John Evans’ new Spec Z exits “The Esses” at Road Atlanta in June.

Lower than usual temperatures and humidity made track conditions ideal for the debut of NASA Southeast’s two new Spec Z cars, which drew attention from participants and spectators alike.

Two newly built 350Z Spec Z racers ran in the Thunder race group and put on a good show. Clark Crawford from Nashville, Tenn., and John Evans from Atlanta spent the weekend chasing each other around the world famous Road Atlanta.

John Evans takes the outside line in his new Spec Z around Turn 10A at Road Atlanta in June.
John Evans takes the outside line in his new Spec Z around Turn 10A at Road Atlanta in June.

Crawford won Saturday’s race and in the process established the initial Spec Z track record. Crawford is a long-time Datsun and Nissan road racer, with more than 30 years of racing experience. Clark is the owner of Z-Cars by Clark Crawford and Clark Crawford Racing.

Evans, who is the NASA Southeast Spec Z regional race director and long time Z-Car owner, won Sunday’s event. Both drivers improved lap times throughout the weekend, although the veteran racers are still tuning the new cars and BFGoodrich R1 spec tires for maximum performance. Expect lap times to continue to fall as they begin to get their cars dialed in.

John Evans’ new Spec Z on the stands during a break in the racing action.
John Evans’ new Spec Z on the stands during a break in the racing action.

Evans also spent time with potential Spec Z racers, explaining the generous support program provided by Nissan and BFGoodrich, and the technical issues related to building a competitive Spec Z.

 

Spec Z Class Rules

http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/spec_z/NASA_SZrules_2012_v2-1.pdf

 

Nissan and BFGoodrich Contingency Programs:

http://www.nasaproracing.com/contingency

 

For more information on Spec Z in NASA Southeast: [email protected]

Image courtesy of Brett Becker

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