Motorsports:                 Autocross   Track Event

 

 

Nissan Arizona Test Center (ATC)

 

     Nissan ATC - Please plan to arrive at the Nissan ATC 15 minutes before your

     tour time.  Driving time from the hotel to Nissan ATC is approximately 40 minutes.  Directions

 

  The Nissan Test Facility visit is scheduled for Saturday, September 22nd.  Here are the current plans for the   

  facility visit.  Any updated information will be provided at the opening ceremony.

  Tour requirements include:

 

 * Must be registered for ZCON 2012 to tour the

    facility.

 

 * When entering the facility, you will need to present

    the signed   Nissan Wavier form.  The form will be

    provided to you upon registration check-in at the

    Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino.  Complete the

    form prior to arriving at the test facility.

 

 * Cameras are not permitted in the facility. We will

    have designated photographers.  So rest assured,

    you will have the opportunity to have a picture of

    your car on the track.

 

 

 

     

 

  The facility will be open for tours from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM.  It will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes to

  complete the tour.

 

  Tours will be guided, which means you will be provided a brochure describing the various road surfaces used

  in testing the vehicles plus the main track.  Nissan Test Facility staff members will be available to answer any

  questions.

 

  At the present time we anticipate groups will be formed and escorted through the facility.  The exact details

  are not final.  More information will be provided at a later date.

 

 

 

  Here are a few brief facts regarding the test facility:

  • Established in 1987

  • 3030 acres, with 10 miles of fence line

  • Approximately 34 miles of test roads

  • Total employment at the site is 150 – 180

  • 40% of staff live locally in Pinal County

  • Testing is conducted 22 hours/day, 7 days/week

  • Approximately 2 million miles accumulated annually on the proving grounds.

 

 

 

 

  _____________________________________________________________________________________

 

 Autocross:

Sponsored by

 

Autocross Event Information

Non-Sanctioned Solo Based Event

September 22, 2012

 

  The Autocross event will be held at the Nissan Test Facility located in Stanfield, AZ.  Currently the Autocross is

  scheduled for 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM; however the schedule will be adjusted depending on the number of

  participants signed up. The autocross is being set up on the skid pad area inside the Nissan Test Facility main

  track.

 

   With the autocross at the Nissan facility, you will have the opportunity to tour the facility and test your driving

   skills. Our goal with the Autocross event is to provide a safe and challenging environment for the driving

   enthusiast. We hope you enjoy this event, but above all we want to ensure we have a safe event.

 

  EVENT SAFETY, RULES AND PROCEDURES

 

   The Desert Z Association (DZA) has prepared a non-sanctioned solo based autocross event. The basic rules

   and event guidelines will be applied. Cars will be grouped in classes based on Z model, stock and

   modified. The Autocross event information and format below are based on our current plans.

 

   Solo events (also known as autocross) are a forward motion driving skill contest.  Each driver is

   individually timed over a short miniature road course, clearly defined using traffic cones. Cars compete one

   at a time, hence the name "Solo", in a class with similar cars. Autocross emphasizes driver skill and vehicle

   handling rather than just speed. The corners are tight, and there are lots of them, so the driving is exciting

   and challenging. Autocross event speeds do not exceed those normally encountered in highway driving. The

   skills you learn and practice here; smooth transitions, enhanced braking, and skid correction, will have an

   immediate impact on improving the safety and skill of your street driving.

 

 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

  • Helmet Requirements – Each driver is required to have a helmet meeting SCCA SOLO requirements. For the year 2012, helmets meeting Snell Standards M2000, SA2000, M2005, SA2005, M2010 and SA2010 (www.smf.org) or SFI foundation SFI 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, and 41.2A (www.sfifoundation.com) or British standard BSI – BS6658-85 type A/FR may be used. Helmets meeting only DOT approval are not allowed. A limited number of loaner helmets will be available, please make sure you request a loaner helmet during registration or at the Tech Inspection.

  • Tires – Street or track tires will be permitted. Street tires must be in good condition and will be checked for tread at the Tech Inspection.

  • Vehicle Condition – Each vehicle must pass a technical inspection. This is to ensure that it meets safety requirements, and will not pose a risk to other drivers if potential mechanical defects are identified. Refer to the Vehicle Preparation section below for a list of systems to check before the event.

  • Driver Clothing – Driver clothing is not restricted for the Autocross event.

  GENERAL - There will be no tire warm-up or hot dogging in or around the event site.  Failure to comply with

  this rule will result in disqualification with no refund.

 

  DRIVER’S MEETINGDRIVER’S MEETINGS ARE MANDATORY. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED OR YOU

  WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON TRACK.

 

  EVENT FLAGS AND COURSE STATIONS:

  • Course Stations – Course stations will be setup along the course to notify of a safety issue (waive red flag), call in penalties (off course, hit cones, etc), and reset hit cones. It is expected that each driver follows the Red Flag instruction if waived.

  • Event Flag - The red flag signals that you must immediately come to a controlled full stop. Wait until instruction is given to follow the course back.

  SCHEDULE:

  The schedule is still being defined at this time. More detail will be provided prior to or at the opening

  ceremony.

 

 Technical Inspection Form.pdf

 

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  _____________________________________________________________________________________

Track Event:

Sponsored by        

25th Annual ZCCA International Convention (ZCON 2012)

Track Day Event

Firebird Raceway West Track

September 21, 2012

 The track event is scheduled for Friday, September 21st at Firebird Raceway, which is located across the street

 from the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino.  We will utilize the West Track full course and Lot 4 for the pit and

 staging area, which is adjacent to the track.  There will also be a Swap Meet and Sponsor - Vendor Booths

 located at the West Track.

 

 

Description: firebirdwest

 

 

  The Desert Z Association has prepared a High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) Track Day event and

  we will utilize the West Track at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, AZ. The HPDE format is designed to fit the

  one time nature of this event and safely allow participation by those wanting to experience a track event 

  with any Nissan vehicle regardless if it’s stock or highly modified or anything in-between (pending the 

  vehicle passes technical inspection standards). The tech inspection requirements and event format will be

  similar to how other organized motorsport venues run their events.  This event is only available to

  registered ZCON 2012 attendees and is not open to the public.

  The following general information is provided to assist you in preparing for the track event.

General

 

Here are some general policies pertaining to Firebird that must be complied with:

ü  Fire and Rescue will be in place at the track for the entire event.

ü  Tents or canopies cannot be staked in any asphalt surface.

ü  Wood blocks must be used under jack stands.

ü  No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the Firebird property.

ü  Contact Safety Crew immediately in the event of an oil or gasoline spill.

ü  No existing FIREBIRD signage can be removed or concealed by other signage.

 

ü  Aggressive driving will be closely monitored and discouraged. Event stewards are in constant communication

    with corner workers and will utilize black flags to ensure everyone’s safety on track.

 

ü  The convention team has arranged for restrooms, refreshments, lunch, and vendor booths to be setup in the

     Paddock area. Please have some cash available, refreshments will range from $1-$5 and lunch from $5-$10.

 Safety Protocols

  ü  Helmet Requirements – Each driver is required to have a helmet meeting organized motorsport venue helmet

            standards.  For the year 2012, helmets meeting Snell Standards M2000, SA2000, M2005, SA2005, M2010 and

            SA2010 ( www.smf.org )  A limited number of loaner helmets will be available.  Please make sure you request a 

            loaner helmet at the registration desk when you check in or at the Tech Inspection.

  ü  Driver Clothing – Driver clothing is not restricted for the track event, however, long pants and long sleeves are

           recommended but not required.  Also closed toed shoes are required (no sandals or flip flops).

  ü  Tires – Street or track tires will be permitted. Street tires must be in good condition and will be checked for tread at the

            Technical Inspection.

  ü  Technical Inspection – Each vehicle must pass a technical inspection.  This is to ensure the vehicle meets safety

            requirements, and will not pose a risk to other drivers.  Vehicles not passing inspection will not be allowed on the track

            until the deficiency has been corrected.  Refer to the Vehicle Preparation section below for a list of systems to check

            before the event. 

 

Vehicle Technical Inspection Form

HPDE Open Track Flags

 Flags are the MOST IMPORTANT form of communication the Officials have with the drivers while they are on the

 track. Therefore, it is imperative that drivers know what each flag means.

 

 Note: Flags listed in this section are simplified from the Competition Flags, for the purposes of HPDE Program.

 Competition License Candidates are held responsible for the information contained in the “FLAGS, SIGNALS,

 AND COMMUNICATION” section #19.0 of the CCR.

Green Flag

Session is open.

 

Yellow Flag - Motionless

 Slow down.  Danger ahead.  ABSOLUTELY NO PASSING is permitted until completely past the incident, or

 until past next manned flag station that is not displaying any Yellow Flag(s), whichever comes first. Note: There

 may be several yellow flags before reaching the emergency area. The requirements are still the same,

 “SLOW DOWN, NO PASSING.”

Yellow Flag - Waving

 Great danger, slow down.  Be prepared to stop. ABSOLUTELY NO PASSING is permitted until completely

 past the incident, or until past the next manned flag station that is not displaying any Yellow Flag(s),

 whichever comes first.

Double Yellow - Flags

 Full course yellow condition exists. Be prepared to encounter a Pace Car and/or emergency vehicles.  Drivers

 should not significantly slow down. Be prepared to encounter a slow moving pack and other local flag conditions.

 Always obey the local flag conditions (e.g. waving yellow). ABSOLUTELY NO PASSING is permitted until the

 Pace Car (if on track) has pulled off AND the driver has passed the next manned flag station that is not

 displaying any Yellow Flag(s).

Black Flag - Open

 Track Officials want to talk to you. Complete current lap and pull into the pits for consultation.

Black Flag - Furled

 Warning. You are driving in an unsafe manner or you did something wrong.  If you continue to do so, an open 

 black flag will be shown to you.

 

 

Black Flag All

 All manned turn stations will display standing black flags during this condition.  Some turns will display a sign with

 the word “ALL.”  All cars proceed to hot pits.  No passing.   ALL 34

Checkered Flag

 Session is over. Complete current lap cautiously and exit via pit lane.  Passing rules remain the same during the

 checkered flag lap.

Red Flag

 Emergency.  Come to an immediate and controlled stop on the side of the track, in a safe location.  All

 manned flag stations around the course may display a Red Flag.  This means that the session has been

 stopped.  No passing is allowed.  As soon as all drivers have come to a stop in a safe area, all of the flag stations

 should drop their Red Flags and one of the following should take place:

 

       1.      All flag stations will motion to the drivers to continue.  All drivers shall proceed to the starting line using 

             extreme caution, being prepared to stop if necessary.  Drivers should remain in their cars and prepare for

             the session to resume.

      

       2.      All flag stations will display double yellow flags indicating that the drivers should continue on course until a

             green flag is displayed.

      

       3.     All flag stations will display a black flag indicating that the remainder of the session has been canceled and the

             drivers should exit the track.

      

 Note- The local Yellow Flags should still be in effect where hazards exist. Drivers must remain in their cars and stay

 prepared to restart.  Drivers that enter the pit lane during a red flag will be sent out at the end of pack during a

 restart.

 

 Note: The Red Flag is meant to be displayed “Standing” (motionless), however it may be waved at the drivers to

 indicate urgency.  The red flag can only be ordered by the Event Director or by the Operating Steward in the

 absence of the Event Director.

 

SCHEDULE

 

 Below is the planned schedule for the event.  Minor changes may occur prior to the event, depending how many groups

 are required.

NOTE

DRIVER’S MEETING – THE DRIVERS MEETINGS ARE MANDATORY TO PERMIT YOU TO DRIVE ON THE TRACK.

 

Desert Z Association

Friday Sept 21, 2012 - Firebird West

Subject to change

07:30 AM SHARP!

MANDATORY DRIVER'S MEETING @ Mobile Trailer/Registration

 

 

 

Start

End

ET

 

6:00 AM

n/a

 

GATES OPEN

6:10 AM

7:25 AM

 

Tech Inspection 

6:15 AM

 

 

Registration Opens

7:15 AM

7:29 AM

 

Instructor Meeting @ Classroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8:00 AM

8:20 AM

0:20

HPDE4 - Advanced

8:20 AM

8:40 AM

0:20

HPDE3 - Intermediate

8:40 AM

9:00 AM

0:20

HPDE2 - Novice

9:00 AM

9:20 AM

0:20

HPDE1 - Beginner

9:20 AM

9:40 AM

0:20

HPDE4 - Advanced

9:40 AM

10:00 AM

0:20

HPDE3 - Intermediate

10:00 AM

10:20 AM

0:20

HPDE2 - Novice

10:20 AM

10:40 AM

0:20

HPDE1 - Beginner

10:40 AM

11:00 AM

0:20

HPDE4 - Advanced

11:00 AM

11:20 AM

0:20

HPDE3 - Intermediate

11:20 AM

11:40 AM

0:20

HPDE2 - Novice

11:40 AM

12:00 PM

0:20

HPDE1 - Beginner

12:00 PM

1:00 PM

0.042

Lunch

1:00 PM

1:20 PM

0:20

HPDE4 - Advanced

1:20 PM

1:40 PM

0:20

HPDE3 - Intermediate

1:40 PM

2:00 PM

0:20

HPDE2 - Novice

2:00 PM

2:20 PM

0:20

HPDE1 - Beginner

2:20 PM

2:40 PM

0:20

HPDE4 - Advanced

2:40 PM

3:00 PM

0:20

HPDE3 - Intermediate

3:00 PM

3:20 PM

0:20

HPDE2 - Novice

3:20 PM

3:40 PM

0:20

HPDE1 - Beginner

 

 

 

 

Group Definitions

 

HPDE1

Beginner:  Passing on main straights only - Dave Riddle

HPDE2

Novice:  Passing on any straight - Group Leader - TBD

HPDE3

Intermediate:  Some restricted passing rules - Group Leader - TBD

HDPE4

Advanced:  Open passing w/ courtesy - Group Leader - TBD

 

 

 

 

Event Director - Tage Evanson

 

Race Control - Ramin Shute

 

 

 

Run Group Overview

The following are the runs groups for this event:

BEGINNER

 Personal 1×1 guidance is provided as part of the program from experienced racers.  As your car control skills and

 confidence increases throughout the day the instructor will allow you to drive closer to your personal limits. Basics 

 of the class will address general track safety, the proper “line”, braking, turning, accelerating and having FUN!

 Passing is very limited in this group.

NOVICE 

 Your instructor has determined you have progressed enough that you can drive safely on track with less

 supervision.  You apply what you learned in the sessions to get more practice. Instructors will continue to be

 available if requested.  Sometimes this group is combined with Beginners if participants do not warrant a 

 separate group. 

INTERMEDIATE

 You have progressed past Novice.  In this group, passing rules are more relaxed but still restricted in some areas 

 of the track.

ADVANCED

 The Advanced category allows you to drive and share the track at high speeds with others. There are no passing

 restrictions as long as good judgment and proper track etiquette is maintained. You and your peers now have a

 safe, controlled environment to simply have fun with your car.

 

 Convertibles – Normally convertibles must have a organized motorsport venue approved 4 point role bar to participate

  in a HPDE event.  For this event only, stock Z32 convertibles will be allowed with OEM roll protection.  However,

  cars meeting this requirement will be limited to a special run group only.  Any non-stock convertible conversion will be

  required to have a SCCA approved 4 point roll bar. 

 

 

Offs or Spins

Excessive spins and off’s could lose driving privileges

 Crisis management is one of the 1st things you’ll have to learn on track.  Should you find yourself in over your 

 head, your first priority is to come to a controlled and safe stop.  If possible, drive straight off and bring the car to a

 controlled stop, preferably in view of a corner worker station.  Wait for the corner worker’s indication that it is safe 

 to re-enter the track.  If you find yourself out of control, go both-feet-in (clutch in, brake in).  Do not try to save the 

 car – it will generally lead to the exact opposite effect.  After any loss of control (on or off-track), or four wheels off,

 you must pit in and let the grid marshal check your vehicle over for any safety issues.  He/she will also make sure

 you are OK; and then let you back on track.  Failure to pit in will result in a black flag and an extended debriefing.

Mechanical Breakdowns

 If your car has a mechanical issue that has severely slowed you down, drive off-line and display the pit-in signal

 (raised fist high above the drivers window) and proceed to pit-in if possible.  If the mechanical issue involves

 smoke or potential fluid leaks they you are required to pull off track immediately and in view of a manned

 worker station if possible.  Stay in your car.  If you are out of the way, youll probably have to wait for the end of the

 session.  If you are in a dangerous position, we will black flag the session to get you out of the way, and then

 proceed as time allows.

 

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