The SMZCC was founded in 1988, and has been a driving force in revived interest in the Nissan/Datsun Z Car in this region. All of the people in our club are Z Car enthusiasts who have a main purpose in common:

Enjoying the ownership of their Z Car

ZCON - Wednesday - Several of us arrived on Wednesday to see an amazing number of people already at the host hotel and driving around town.  We've heard this is already the largest ZCON ever - over 550 so far as of Wednesday night.   David and Dawn, Greg and Anita, Tony, Bob Armentrout, newest club member Jarod all arrived today.   At the opening banquest we enjoyed good food, meeting other Z owners from around the country and Canada.  The hotel looks great, a reserved parking lot for Z's only, several new Z's, classic Z, racing Z's from the past.   Tom Cruise's Z is here along with some of the BRE racing cars - great to see them in person.  The banquet included a live feed from Japan with Mr K - he was very enjoyable to hear, his wife made an appearance as well.   The man that designed the 240z came from Japan to enjoy ZCON, Steve Millen is here as well.   Courtesy Nissan, along with the Texas Z Club (Mad Mike) had the Texas Chili Party with Margaritas after the banquet.  Pictures will be loaded soon, Thursday is a day of tours, and other events "on your own", so another update will be on Friday!    

Several current club members and a soon-to-be club member are heading to the Z Car Club of America's celebration of 40 years of the Z car at ZCON2010.   Over 300 Z's are registered for the car show that occurs on Saturday, July 31st at Nissan Headquaters in Franklin, TN (just south of Nashville).

David and Dawn Patelke, Rick and Janice Rawe, Dawn MacCammon, Don Gray and Anita, Tony and Linda Price, Steve Collins (Grand Rapids Michigan), dual Z club member - Bob Armentrout of Murfreesboro, and soon-to-be member Jarod Cullop will all be attending this great event!  Make sure to let us know if you are planning to attend, we'll be having various social times during the week and the weekend.   Rick and Jarod will be going for the top show awards for Z cars - the Gold Medallion/the Gold Cup - good luck gentlemen!

Betty's Boat Bash 2010

Saturday, August 7 

launch at 12noon - arrive early

Betty Nichols hosts the annual Smoky Mountain Z Car Club's day on the lake with Betty's Boat Bash.  Bring your beverage of choice, bring a lunch, and enjoy one of East Tennessee's most scenic lakes. You are sure to have a great time riding, swimming and just relaxing. 

Please RSVP to Tony @ 681-7986, or email tony@smokymountainzcarclub.com

Hickory Star Marina - 1360 Hickory Star Rd - Maynardville, TN 37807

 Directions to Hickory Star: from Knoxville. Take I-640 E. to Broadway, exit North, stay on Broadway to Halls Crossing , stay to the right slightly continue north on HWY 33, to Maynardville at first stop light turn left on to RT. 144 (turn left at the I.G.A. Store) The road ends at Hickory Star

Ken Keifer has found another great festival that we got a group of Z's together and took off this new festival in Cumberland Gap, TN.  A great ride up, some great music (Hokum's Heroes is a great group - don't miss them if you get a chance to see them live).  

Here is a little about the festival.  

White Lightning Festival in Cumberland Gap, TN - June 26, 2010

http://whitelightningfestival.com/

Featuring a unique mix of music including Americana, Hot Country, Appalachian and String Band Music.

Known for its historic significance and natural beauty, Cumberland Gap was the site of this unique festival that celebrates the history and heritage of communities along the new Discover Tennessee White Lightning Trail.

From the Civil War to modern day America, The White Lightning Festival will tell the story of those rugged, self-reliant people that made this area the topic of movies and gave birth to one of America’s fastest growing sports – stock car racing. The White Lightning Trail, which begins in Knoxville, TN travels through nine counties including Anderson, Union, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Hamblen and Cocke. These communities share a rich heritage and that will be on display in the form of demonstrations, food, antique cars and a variety of music.

Ken Keifer led a ride to Rogersville for the annual Memorial Lane Car Show.  A very unique location and a huge number of cars and other things to enjoy.  Pictures in Z Gallery 2. Thanks to Katie and Ken for taking the pictures!!!

Great weekend at ZDAYZ!  Dawn MacCammon, Betty Nichols, Bob Armentrout and  Tony and Linda Price attended the event and participated in the car show on Saturday.  Betty won 1st place with her 280, Dawn MacCammon won 3rd in a wide open class for 300zx, Bob Armentrout won 1st with 370z and Tony and Linda won 2nd in the 350z mild.  Over 400 Z's, G's, GTR's and others from the Nissan family were present at the event.  Definitely a great event and well worth a relaxing weekend at a beautiful resort!  Pictures in the new Events Gallery!!! 

Saturday, May 15th: Z Club ride to Historic Rugby:  Great day for a ride.  Don G. led the ride to Historic Rugby with his 240z, Ken K  (280z), Tony P (300zx) and Linda P (350z) enjoyed some great roads on the ride up Hwy 27.  After some time at the festival, some of the group took a different route home on some remote, open, twisty roads.  A great day for driving.  Missed local Z owner David K who couldn't join us as planned, hopefully he will be able to join us on next months ride. 

April 10 - Middle Tennessee Z Club's 1st Annual Spring Cruise and Clay Pigeon Shoot: Bob Armentrout led a great ride and event.  Bob is a member of our club and of the Middle Tennessee Z Club.  Club members Dawn MacCammon, and Linda and Tony Price made the ride over to Nashville to meet up with the Middle Tennessee Z Club.  Fifteen cars enjoyed the great backroads that Bob planned out in great detail to insure no one lost their way.   More pictures in Z Gallery.

Back again in 2010 - the East Coast Regional Z Car Show