Holland 2000

Let me start by saying that if a meeting like this gets organized once again I wouldn't miss it for the world.

It all started on Thursday evening (15/6). We met at the Z-café located in Meije at a typical Holland countryside.
Next morning we all met up at AC-hotel in Bodegraven. We headed for Den Haag to take some pictures at the sea shore.

After that we went to see the Madurodam that shows Holland in miniature.

Later on we proceeded to visit the Heineken brewery.

After seeing the production line (no pictures allowed) and watching a film about the production process we were able to taste all kinds of bear produced there.

Later in the evening we all met up at the Z-café to have a barbecue and chat.

Next day, Saturday, was a free time day which we spent visiting Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht and so on. Of course everybody was excited about the Sunday. We all met at 7 in the morning in Bodegraven and drove off to Zandvoort, which is located near Amsterdam next to the sea. Everybody had to register and get a start number for his car (I got no.68) and then listen to a very interesting and funny driving lesson in Dutch, which lasted for about half an hour and got translated to English in only one sentence! What a condense language! :)

Since there were about 80 cars participating, we got divided into four groups. Then there was time to go the track. Our group started with the slalom competition. Below is a picture of the start queue.

The slalom was won by Adrie. Below is my girlfriend standing in front of his car.

Next we proceeded with driving lessons at the track.

Everybody got to go one round around the track with the instructor behind the wheel showing the right technique.
After that there was a competition of skill. Driving with a ball in a bowl. The thing was to drive as fast as possible without loosing the ball.

Then came the part that I liked best! Free driving on the circuit! Do you know where I can get new tires for cheap?? ;-)

I never had so much fun with my car in my whole life. No cops on the road and no speed limits, except for your brakes. I'm glad I had those metal matrix pads fitted.
Next competition was racing on the track (called Sprint). Unfortunately it was just a part of the track but fun and adrenaline pumping as hell. We went by four cars, starting at the main straight.

Unfortunately I got the worst position. I was standing on the right side and at the end of the straight there was a 180 deg. turn to the right so everybody tried to go left before the cornering. To my left I had Henri with his red 300ZX, a 240Z and Reinhard's silver Strosek 300ZX. To my surprise I managed to get myself in front of everybody and go left before the cornering. Everything happened so quick that I almost don't remember it. Anyway, since I've put myself in the lead no one could stop me. :)

There were about 50 cars participating and everybody's time was recorded. To my big surprise I got the best time!

I also received a second prize, the prize for the longest driving distance to get to this meeting (~1400km).

There was one more competition where everybody could put there vote on the most beautiful Z in each category.
Steve won in the 300ZX category. He has a very nice Wings West kit fitted along with an air scoop on the hood and Anterra 18" rims. Below is Hanna next to Steve's car.

Overall it was a great event. Very well organized and planned. Thanks to the Holland Z-club for their efforts!
We met a lot of new friends. I was especially glad to meet all of you that I knew from TT.NET forum.

Regards to: Adrie, Steve, Andrea, Myles, Henri, Tom, Jez, Gus..... and all others that we met.

We had a great time! Thanks!
Maciej and Hanna

P.S.
Part of the pictures above are made by Adrie, thanks!