The club had an excellent turn out at this year Portland Historic Races at Portland International Raceway. More then NN Z,s representing all generations of the mark were in attendance. There were also some fine examples of Datsun sedans and roadsters as well.

The club was in represented all three days of the event with a small put hardy group braving the heat on Friday. A number of early risers met at Elmers for breakfast Saturday morning and caravanned into the track. There was a bit of a wait for the track top clear which gave everyone to stretch there legs and admire the fine collection of Zs.

After the rainiest June on record, Mother Nature cooperated with the weather, almost. After a spring and early summer of temperatures well below seasonal norms, the mercury soared in the upper 90s on Friday and well into the 80s the rest of the weekend. Fortunately, our traditional spot in the club corral among the trees aided with a few pop up canopys provided ample shade for cars and drivers alike.

Those wishing to view the races from the top of the bleachers at the festival turn were greeted by a cooling breeze and many golf umbrellas and some vintage Datsun race cars. This year the event included something new, an award for the Best Z. It was a difficult decision for the judges to make as there were many cars worthy of the award. In the end the judges and the other club members agreed that the 1978 2??Z of Art Hill deserved the award. Congratulations Art!

As always, one of the more enjoyable aspects of the race weekend is the parade laps on the circuit. This year the event organizer took firm control of the lap speed, keeping them at what can best be described as pedestrian. It was later explained that another club had abused the privilege and common sense last year and was banned. This year they took a more proactive approach to speed control by keeping the pace car glued to the front bumper of the lead car. Things eased up a bit on Sunday and the lap was a bit more spirited.

For those feeling the need to exercise their cars bit more vigorously, an autocross was setup in the nearby hot pits. Several members scared some cones in the name of charity. A weekend of great weather, great racing, great company and of course great Z cars has all of us looking forward to the 2011 Historic Races.
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