an Alfa GTZ piloted by Gunnar Jeaneatte in the video below:
Notes from Rob:
“Alex and Bluebird really work well together. That car finished 5th in the race. We had a few issues with a hit and the right front strut got damaged. With help from Jim Froula we were able to weld it in their bay and get Alex back on the track. Adding to the drama was more car contact as got bumped a little.”
Watch this extended in-car video below of Alex piloting the 280zx with extra footage of the Bluebird and DeKon Monza:
You can see more IMSA race coverage on Speedhunters.
The best part of the RMMR has to be the paddock. Home to all the race cars and their teams, massive car transporters and an all-around pure sensory overload. At every corner there is wicked metal with history begging to be told.
Rob displayed his 1967 Datsun 2000. Everyone loved it:
Our friends from Bring a Trailer hosted a really cool car corral near turn 3. Filled with cars won through BaT, this was so much fun to walk through. We hope they do it yearly!
A few S30s including our customer Jim H’s 1971 240z
From massive transporters, to exotics and downright crazy vehicles the paddock never disappoints. Here’s a few of my favorites, more in the gallery!
Enjoy this video from the paddock and starting grid
Contributing to the fun were family and friends. Our customer Jim H got acquainted with the previous owner of his Z, Les Cannaday:
We were humbled by the number of people that stopped by including fellow Datsun owners and Randy Jaffe, Kurt Hafer and Jan Trondsen:
We hope you have enjoyed our recap of the 2019 Monterey Historics! Please browse our mega-gallery of pictures from race weekend below. Big thanks to our friends and family members that helped us make this possible including Larry Oka, Chad Raynall, Brian Kippen, Jim Froula and the ZCG Crew: Josh, Nick, Keith, Cory and Meghan Fuller. We certainly enjoyed the company of friends and visitors in our paddock, here’s to another year of vintage racing in Monterey, California.
Long Live The Z!
Z CARS RULE ONCE AGAIN at Laguna Seca at the next RMMR! That’s right we have submitted our race car applications for RMMR 2020, featured marque announced soon! …[read more]
I was surprised at the turnout and sheer number of Hot Rods and Muscle cars from every era. Here are a few of my favorites with more in the gallery below.
1st, 2nd and 3rd gen ‘Cudas and Belvederes:
Modified Formula S Barracuda:
Killer paint colors and graphics from Plymouth and on this 2nd gen Roadrunner:
Always happy to see Japanese classics:
Triple tail lights Check:
Impalas, Camaro, ‘Vette, Chevelle, Nova and more:
Wild Riviera:
’32 Hot Rods, Thunderbirds, Mustangs and more
Ford Firetruck with a late-model diesel drivetain:
Two of my favorites, a 70’s Disco-themed GM Van (see video below) and track-prepped Pantera:
I spotted a few British cars as well including a Triumph Herald, Spitfire, Silver Cloud Rolls and Mini
We had a blast and my family even got to enjoy the show. If you are in the area and love Classic American cars this is the spot. Free donuts and coffee is also a plus!
We are excited to offer the Z Car Garage Heat Shield for your triple-carb’d L-series Z car. This is a one-piece 304 stainless unit with laser-etched serial number. Proven on all of our L-series engine builds and dyno testing.
This heat shield will fit Mikuni, Weber, Dellorto and Jenvey induction with several intake manifolds like the Harada:
Contact the shop for pricing and ordering info!
Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. We have over 70 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback. We now have a new shipment in stock, order your set today!
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Treat your Z to a brand new set of Panasport wheels! We special order this offset to enable fitment of a 225/50/16 tire on the 1970 to 1978 S30s.
To order, contact Rob at the shop:
rob@zcargarage.com or call 408-452-0350
I stopped by the shop today and grabbed some quick shots of a few projects, enjoy!
Felix’s 300zx Twin Turbo is back for power upgrades:
Dyno tuning a Stillen Supercharged 350z:
R32 Skyline in foer Project Mu Big-Brakes:
R35:
More updates coming soon!
Yesterday we attended the DrivingWhileAwesome (DWA) Cars & Coffee event in Santa Cruz, CA. The event impressed us again with a fun vibe and superb variety of cars. Before the 9am meeting our group of enthusiasts enjoyed a brisk driving session en route to Santa Cruz. I was lucky to drive the ZCG shop car, a 1970 Datsun 240z. We started at the junction of HWY 92 and Skyline with a nice gathering:
Leading the pack was Naveed in his Hot Rod Porsche 912. You can follow the build of this 911 6-cylinder powered rocket over on Speedhunters.
Pall’s R32 Skyline in (AH3) Pearl Red. Pall K acquired this Pearl Red (AH3) R32 from our friend Sean and his team at Toprank International Vehicle Importers. We love the gorgeous paint color and Volk TE37SLs. He is also a ZCG customer!
Jeremy’s BMW 5-series Touring with a GM LS3 E-rod crate engine:
Matt’s G-body 911 with 17″ Fuchs and center exit exhaust…my newest P-car crush?
Andrei’s E36 M3
One of the many perks of DWA Morning Motors is its location surrounded by the best driving roads. Leaving the 92/35 junction we headed towards Alice’s Restaurant and HWY 84. Down to Stage through Cloverdale and finally Gazos Creek carrying us to HWY1 along the coastline to our destination. We arrived at 9am on the dot, thanks Naveed!
I was happy to see a few more Nissans and Datsuns at MorningMotors. 260z!
There were a three Datsun 510s! Mark’s has been at the shop so stay tuned for a full report:
Dustin Frisk’s KA24-powered 510 on Longchamp XR-4 wheels:
A nearly-stock appearing 4-door 510:
Another ZCG customer, Eric’s FX sporting suspension and R35 GT-R wheels. Full report soon!
Two 300zx (Z32) NAs and G37 Sedan:
R32 Skyline 4-door, 350z, R35 and Infiniti Q45:
Morning Motors did not disappoint if you are Japanese Classic fans. Looking splendid were these white, boosted 80’s Hero’s: a DSM Conquest and Isuzu Impulse with snazzy interiors!
NA Miatas!
Turbo B-series DC2 Integra and a pair of EM1 Civic Si’s!
Honda S600 with a Motocompo!
RHD, turbo diesel Land Cruiser!
So much variety! Enjoy this short video:
Gen’s 911 Turbo S2 (964)
Outlaw 356 and lots of BMW 2002s:
Retro Sporting’s Mk2 Escort with tons of fab work. They are hosting a vintage car-only track day April 10th, check it out HERE
British
From 60’s to 80’s
This G-body Monte Carlo SS was badass!
Vette’s:
DWA CnC is definitely my kind of cars and coffee. It’s a great venue with amazing driving roads nearby and the cars were so diverse. We highly recommend checking it out! Thanks to the DWA crew for hosting. If you haven’t already, listen to their podcast and make sure you give them a follow on Instagram.
More pictures in the gallery below!
LONG LIVE THE Z!
