I started drag racing before I even had my driver's license. While my start was in dragging, I've been looking for something new to challenge me and give me that same thrill I had when I first started street racing.
I have found this renewed thrill in road racing. Since I am new at racing on a track, I've jumped at any opportunity to get out on a road course. This time, I went to famed Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif., once again for Nismo Day. I've always been a lover of Nissans, and looked forward to testing out Nismo's track-prepped 350Zs and Sentra SE-R Spec Vs.
Before we hit the track, we were introduced to the two lines of Nismo components that will be offered through Nissan dealers nationwide. The S-tune components are intended for street driving and are covered by the Limited Nissan Parts and Accessories Warranty, and the R-tune components are designed for high-performance off-highway applications. After the presentation, we got our choice of Sentra SE-R Spec Vs (stock, S-tune, and R-tune) and 350Zs (stock, S-tune and R-tune) and hit the track.
We started with the stock vehicles, progressed to S-tunes, then followed up with R-tunes to appreciate the varied levels of modification. I first drove the stock Sentra SE-R Spec V, which was quick at the exits (courtesy of its broad torque curve) but lagged at the top end. I then upgraded to the S-tune SE-R Spec V, which was modified with a Nismo cat-back exhaust system, Nismo front sway bar, Nismo shocks and springs, and Nismo wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD tires.
While the S-tune Sentra was a little slow on the straight-aways, it was definitely zippier than its stock cousin. With the improved suspension setup and sticky tires, drivers can increase the speed through the corners, enabling the engine to stay further up in its powerband. Despite the lack of a rear anti-roll bar, I was able to left-foot brake the car, spinning the rear of the Sentra around the turns for proper exit direction.
Last, we jumped into the R-tune version, equipped with Nismo camshafts, a Nismo cold-air intake, a Nismo header and cat-back exhaust, S-tune Nismo front and rear sway bars and S-tune shocks and springs, R-tune lower tie-bar and front strut tower brace, Nismo front brake pads and Nismo wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD. The R-tune was in a class of its own. Open the throttle and you're at redline in no time. I loved how well the vehicle gripped in the corners.
After having my fun with the Sentras, it was time for the 350Z. Once again we started out with the stock version. Having driven "Import Tuner's" Project 350Z, I knew what to expect-nothing exciting. We took advantage of the less sticky tires, however, and drifted a couple of corners. I quickly moved on to the S-tune 350Z, equipped with Nismo cat-back exhaust, Nismo S-tune suspension with revised front and rear sway bars, shocks and springs and Nismo wheels rolling on BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDs. The most noticeable improvements in the S-tune Z were the suspension components, which made a huge difference on the track. That car held onto the pavement for its dear life and had amazing control. As much as we tried, the rear never got squirrelly.