Nissan Z + Circuit of the Americas = All Day Thrills
When Nissan invited us to Austin, TX, for hot laps in the new Nissan Z, we knew it was the perfect opportunity for a girls trip. My plus one, Elle, and I spent an exhilarating day at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), where we had a chance to hop into a race car for hot laps and watch this year’s GT4 race.
This was my first time ever visiting the track in Austin, and let me tell you, if you haven’t made a day of it at COTA, this is your sign. It’s the only track in the country built specifically for Formula One, a 3.4 mile-long track with hills, curves and tight turns. From the food trucks to the viewing tower (aptly nicknamed the Texas Mullet) where the entire circuit can be seen, it’s a giant playground. Just make sure you bring sunscreen, good walking shoes and a hat.
There are plenty of other events that get to burn rubber at COTA other than F1. Moto GP, for example, or the GT3 and GT4 races. But what even is a GT4 race?
What Is a GT4 Race?
GT3 and GT4 races are race classes for cars that take a production model and then modify and tune it for enhanced performance on the track. GT (as in Grand Touring) races have a road trip origin story, but now they compete to complete the track circuit. The cars must adhere to a minimum of changes from the actual production car.
GT4 races differ from GT3 in that they are geared more toward amateur driver classes. GT4 is virtually an entry-level version of the race for young breakout drivers or drivers with less experience in general to get those sought-after track miles. GT4 cars are just a little slower and less expensive than a GT3 race car.
Performance Driving on a Track: You Simply MUST DO THIS!
Have you subscribed to our newsletter? Click here to get on the list.
Nissan’s GT4 Race Cars Are Still in the Development Phase
At the track, there is a trailer full of engineers from Japan and drawers and cabinets full of parts. Apparently, when a racing team buys a Nissan, they can come by the trailer to talk to the engineers and grab spare parts any time they want. Nissan Motorsports backs its cars and commits to furthering development wherever it is necessary.
These Japanese engineers seem so passionate about their work. They literally stand in the pit watching their cars, writing notes down on handheld notepads, or entering data into an iPad. When a pit stop is made, they are there watching the pit crew and keeping tabs on all the moving parts. It truly was a wonder to behold. No matter what the activity or sport, that much passion makes it easy to get on board as a spectator.
A Day at the Circuit of the Americas Racetrack in Austin, TX
Our day began with the hum of engines at COTA, the only track in the U.S. designed specifically for Formula One. However, the track hosts a variety of events, including Moto GP and the GT4 races we were there to witness. As I mentioned, GT4 races involve cars that start as production models and are then modified for enhanced track performance. These races are geared more towards amateur drivers, making them an entry point for up-and-coming racers.
Nissan’s presence at the Pirelli GT4 America series is impressive, with teams from TechSport, Blackdog Speed Shop, and Flying Lizard Motorsports. We started our day with an informal NISMO Z tech talk at City Limits Nissan, mingling with local Society of Automotive Engineers members, Z owners clubs, and special guests. The excitement built up as we moved to the track.
Hot Laps in the Nissan Z: Let’s Do This!
The highlight of our day was the hot laps in the Nissan Z. Imagine walking over a bridge, race cars thundering past on the track below. Then you find your group as they usher you to a Nissan Z production car of your own to take a ride on the track. These little cars can move.
GT4 Race driver Colin Harrison zipped me around some transformative turns on the circuit, and I walked away changed. The Nissan Z is grippy, agile, powerful, and fun. Starting at only $42,970, the 2024 Nissan Z is a two-door coupe for the masses. After my short but exhilarating ride, I could only imagine the endurance it takes for drivers to last through a two —or three-hour race like the main event Colin would be driving in later that day.
After speeding around the track at eye-watering speeds, we chatted a bit about his racing career, and when I asked him how his mom feels about him being a racecar driver, he said she’s cool about it: “… Like, she’s not freaked out all the time that I’m going to crash or anything.” I say Colin’s mom probably has a premium poker face if that’s what Colin believes. More power to her!
How to Make Hot Laps a Part of Your Race Day
While the hot laps we did in the Z were not open to the public, you may be able to get an “in” with your tire or parts dealer. If you simply want to go for a ride along –or even drive– on the track, there are ways to do it. Xtreme Xperience, for example, hosts tracks, rides, and drives. But that’s going to cost a bit more than a general admission ticket for an event at the track.
During a behind-the-scenes tour, we chatted with the Blackdog Speed Shop team and learned a fascinating fact: race tires are completely flat except for the set reserved for rain, which has tread for grip. This detail underscored the precision and strategy involved in racing.
It also showed me that I didn’t know as much about tires as I thought – the reason all of our street tires have tread is simply in case of rain. Otherwise, the more tire on the road, the more traction. Thus, the flat race tire for dry conditions.
Behind the Scenes, Where the Nissan GT4 Race Crews Chill Out
We had time to chat with drivers from TechSport Racing, Colin, who drove the track for hot laps, and Eric Powell. Colin shared the story of being “discovered” by Kevin Anderson while driving recreationally at a track. Eric Powell has a history in cars, including time spent as a Disney stunt driver. Pictured here, left to right: Jonathan Neudof, Michai Stephens, Jordan Almond, Eric Powell, and Colin Harrison.
Jonathan Neudorf stood out, setting track records at a go-kart track. Michai Stephens started at the IndyCar Academy and, in addition to an extensive racing career over the last decade, has been asked to teach at both the Skip Barber Racing School and the Lucas Oil Racing School.
The passion and enthusiasm shown by all four were infectious, and their sheer joy for racing GT4 cars only made watching the race later that much more exciting.
If you’re ever in Austin, COTA is a must-visit, whether you’re a racing enthusiast or just looking for an exciting experience. And if you ever have the chance to attend a GT4 race (or, GT3, NASCAR or F1), go. There are lots of races around the country, too.
The 2024 Pirelli GT4 America championship continues with races at Virginia International Raceway, Road America, Barber Motorsports Park, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. These events offer more opportunities to witness the thrilling world of GT4 racing.
The FIA World Endurance Championship, MotoAmerican Superbikes, and F1 United States Grand Prix events will all be held at COTA this fall. MotoGP will follow in the spring, and NASCAR will also arrive at COTA in 2025.
There’s nothing like the excitement of seeing drivers compete, careers being built and the high-speed thrills of a day at the races.
Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!
Categorized:Car Culture
Read This Next
