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WE LOVE RACING! On October 4-6 we attended the Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway. Z Car Garage had a blast racing and supporting clients in Group 7 (1968 – 1978 IMSA GT Cars), Group 8 (ALMS) and Group 5 (B-Sedan). This vintage racing event was just as fun for spectators with a friendly, immersive vibe. Enjoy our report from the weekend with photos and in-car video of the action.

The Corky Bell Trans Am 510 (Group 5)

 

Famed engineer and race car driver Corky Bell ran this Datsun 510 in the early 70’s Trans Am series. Z Car Garage restored it back to its former glory with Trans Am livery and Corky drove it for the first time in 52 years at Velocity. It was a mad thrash to get the 510 prepared for the event and we will dedicate a separate blog post to the restoration and Corky’s story. Here are a few photos of the car during the revival:

 

It was surreal watching Corky drive his race car decades after he campaigned it in the Trans Am series. With a few sessions he qualified and completed the feature race with fellow B-Sedans in Group 5. Corky improved his lap times from 2:30s to a 2:07s and at 83 years of age he really inspired us all. Enjoy these on-track photos of Corky behind the wheel of his U2.5L Trans Am Datsun 510:

 

CORKY: The weekend at Sonoma will remain one of the treasures of my life. Without the time, effort, and expense made by Rob and Meghan Fuller, plus an enormous effort made by their craftsmen; Josh and Cooper, none of this would have happened. I think it is reasonable and correct to suggest that the restoration of that car and letting me drive it once again was the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me, save Mary answering Yes when I asked her to marry me.

 

Enjoy this video of Corky Bell racing in Group 5 at the Velocity Invitational with in-car, paddock action and some great commentary from Rob at the end…

 

It was an emotional weekend filled with joy for the ZCG crew and Corky’s family. His daughter Stephanie:

Such a privilege to see my Dad race his last Datsun 510 yesterday and today. He stopped racing when I was 4. Seeing him race and enjoy something he loved so much made me cry. More than once. HUGE shout out and even bigger Thank you to Rob & Meghan Fuller at Z Car Garage in San Jose for making this a reality. They rescued the car from a field and fully restored it. Such a big full circle moment for Dad. Can you imagine getting back in a race car after 5 decades? So proud and amazed by him.

 

Icing on the cake…Corky’s Datsun 510 joined the ranks of greatness in Velocity Invitational’s 2025 promotional photo shoot! More photos in the gallery below.

 

Racing With Group 7 IMSA

Photo by Chris Constantine

Group 7’s IMSA cars were dominated by big-power Porsche 911 RSRs. Rob Fuller ran the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z and battled for P1/2 against Martin Lauber (red 911 #64) and Chet Taylor (blue 911 #55).

 
 

Rob fought hard, mixing it up with the two Porsche 911s but the feature race sadly ended with a collision. The Joel Anderson IMSA GTU will be rebuilt and it will return, faster than ever.

 
 
We have in-car video from Rob in the Joel Anderson IMSA GTU 240Z and Group 7 with livestream footage and paddock action. Volume up and enjoy!

 

You can also see the full-length, in-car footage on Saturday and Sunday. Catch the Sunday livestream HERE and watch more of Rob’s racing adventures on his YouTube Channel.

Datsun + Porsche History

Photo by Josh Corwin

In 1981, Joel Anderson, Casey Mollett (280ZX) and Cary Eisenlohr’s Porsche were all pitted together at Sears Point. We had a unique opportunity to re-enact this historical moment at the Velocity Invitational, 44 years later!

 

Historic B & C Sedan

 

Photo by Alex Trang

Historic B&C Sedan partnered with Velocity Invitational to gather a collection of 30+ real historic B and C sedan cars for the Velocity Invitational! Thirteen cars among them have real Trans Am Under 2L and Two-Five Challenge history. This was the largest gathering of real historic sedans since the 2010 Monterey Historics. Amongst the real Trans Am cars were the Alfas of Horst Kweck, Gaston Andrey, Jon Norman, Charlie Thieriot, Dave Burns; BMW 2002s of Carl Fredericks, Jeff Kline; Porsche 911 of Walt Maas; Datsun 510s of Corky Bell and Bob Finn.

Z Car Garage Trackside Race Support Services

ROB: ZCG provided trackside support for 4 cars in the B-Sedan field and it was exciting to watch. Noah kicked ass in his Bluebird finishing 3rd and 5th in the second race. It was intense, glorious and fun. Kelvin drove the Dragonetti car until Sunday pm when brother Kenny took wheel, making it to 8th from the back. Corky went from 2:34s to 2:07 and Tom returned in fighting form with his freshly restored Balzer 510.

#72 Tom Dockery

We have helped Tom build and prepare his Ex-Norm Balzer/Koobation 510 for several years. Unfortunately the car was wrecked at Sonoma Raceway. Z Car Garage rebuilt the 510, making a triumphant return to this year’s Velocity event with a cool period-correct livery change.

 

TOM: The Velocity weekend was truly magical in so many ways. The car came together perfectly in the end with the support of the ZCG team. I also want to give a special thanks to William, of William’s Autobody and John at Landmark Grafix. I’m thrilled with the new mid-70s-inspired livery and graphics. The race weekend was incredibly memorable. Not only was it the debut of the rebuilt Balzer 510, but my whole family—Matt, Sarah, Nick, Lucy, and my brother Jon—was there to experience it. I felt great, and the time spent with Corky Bell made it even more special. We shared many stories, and I got the chance to share my insights about Sonoma Raceway with him.

The racing itself was fantastic. I felt fast and in control, and the car stayed safe throughout. Sunday’s finale was especially exciting, as a group of four of us were joined by Jensen Button and Glen Chow in the last few laps. Racing alongside people I trusted not to make reckless moves for a better finish added to the fun. A big thank you goes to Dave Stone and Glenn Chou for their efforts in filling the grid with such high-quality TA and B-Sedan cars. Their hard work made this weekend possible.

 

We have in-car video from Tom Dockery in the Ex-Norm Balzer B-Sedan Datsun 510, volume up and enjoy!

#9 Noah’s Bluebird Coupe

 

Noah’s Bluebird Coupe in action:

 

Enjo this in-car video from Noah’s Bluebird with livestream and paddock action:

#64 Kelvin Tse

Kelvin is a steady ZCG trackside support client, running the Ex-Ted Gruner 510.

 

Kelvin and Kenny shared the Dragonetti car over the weekend

KENNY: The 911 that I was driving didn’t run on Friday or Saturday. Kelvin was driving the Dragonetti on those days. Saturday was the qualifying race. Kelvin was stuck in a lot of traffic but he was trying to make his way through it to get a clean lap. However, he hit a patch of oil exiting the carousel which caused him to spin. After the spin, the car wouldn’t start and all of the cars that he had cleared earlier passed him back. He finally got the car restarted, but by that time the session was almost over and never got a clean lap. He ended up qualifying 20th.

Sunday morning, we thought the 911 might be able to run the race- so we gridded and started the race. We had a good start, but the car started to have issues in turn 2 so I shut it down and brought it in. After that I was pretty bummed that I had only able to drive two turns during the event! At that point, Kelvin, being the awesome brother that is he, offered to let me drive the feature race- which I jumped at the chance to do! The feature race was fun. I started 20th and was able to get to 8th place by the middle of the first lap. The Dragonetti was working great and eventually made it up to 5th place behind my friend Cary Einsenlohr in a 911. I was super stoked to get to 5th after starting from 20th.  The car ran great and it salvaged an otherwise frustrating weekend in the 911.

 

Catch Kenny racing in Group 5 via livestream: HERE and watch the feature race HERE

Porsche 997 GT3 Cup (Group 8)

This very special Porsche is the 2006 FIA European GT3 Championship winning car that was driven by Sean Edwards. It is a 997 GT3 Cup S Prototype and our client Kenny Tse raced it in the Legends of Endurance group at the Rolex.

 

As Kenny mentioned above, the 911 fought us with oiling issues, but we will resolve them for the next season.

 

Exotic cars

 

There was no shortage of rare and exotic cars from well-known and upcoming supercar marques. More photos in the gallery below!

 

Privateer Spirit

The Historic B and C Sedan race was one of the most exciting run groups and Race car driver/Datsun Historian Glenn Chiou raced his Ex-Bob Finn U2.5L Trans-Am Datsun 510:

 

This car features our Z Car Garage CV Axles

 

We also provided dyno tuning services for the fresh Rebello L18 with Solex/Mikuni 44phh induction and BRE intake:

 

It’s worth noting that not unlike privateers of the period, Glenn builds his race cars, maintains and manages racing efforts himself. Not an easy task so we applaud his work ethic. Glenn builds some beautiful Datsuns and we thank him for organizing the Historic B&C Sean group to keep the spirit of Trans Am racing alive.

 

A Fan-Friendly Race Event

 

Formerly known as the Sonoma Speed Festival (2019), the Velocity Invitational re-imagined the vintage race experience with a Goodwood-inspired vibe that we enjoyed at the 2022 Velocity Invitational. One of the best experiences for spectators is the paddock and organizers made access to drivers and their machines seamless. Fans could get up close and personal with race cars without the typical ropes or 45-foot RVs in the way:

 

ROB: First time running at Sonoma for us with VI, since we missed the inaugural event in 2019. Jeff O’Neill ‘s event is first class and reminds us of what the Rolex RMMR. So much excitement in the air…when you drive in people would be everywhere. Thanks to Jeff, Ryan Turri and Ardelle Lind for accommodating our needs.”

 

If you want to see action from the event in its entirety, check out Goodwood’s live streaming coverage of Day one and Day Two. Huge thanks to Meghan Fuller for capturing photos/videos for ZCG. More photos in the gallery below from from Alex Trang, Chris Constantine and Nick Dockery

ZCG Race Crew

 
 

Huge shoutout to the Z Car Garage race crew including Josh, Meghan, Nick and Cooper. We are grateful for your support, keeping us safe and on the track!

 

Racing into 2025!

 

Thank you Velocity Invitational for an incredible event. We look forward to running with you again. Join us for the 2025 race season and stay tuned for our CSRG Finale report from Thunderhill. LONG LIVE THE Z!

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Z Car Garage is excited to participate in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 14-17 at Laguna Seca. We will be racing the following four cars below. Mark those calendars!

Alex’s Skyline

 

Alex McDowell returns to Laguna Seca in this C10 Skyline built by our friend Jim Froula of Racecraft. Z Car Garage has prepared and supported Alex’s race efforts with the Hako and it has been an awesome experience. Two very memorable racing events were the The Mitty and RMMR

 
 

Enjoy some video of the the Hako in action with Alex behind the wheel!

 

 

#49 IMSA Joel Anderson GTU Z

Rob Fuller will pilot the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z. You might recall the story behind this special, 1972 IMSA GTU 240z as it was owned, built and raced in the 70’s by none other than Joel Anderson.  ZCG restored #49 back to its former glory and it debuted at RMMR 2014. John Morton would drive #49 at RMMR 2015.

 
 
 

Porsche 997 GT3 Cup

 

This very special Porsche is the 2006 FIA European GT3 Championship winning car that was driven by Sean Edwards. It is a 997 GT3 Cup S Prototype and our client Kenny Tse will race it in the Legends of Endurance group. Listen to this car on the Z Car Garage dyno below!

 

Mini Enduro

Rob Fuller will also race this Mini Cooper in the Dan Gurney Saloon Enduro group

 

View the list of entries and race groups HERE.

View previous RMMR race reports HERE.

Z YOU AT SECA!

 

Join us for the 2024 Vintage Racing Season!

 

Join us for the 2024 race season! See the full race schedule below and LONG LIVE THE Z! The next event will be Laps For Laguna on May 31 at Laguna Seca Raceway:




EVENT REPORT: The 2024 NISMO Z at Z Car Garage

Filed under: 240z,510,Events,Nissan Z,Skyline
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on April 4, 2024

 

April 3, 2024 -Nissan hosted an informal tech talk at Z Car Garage to discuss the new Nissan NISMO Z and their GT4 racing efforts. A great time was had by all, enjoy photos from the event and don’t forget to catch this weekend’s Z racing action at Sonoma!

 

Rob Fuller of Z Car Garage recaps the evening:

“Thanks to Nissan for giving the opportunity to host the event. Recently appointed Nissan Motorsports Press Officer Dean Case provided food/drink and Motorsports Manager Greg Nelson talked about the Nismo Z and GT4 race program with close to 65 people attending.”

 

It was rad to see our clients and attendees show up in their sports cars. Four Nissan Z (RZ34) outside the shop, including Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) president Linda William’s Proto-Spec Nissan Z (background). Pall drove his R32 Skyline GT-R:

 

Inside the shop, Greg Nelson sparked interest in the GT4 program, now with several race teams choosing the new Nismo Z as their contender. Guests were welcome to sit inside and check it out. More photos in the gallery below!

 

ROB: We also had a special appearance from Emy Kissick who is a talented young person racing in the Spec-Miata series and also checking out colleges in the Bay Area. Super cool to meet her. Speaking of racing, if you are in town this weekend make sure you check out the GT4 Nissan Z cars running in SRO at Sonoma Raceway! When the 350z debuted there was few Z33s racing, and now there will be FOUR GT4 Nismo Z cars.  Last year they had two podiums. Thanks to Nissan for continuing to be a part of Motorsport and the magical times you are creating with the New Z.”

 

We had many client cars on display for attendees to enjoy, like Larry Chen’s SR20DET-powered 1970 Datsun 240Z (above) and (below) the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z:

 

On the lifts: Kurt’s R32 SR32 Skyline GT-R, Sebastian’s Hakosuka Skyline and Paul’s Nissan 30ZX Twin Turbo and David’s 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

Yes, this is the Championship-winning 1988 Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo at Z Car Garage. Driven by Geoff Brabham and John Morton. The car that de-throned the Porsche 962 in IMSA racing with 8 straight wins. Full story coming soon to zcarblog.com!

 

Watch the NISMO Z Racing!

 

Check out the NISMO Z racing in the Pirelli GT4 America Series this weekend at Sonoma Raceway! Details for the April 6th Nissan car corral hosted by ZONC and ZCCA and disscounted tickets can be found in the QR code on the flyer below:

 

Thanks to the following attendees for sharing photos with us: Bruce Hotchkiss, ZONC, Matthew Knine-LijonPall Kornmayer, Koichi Kanda, WautoJ, Cooper and Heather Durham.

…[read more]




RACE REPORT: Velocity Invitational 2023

Filed under: 240z,260Z,510,Events,Racing
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on January 24, 2024


Dear Zcarblog readers, it’s been a busy year and we are catching up on blog posts. Please enjoy our belated race report from November 2023.

WE LOVE RACING! On November 10-12 we attended the Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway. Z Car Garage had a blast racing and supporting clients in Group 6 (1968 – 1978 IMSA GT Cars), Group 9 (ALMS) and Group 10 (Mini vs Mustang Enduro). This vintage racing event was just as fun for spectators with a friendly, immersive vibe. Enjoy our report from the weekend with photos and in-car video of the action.

Z Car Garage Racers

 

#49 IMSA Joel Anderson GTU Z

Rob Fuller piloted the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z

 

Porsche 997 GT3 Cup

This very special Porsche is the 2006 FIA European GT3 Championship winning car that was driven by Sean Edwards. It is a 997 GT3 Cup S Prototype and our client Kenny Tse raced it in Group 9 (ALMS). Listen to this car on the Z Car Garage dyno below!

#78 IMSA Porsche 911

 

Z Car Garage prepared and provided trackside race support for our client Kelvin Tse and his IMSA Porsche 911, running with the Z cars in Group 6.

Mini Vs Mustang Enduro

Rob Fuller and Greg Hoff raced a Mini Cooper against Mustangs in the Group 10: 1960’s Mini Vs Mustang Enduro, this was an action-packed group!

 
 

Race car driver, restorer and Datsun Historian Glenn Chiou raced his FAR Performance 240Z. This Z has a very rich racing history, driven in the 70’s by Loren St. Lawrence in VIPS Restaurant livery.

 

Racing With Group 6 IMSA

Photo by Chris Constantine

Group 6’s IMSA cars were dominated by big-power Porsche 911 RSRs with a few BMS CSLs and four S30 Datsuns. Rob Fuller ran the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z joining Dave Stone’s 260Z, Gary Cook’s CP 240Z and Glenn Chiou’s’ 240Z:

 

#49 IMSA Joel Anderson GTU Z

 

This was Z Car Garage’s third time running the Velocity Invitational event. Enjoy Rob Fuller’s race report with video below…

ROB: The IMSA GTU Z made a switch this season from Avon to Goodyear tires, and it’s really been quite amazing. You have to remember that all of the suspension on this 240Z is what Joel ran in 1981, and it still rocks. Group 6 was fun and I was in the mix with legends…spent the last 20 years attending the Historics watching Bruce Canepa in his Porsche 935, Ken Epsman in his DeKon Monza, the Greenwood Corvette…just unreal to be actually racing with them!”

 

ROB: “My personal best lap time was 1:46 and I think that is the highest finishing Datsun 240z ever in that group. Shoutout to Glenn Chiou in the BADD Z he kicked some ass, Gary Cook brought out an old CP car and Dave Stone was in his GTU 260Z.”

Enjoy these shots of the #49 car in action by photographers Kris Poulin, Chris Constantine and Charles Frerking:

 
 

Video!

We have in-car video from Rob in the Joel Anderson IMSA GTU 240Z and Group 6 racing action below, volume up and enjoy!

Sunday Race:

Catch some Turn 2 action HERE and watch more of Rob’s racing adventures on his YouTube Channel.

 

Z Car Garage Trackside Race Support Services

ROB: “ZCG provided trackside support for 4 cars. Kelvin in IMSA 911 and myself in G6, Kenny in G9 ALMS with a bunch of 996/997 Porsche Cup cars, Ford GT’s and really cool metal. They all had a blast. We changed up a few things on the IMSA 911 and solve some issues that came up at Rennsport so he was able to have a good time at Velocity.”

 

Kenny with his 997 GT3 Cup car and first time on track since 2018. Z Car Garage prepped the car with fluids and dyno tuning, and wow what a car:

 

ZCG is always willing to lend a hand to fellow racers, like Dave Stone:

 

Mini Vs Mustang Enduro

 

ROB: We also ran a Mini with Greg Hoff in the Enduro. The Mini kicked our ass all weekend and we had to do an engine swap (thanks to Nick for the assist!)…we had electrical woes. British Steel really challenged us and thanks to the ZCG crew we were able to catch the last Enduro race and take the checkered flag.”

 

Paddock Action

Enjoy this video highlighting the Sonoma Raceway paddock with race group walk-throughs, engine sounds and more:

Exotic cars

 

There was no shortage of rare and exotic cars from well-known and upcoming supercar marques. Guntherwerks had their 911 Speedster and McLaren showed off an incredible display of F1s mixed with newer models:

 

Privateer Spirit


Our friend and Datsun Historian Glenn Chiou raced his FAR Performance 240Z. It’s worth noting that not unlike privateers of the period, Glenn builds his race cars, maintains and manages racing efforts himself. Not an easy task so we applaud his work ethic. Glenn builds some beautiful Datsuns and we will highlight his B-Sedan 510 soon!

 

A Fan-Friendly Race Event

 

Formerly known as the Sonoma Speed Festival (2019), the Velocity Invitational re-imagined the vintage race experience with a Goodwood-inspired vibe that we enjoyed at the 2022 Velocity Invitational. One of the best experiences for spectators is the paddock and organizers made access to drivers and their machines seamless. Fans could get up close and personal with race cars without the typical ropes or 45-foot RVs in the way:

 

ROB: First time running at Sonoma for us with VI, since we missed the inaugural event in 2019. Jeff O’Neill ‘s event is first class and reminds us of what the Rolex MMR used to be. So much excitement in the air…when you drive in people would be everywhere. Thanks to Jeff, Ryan Turri and Ardelle Lind for accommodating our needs.”

 

“They have done an incredible job making the guests and fans welcome. Organizers created a memorable experience, down to the driver’s meeting and we really enjoyed the paddock design, signage, F1 energy. All three days there were lines to get into the event! More driver amenities like the lounge, food and drink…ZCG’s first shop helper Jeff Garcia and his company was in charge of coffee/drink services at the event, small world!”

 

The hot pit area where all run groups stage before heading out to the track is an amazing place to be. Typically, access is only granted to pit crews and media. At the Velocity Invitational however, organizers staged a “false grid” where any spectator could walk amongst the race cars.

 
 

If you want to see action from the event in its entirety, check out Goodwood’s live streaming coverage of Day one and Day Two. Huge thanks to Meghan Fuller for capturing photos/videos for ZCG. More photos in the gallery below!

ZCG Race Crew

 

Huge shoutout to the Z Car Garage race crew including Josh, Meghan, Nick and Cooper. We are grateful for your support, keeping us safe and on the track!

 
 

Racing into 2024!

 

Thank you Velocity Invitational for an incredible event. We look forward to running with you again. Join us for the 2024 race season starting March 1 with SVRA at Thunderhill. See the ull race schedule below and LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

…[read more]