Feelin' The PressureAfter a quick drivers' meeting and a description of the track's layout, I met up with the Axis team, who had already started prepping the Z by removing all four tires. "Hey Scott, how do you feel about using slicks?" "Shit," I thought to myself, "I've never driven a 350Z before and the only time I've ever used slicks was on my turbo Integra in the 1/4-mile." Instead I replied, "Sure James! It shouldn't be a problem!" while trying to uphold a reassuring smile. The Axis team quickly went to work, swapping out their Axis Milano wheels with a set of their newly released Hiro lineup, wrapped in 275/30/18 Hoosier RS-04 slicks up front and 305/30/18 in the rear. With less than 15 minutes 'till our first test event, I climbed into the Z alongside Axis head mechanic and owner of Maverick Motorsports, Teddy Hiraoka. Performing a parade lap, all 21 cars slowly made their way to the east end of the course to compete in the 660 ft slalom course. Midway through our destination Hiraoka says, "No pressure Scott, but James is a very competitive owner and driver; he expects nothing less than first place in the Media Challenge today." "Great," I thought to myself, "that's all I need, added pressure, like I'm Michael Schumacher driving in F1. Do they really expect me to wreck shit up in a car I've never driven before? Chaaa right!"
660-Ft Slalom CoursePorsche 911, EVO8, Audi S4, multiple Mustangs, and even a C4 Corvette...the thought of deadlines and rotting away in my office sounded pretty good right about now. First up was a convertible Mustang, owned by Mark Takahashi from Car Craft magazine. Flying through the cones, Takahashi posted a best time of 62.63 mph. It was obvious these journalists were here to win. The next vehicle was a Celica All Trac that managed to loose control and pirouette into the dirt, coming dangerously close to the photographers. As the line made its way to the starting grid, it was finally my turn to take to the cones. Easing off the clutch, the deafening roar of the supercharger came to life as the car lunged forward with every shift. Just as I notch the shifter in third gear the first set of cones appeared in a blur of orange. Tightly weaving my way in and out of each cone, I held on for dear life as the factory seats, re-skinned in alcantara suede, provided minimal lumbar and side bolster support. Making my way back to the starting line, I weaved my way back through the cones once more. I took a more aggressive stance with the car and was able to post a 66.49 mph run, the highest of the day. With one of two runs completed, I felt more at ease with the Z's handling, and I launched off the starting grid for my second pass. Just as I approached the first cone I thought to myself, "You know what? F*ck it! I'll just drop the hammer and see what this puppy can do." Slamming into fourth gear, I steered my way to a 67.90 mph time, but I knocked over two cones in the process for a two second penalty. I guess you can say the first event went as well as can be expected. Next up was the 1/4-mile run.
0-400m DashMaking sure the traction control was in the off position, I peered through the rear view mirror and noticed a full audio system lying in the trunk. Most readers know the Z isn't the lightest of the bunch when it comes to performance vehicles so knowing that this Axis car was sporting 10-inch subwoofers with multiple amps gave me the chills. Lining up the tires for a burnout, I revved the car up to 5000 rpm and popped the clutch in a hail of smoke. Unsure what the launch point for the vehicle was, I decided to take the car up 4000 rpm, hoping to minimize wheel spin when the supercharger kicked in. Easing out the clutch, the instantaneous boost spun the tires in first gear, inducing a slight bog shifting into second gear. With a tricky shifter reminiscent of a mustang short stroke shifter, I granny shifted my way to a 13.5 at 104.6 mph. Not bad but then again not the greatest. The best time of the day belonged to Pablo Mazlumia in his '94 Supra, which netted a 12.81 at 114.5 mph. Mazlumina, a feared competitor in this year's competition, dominated the last year's Hotchkis Media Day in his M3 taking home numerous trophies. Rocketing past the finish light, I continued through the large sweeper turn, making my way to the third leg of testing which consisted of a 60-0 mph braking competition.
60-0 Mph Brake TestThe combination of Hoosier road race tires and Brembo brakes proved beneficial in the brake competition for the 350Z. The Z was well equipped with a set of Brembo Ferrari F50 4-piston front calipers, mated to a set of two-piece 14-inch cross-drilled rotors and Pagid brake pads. The rears consisted of Brembo 2 piston calipers with cross-drilled rotors. Barreling down the straightaway, the car quickly boosted up to 65 mph, then I slowly decelerated, preparing for my stop. I quickly stood on the brakes as the humming and ticking sounds of the factory ABS quickly came alive. "Amazing," I thought to myself and indeed it was. The Z came to a screeching halt for the day's record of 99.77 ft. Compare this to the shitty braking distance of a Mustang pulling 275.25 ft and you'll appreciate the Z's performance. My second run was even better; the stopping distance improved by 1.19 ft, coming in at 98.58 ft. All I can say is Brembo's ROCK!