Car customization is a highly personal endeavor. Every person has their own style, and they express it in almost everything they do. The way a person wears their hair, the way they dress, and of course how they mod their ride provides everyone around them with a glimpse of their unique individuality. For Darrell Mcvey of Boise, Id, an understated and performance minded style plan was the goal when he purchased his 2006 Redline Red Nissan 350z.
“I’ve always been into Nissans and I wanted an S13 hatch but couldn’t find what I wanted for the price I wanted,” Darrell said “I knew I was dreaming, but I started to look for an R32 GTR only to find I was dreaming more than I thought. Next stop: the 350Z.”
After purchasing the Z, Darrell was torn between making the car a full out trackster, or mildly modding it and keeping it daily driver friendly. He decided to compromise and combine both ideas into the current amalgamation of show and go we see before us. With Nismo aerodynamics, Volk rollers, and a slew of safety gear (Corbeau seat, Simpson 4-point harness, Autopower 6-point roll cage), Darrell has created his ideal daily driver / weekend racer. With many an auto X race under his lap belt, as well as drag races, hill climbs and even a few salt flat runs, its obvious Darrell is actually using the Z the way he planned to. Next on his to do list is a time attack session or two.
“Out of what I’ve done so far, I enjoy hill climbs the most because of the length of seat time and the danger factor,” Darrell said, “but I think once I start time attack that may change.”
From collecting Hot Wheels, to watching every form of racing with his father, to actually driving a personalized and purpose built racecar, Darrell has come a long way. Like most auto enthusiasts, though, his drive is far from over. His future plans include a few more aesthetic changes with some Top Secret and Nismo goodies, a full race suspension setup, and an RB26 Swap. These modifications, coupled with the current setup and Darrell’s growing track experience, should make the Z a contender at any event it rolls to. Stay tuned for the next time it shows up on our radar, it should interesting to say the least.
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