Z Car Club of Colorado

Welcome, my Z family, to the August edition of Natez Notez.

I just sat down to write this after unpacking from our 5-day journey to and from Cripple Creek, Colorado. The first annual Colorado Z Fest concluded last night (7/25/26) and was a well-attended event. About 20 ZCCC members made the trip, which started with a wonderful drive hosted by Judy Gordon. The drive went through the mountains and through Deckers and ended with lunch at The District restaurant in Cripple Creek. An interesting side note is that the drive was joined by an on-again-off-again Z member, Jeff Winter, yes THAT Jeff Winter of Winter Racing Engines fame. He was driving a (he can’t remember if it’s a 75 or 76) 280Z with a GT-R engine in it putting out 540 horsepower. Nice car, great guy. So glad to have finally met him.

The 4-day event was lots of fun with great rides and unique experiences throughout the festival. The very highlight of it, however, was that Bruce McKenney and his 300ZX took a second-place trophy, and yours truly (Nate Derman) also took a second-place trophy in the Z34 (370Z) group. I did go through and count the cars, and there were 54 Z cars, 2 Infiniti’s, and 1 Skyline that were lined up and down Main Street. There will be a link in the Odometer to see many of the photos from Colorado Z Fest. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Rhyne’s and Travis Scott for all their hard work in putting this event together. The hotel, drives, activities, and arrangements made with the city of Cripple Creek were Z-riffic. Amazing job, you guys! Looking forward to next year.

Coming up in August is our general meeting on August 5th @ 7:00 PM. It will be held at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer in Aurora, CO, at Southlands Mall. After that, I am hosting our annual BBQ again at our house on the 15th at 6:00 PM. Mario is hosting the Sonic Car Show on the 21st in Aurora. Please look for these events and everything else ZCCC-related in this edition of the Odometer, and until next time, “Keep the rubber side down, and the shiny side up…!

Regardz,

Nate

August 2026 Board Meeting

• When: August 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM
• Where: Zoom

August 2026 General Meeting

• When: August 5, 2026, at 7 (can come around 6:30)

  Where: Waldos’s Chicken and Beer - 24153 Prospect Avenue, Aurora

September 2026 Board Meeting

• When: September 1, 2026, at 6:30 PM
• Where: Zoom

September 2026 General Meeting

• When: September 2, 2026, at 7 (can come around 6:30)
• Where: Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom 16990 E. Iliff Avenue Aurora, CO

If you are not a board member and would like to attend a board meeting, please contact our president, Nate Derman.

Mark your calendars! Our annual Z Car Club of Colorado Banquet will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Maggiano's Little Italy (7401 S. Clinton St., Englewood, Colorado, 80112). Join us as we celebrate the close of another fantastic fiscal year and kick off a new one with great food, wonderful camaraderie, active member gifts, and special celebrations.

Updated Banquet Cost:

• Active Members: $35 per person

• Non-Active Members: $40 per person

• Guests: $47 per person

Payment Information

Cash or Check: Please make the check out to Z Car Club of Colorado. Please mail your check to Cheryl McKenney (address provided on the Google Form link below), or hand cash or a check to either Cheryl McKenney or Tiffany Gordon at any club event. If using cash, please have exact change.

Two convenient opportunities to pay in person will be our upcoming General Meetings:

• August at Waldo's

• September at Old Chicago

Registration Form:

Please complete the banquet registration form as early as possible so we can accurately plan for attendance. Although it is a Google Form, you do not need a Google account to complete and submit it.

Last year's banquet at Maggiano's was a wonderful afternoon filled with delicious food, laughter, and great company. We can't wait to celebrate with everyone again and look forward to another memorable afternoon of friendship, fantastic Italian cuisine, and recognizing our amazing active members. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl McKenney or Tiffany Gordon.

We hope to Z you there!

Date: Saturday, August 15th, 2026

Time: 6:00 pm

Price: Free

Host: Nate Derman

Nate and Cheryle are once again hosting the annual ZCCC BBQ at their home. Nate will be grilling burgers and brats. Please bring an appetizer, side dish, salad, or dessert to accompany the burgers and brats. Also, please bring a tasty beverage of your choice.

If you have attended this event in the past, you know this is one of the Club’s most popular events. This will be an opportunity to get together with everyone in a casual and fun setting. Please RSVP at one of our meetings and let the Dermans know what you will be bringing. Just as a reminder, if you sign up and cannot attend, kindly let them know you will not be there. They need a head count for the food served. Of course, walk-ins are welcome.

Nate, Cheryle, and Chloe are looking forward to welcoming old friends and new faces as well.

Date: Friday, August 21, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM

ZCCC Hosts: Mario Busnardo

Cost: Free

Location: Sonic - 18501 E. Hampden Avenue, Aurora, CO

Please join Colorado Cars and Coffee and ZCCC for a fun gathering of all types of cars: classic, new, hot rods, and even dune buggies at the Sonic Drive-In.

Grab your family and your dog and head over to the Sonic Drive-In, where you can mingle with other car enthusiasts and gaze at all types of vehicles. Bring a picnic or enjoy something from Sonic. We look forward to seeing you there, whether you arrive at 4:00 pm or come after work.

Where: Tint World at 151 W. County Line Rd., Littleton, CO 80129. The store is located in the Southpark Centre Shopping Center, near Dollar Tree.

We will park together in the 1st Bank parking lot, adjacent to Tint World.

When: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Time: 12 noon – 2 pm

Cost: Free

Host: Patty Troxell

Club Vendor Tint World-Littleton is having a FREE event on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 12 noon to 2 pm. There will be music and vehicles of all types and models in attendance. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the store owner and staff. Be sure to stop by the store to see examples of the many products and services Tint World offers.

**Optional: After the event, various restaurants are nearby for your convenience.

On July 22nd, 12 members gathered at the Ken Caryl Park-N-Ride to begin the drive to the inaugural Colorado Z Fest in Cripple Creek. Our caravan included seven Z cars and two non-Z vehicles, making for an exciting start to our mountain drive. We were thrilled to have Jeff Winter join us for the drive in his classic two-tone black and orange Z, adding another beautiful car to the lineup.

Before departing, Tiffany treated everyone to homemade brown butter chocolate chip cookies, giving members a sweet snack to enjoy as we made our way through the mountains. Our scenic route took us through Deckers and Divide, with a couple of pit stops along the way to stretch our legs. After parking our cars in the Chamonix parking garage, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll down historic Main Street to "The District" restaurant, where we all gathered at the bar for a delicious meal and great conversation. A special thank you goes to Mark Ingles for arriving ahead of the group and securing seating for us all at “The District" restaurant.

Thank you to all 13 members who joined us and helped make this drive such a fantastic start to the FIRST Colorado Z Fest. We can't wait to see you at our next club adventure!

The inaugural Colorado Z Fest officially kicked off on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in historic Cripple Creek, Colorado, and over 20 members and guests of the Z Car Club of Colorado were there to be part of this exciting first-ever event. After checking into the beautiful Chamonix Casino Hotel, many of us took time to enjoy the amenities, including the casino, pool, steam room, and the complimentary coffee machine that quickly became a favorite gathering spot. Several attendees arrived early enough to participate in the Pikes Peak Cruise. Reaching the summit of "America's Mountain" is no small feat! While most of the Zs successfully climbed to the top, a few drivers—and perhaps their cars—experienced a little altitude sickness along the way. That evening, participants officially registered for the event, browsed the impressive raffle prizes and silent auction items, and caught up with old friends while making plenty of new ones.

Thursday – Texas Hold 'Em on the Road

Thursday featured one of the most unique drives of the weekend—a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Run. Drivers and passengers were divided into groups based on speed class and drew two cards before departing. Three additional cards were revealed during lunch, and the final two cards were announced at dinner. Each participant had to make the best five-card poker hand from their seven cards, with the top hands earning In-N-Out Burger gift cards. Later on, attendees enjoyed one of Cripple Creek's most beloved traditions, which is the Donkey Meet & Greet. These friendly burros, once abandoned or neglected, have been rescued and are now lovingly cared for by the city. They have truly become local celebrities. The evening concluded with a Mexican-themed dinner at the Cripple Creek Parks & Recreation Center, where everyone gathered to relax, share stories from the day's drive, and compare poker hands.

Friday – Royal Gorge Adventures

Friday began bright and early with a 6:45 a.m. departure for the breathtaking Royal Gorge. One of the highlights of the weekend was the rare opportunity to drive across the Royal Gorge Bridge, stop for photos, explore the park, and then drive back across the bridge again. If you've never driven across one of the world's highest suspension bridges, it is quite the experience! Yes—the bridge moves beneath you, and hearing the wooden planks creak may make your toes curl, but that's all part of the adventure. After leaving the Royal Gorge, many participants enjoyed the scenic Cañon City Skyline Drive before choosing how to spend the remainder of the afternoon. Some explored Cañon City, others ventured to Colorado Springs, while many returned to Cripple Creek. A few members even hopped aboard the historic Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad for another unique Colorado experience. Those wanting to push both their cars and driving skills participated in Track Night at PPIR, while everyone reunited that evening on the second-floor parking garage at the Chamonix for Garage Talks, where event sponsors shared information about their products and services. Don Gordon spoke to the group about the perks of the Z Car Club of Colorado, the chance to win a membership in the raffle, and the discounted membership option using the QR code on our brochure.

Saturday – Car Show Day

Saturday marked the final official day of Colorado Z Fest, and the town of Cripple Creek closed Main Street for an incredible Z Car Show. About 60 Z cars attended and were organized by class, allowing attendees to vote for their favorites throughout the morning. At 1:30 p.m., raffle winners and class awards were announced. Congratulations to the McKenneys and the Dermans for earning 2nd Place trophies in their respective classes (300ZX/Z31 and 370Z/Z34)! Congratulations also to our Z Car Club of Colorado members Mark Ingles and Tiffany Gordon who took home awesome raffle prizes from Mountainside Mobile Detailing. The weekend concluded with a closing banquet at the Cripple Creek Parks & Recreation Center, where the final silent auction winners were announced. Proceeds from both the raffle and silent auction help fund automotive scholarships for students, making every ticket purchased support the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

A huge thank you goes out to Mike, Wendy, and Travis, along with the many volunteers who poured countless hours into making the inaugural Colorado Z Fest a tremendous success. From the scenic drives and first-class organization to the friendships and unforgettable experiences, the event was wonderful. Thank you to all members who came out to this great event. If you signed in with Judy for the full fest, the club will be mailing your rebate to you soon.

ZCCC was proud to be a sponsor of this event. We gave away customized microfiber cloths and two free memberships as raffle prizes. We look forward to having our two winners, Nate from Colorado Springs and Paul McDonald, join our club.

Mark your calendars now because the next Colorado Z Fest is already scheduled for July 21–25, 2027.

Please click here to view the General Meeting Minutes.

Memberships: 87 — Members: 110

Memberships up for Renewal:

June: Alina DeLyser, Marianne Druml & McKevin Rhoton, Michael Giampetro, Corbett Hoenninger, Robin O'Donnell

July: Kathleen Minister, Travis Scott

August: Douglas & Fran Campbell, Leonard & Weston Klein, Shawn Krebs, Patty Lamb, Matthew McDole, Mike & Deborah Ramirez, Mike & Wendy Rhyne, Dave Sandbach, Cliff & Kathy Sholders, Jason Spegal, Patty Troxell

New Members for July: Michael Rocco from Canon City with a 2008 350Z

Referrals/Z Bucks: Nate and Cheryle Derman referred Michael Rocco

Memberships not renewed within 2 months of the anniversary due date will be dropped from the Club’s active status.

Thank you to Andy M. for sending these articles for inclusion in the Odometer.

Earn Active Member Points When You Do Business with Empire Lakewood Nissan

When you service your vehicle, buy parts, or purchase a car at Empire Nissan Lakewood, you’ll receive one active member point per transaction. Simply send a copy of your receipt to our Vice President. It’s an easy way to support our sponsor while keeping your vehicle in top shape.

Join the Fun at Upcoming Car Shows!

Members are always welcome at Empire Lakewood Nissan and Empire Nismo Enthusiasts (ENE) events. Future dates will be announced soon. These shows not only help to promote the club and dealership, but they also allow us to engage in the community and foster interest in Z cars.

ZCCC Member Review: “We have purchased two cars from them and always have received VIP service” – C & N

Our Contacts at Empire Lakewood Nissan

Jacob Rogers
Service Director
Empire Lakewood Nissan
303-551-7515 (Direct)
jacobr@empirenissan.net

Rick Leonard

Parts Director

Empire Lakewood Nissan

303-232-3009

rickl@empirelakewoodnissan.com

Visit Their Website: https://www.empirelakewoodnissan.com/

Please visit their webpage for service specials. Contact them to schedule service (303) 232-3350

https://www.empirelakewoodnissan.com/service/service-specials/

A reminder to check that events are still on BEFORE leaving: Check Facebook and the ZCCC website before heading out to an event. These are two locations where you can find last-minute updates. Due to unforeseen circumstances or weather, events may be cancelled or details may be changed.

Send your photos to Tiffany at odometer@zccc.org

Click HERE for the ZCCC Photo Albums

If you don't have a Facebook account, you can still view the most recent albums.

Mailing Address:

Z Car Club of Colorado

PO Box 441624

Aurora, CO 80044-1624

Website: www.zccc.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZCarClubOfColorado

President: Nate Derman president@zccc.org

Vice-President: Cheryle Derman vice-president@zccc.org

Secretary: Patty Troxell secretary@zccc.org

Treasurer: Travis Scott treasurer@zccc.org

Membership: Andy Mortenson membership@zccc.org

Public Relations: Don Gordon publicrelations@zccc.org

Inter-Club Liaison: Wendy Rhyne club@zccc.org

Odometer Editor: Tiffany Gordon Odometer@zccc.org

50/50 Drawing: Gail Mund

50/50 Door Prize Coordinator: Don Gordon

Constitution Analyst: Patty Troxell

Historian: Bruce McKenney

Motorsports: Travis Scott

Name Badges & Decals: Jason Spegal

Social Media Director: Tiffany Gordon

Webmaster: Mike Rhyne

Welcoming Host: Mario Busnardo

ZCCA Representative: Wendy Rhyne

ZCCM Magazine: Jason Spegal