Zilvia hits Buttonwilllow for a GRIP event... Dec. 16th... PICS!...

[Nikeboy355]

This thread is for discussing the event and your driving... and your car ofcourse...

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I left on saturday evening after finishing a job in Beverly Hills (at Charlton Heston's house)... I arrived at the motel at about 11PM and knocked out...

I spoke to the motel owner and she said she could give us a racer's discount if we got a group together... I'm guessing the cost would be around $35 a night... Waking up after a good rest and having breakfast is the best way to start the day off... Let me know if you are interested next time...

Checking the straps on the trailer...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0165.JPG

Daryl's S2000...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0173.JPG

There was even ice on the S13... I don't know how you "Eastern" people deal with the cold...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0185.JPG

We got to the front gate and happened to run into more 240 peoples...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0196.JPG

Registration desk...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0206.JPG

Tech inspection... I had the car preteched at Road Race Engineering in Santa Fe Springs so the tech only glanced over the car and gave me the OK... He laughed at my brakes and asked if they were the rears... I told him they would have to do for today...

They check seatbelts, no fluid leaks, tire condition, brakes condition, that all the rear lights work, and stuff like that...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0205.JPG

Driver meeting at 8AM... They go over the track, safety, and the schedule... After the general meeting there is a beginner's meeting that follows... There beginner program is very good and I even took it 2 years ago at Willow Springs...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0208.JPG

After the meeting we did a parade lap around the course at low speed... Basically we drove the course like a big congo line just to check it out... I though this was a great idea...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0220.JPG

The pitting area...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0255.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0278.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0279.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0308.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0238.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0296.JPG

That's a lot of stock KA over there...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0239.JPG

The older people love these Chevy things...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0301.JPG

Daryl working on his catch can lines...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0222.JPG

And here is a pic of some of us on the track... Exiting out of Bus Stop...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0228.JPG

The cost of the event was $160 and it was hosted by Speed Trial USA... That company has been in the "track day" business for 10 years and have many very good instructors that work for them...

I didn't like how there wasn't any lap timing at the event... Even when I asked a week earlier if there was and was told that we could rent lap timers for $30... When I asked on sunday I was told that they don't offer lap timers because they feel people start getting too competitive out there... Horrible...

An instructor, Colin, rode with me for two sessions to observe and critique my driving... He had a headset/mic setup that I could slide into my helmet so that we could talk to each while on the course... He is a Speed World Challenge driver and personally tracks an S2000 on race tires... He sounded like Daniel Negraneu(the poker player) and was actually the same person who tech'd my car for me and pointed out my small stock S13 brakes...

The first session we went out I drove the car and he watched... He pointed out a couple of areas where I could do better but in general said that I was pretty good... He said that I was hesitating with the brakes as well but next session he found out why...

He drove the car next and I watched... The first two laps he warmed the car up and by the third lap we were up to speed... I watched as he ran the lines he told me to do and before we knew it there was another instructor driving an Evo behind us... He passed us and the final lap I got to see how my S13 would chase an Evo... The Evo was faster as expected....

After we pulled back in he said that he didn't like the brakes at all... He said that they had no feel and lock too quickly... He recommended Brembos... He really liked the tires once they warmed up and said the suspension was good as is... It was really great to get some feedback from a professional...

The course wasn't as challenging to me as before but I'm sure it's because I've been there a couple of times recently... I went off course only once when I tried to enter Bus Stop one gear and about 10 MPH faster... I oversteered at about 70MPH and went into the dirt... I was just trying something different... I won't do that again...

In total it was a fun event but I didn't feel like I learned as much as before... I'm sure it's time to make some changes on the car...

Here are a couple of pics of the other cars that were there...

I have no idea how this guy got this car already... Owned by Harman Motive...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0286.JPG

Simon's 997 GT3... No cats and 315s from a 997 turbo on it also...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0288.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0295.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0290.JPG

And here are the cars that we came with...

Mine first...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0269.JPG

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0305.JPG

Nitin's S13

Stock... lightened with suspension work...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0197.JPG

Katman's EG...

He doesn't want his mods listed...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0174.JPG

Daryl's S2000

Stock with suspension, aero, and R comp tires...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0232.JPG

Steve's S13

Simple suspension setup and 500HP...

I went for a ride in Steve's car and it was a ton of fun... I was laughing as we were going down the straight it was so fast...
The suspension and chassis moved better than I expected... During the entire ride everything was controlled and I didn't feel scared at all... The brakes worked well but Steve said that he could feel some fading... Steve said that the rear tires felt a little mushy but I'm sure it is because of the bulging sidewalls...

255s all around, coilover suspension, and a bigger wing is what I'd like to see on his car...

Steve's driving was pretty good and beyond that I know he had a good time...

Racing is sometimes about thinking 1 second ahead of where you are going... In Steve's car it's kinda like you need 1 more second to wake the motor up and anticipate what it's going to do...

The motor controls the balance of that car...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0252.JPG

Jame's S14

Clean (not in this pic) with suspension, big wheels/tires, and race pads squealing around the pitting area...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0249.JPG

Vatche's S13

Best SR for handling Buttonwillow(9lbs. is perfect)... Suspension and LSD...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0247.JPG

Steve's S13
(Steve S14)

Stock as it gets... Doubles as a lunch table also...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0245.JPG

Vanessa's S14
(Autobahnessa)

Suspension work and the fact that she is girl...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0243.JPG

Mike's S14
(Azndummie)

Another stock KA with some suspension... Clean...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0272.JPG

John's S13
(tacotacotaco)

250K KA with plenty of suspension... Good looking car and tough looking wheel setup...

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http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0294.JPG

Chris's S14
(mehsilvia)

Very well built... Super clean S14 SR, plenty of suspension, and he's got some track experience under him...
Do you have any times on this car running 13CW?

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And the day ended with my truck not starting... That was supposed to be the reliable one!...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%201207/IMG_0314.JPG

Videos:

Colin (the instructor) driving my S13 when another instructor in an Evo shows up...
He's telling me to throw the chassis around a little more on corner exit and let it gradually slide out (on certain turns)...

Right click and save (176MB)...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow 1207/NitinJ - Buttonwillow 1207 - Colins final lap with an Evo.mpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh4WCqy7zkc

This is the second lap when I came upon an accident exiting Lost Hill...

Right click and save (164MB)...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow 1207/NitinJ - Buttonwillow 1207 - Evo contacts S2000.mpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zv4j_J3rQE

And you can always find my videos here...

http://www.youtube.com/NitinJ355

[k's_silvia2.0]

Damn Gittin I just gonna have to go with you one of these days.
Its Luis btw.
+ what the hell were you doing for Charlton Heston?

[MURPHY]

you're tracking an aero bumper!?!? noooo haha

looking good tho. glad you're out there.

[ESCALVANTE]

Great post!! :bigok:

Did you feel your car pulling stronger with the shorter final drive??

[MoReRyCe]

that frost is badass on the windshield.. hehe..

i had a blast and it was nice meeting a few people there..

and those z06's were fast... fun time overall..

cant wait for the next one

[ALEXTHESUS*PECT]

is this your trailer? where did you get it , and about how much?

[ESCALVANTE]

+ what the hell were you doing for Charlton Heston?

A remake of Ben Hur... DUH!! :)

Hey Nitin: Are looking to upgrade your brakes now?

[Nikeboy355]

+ what the hell were you doing for Charlton Heston?
Hey Luis...

In order to support my car habit I got a job working as a doorman and valet for a valet company that serves celebrities, rich people, and special events...

We were working a holiday party for Mr. Heston... Britney Spear's house was right around the corner and we could see papparazzi hanging out...

I've met quite a few celebs from Judge Mathis to the cast of Heroes to Will Smith... And I've driven just about every car you can think of... I have a soft spot for the 997 GT3 and the Bentley right now...

An idea I had was to get a loan for $10K to rebuild my S13 and pay it off with the $400-$500 a month a make off this...

I only work 2 nights a week at the most...

http://nitinj.com/Images/Other/Hep2.jpg

[Nikeboy355]

Did you feel your car pulling stronger with the shorter final drive??
I messed up somewhere when I was reassembling the diff and it wasn't turning smoothly so I bought another complete diff and put it in...

So I ended up with the same diff I had before...

I'm going to ask Steve (from Corner3 garage) how much he'll charge to help me with this... 4.6 final drive will be in sometime in January...

[Nikeboy355]

Hey Nitin: Are looking to upgrade your brakes now?
One more event on these and it looks like I'll end up with Brembos...

The car is going to be redone to be able to hit 2:00 minute at Buttonwillow 13CW... Right now we think that it is only capable of 2:09ish...

[MrChow]

Ohhh that sound like soo much fun. I wanna fix up my car and get ready for one of theses.

[steve shadows]

I loved your description of my ugly car.

It put a smile on my face! thanks Nittin.

I think I am going to try the Flex or the KTS by Jan and throw in some PP subframe spacers.

Put off a Roll Bar until Feb.

[Jung918]

we stayed at motel 6. It was like $38 for 2 beds. The lady at the window was a bitch though.

[jackjack]

great pics. looked like a good time. rock on.

[ZodiacSR]

we stayed at motel 6. It was like $38 for 2 beds. The lady at the window was a bitch though.

That lady always got an attitude. :down:

Great write up Nit, thanks for all the pics. I can't believe this many 240's made it out to the track! I'm jonesing to drive again... but you know with what car.. :x:

[Nikeboy355]

is this your trailer? where did you get it , and about how much?
It's my buddy's trailer and his truck... We switch cars(I've got another car for a daily driver) whenever I have a track day...

The trailer works alright but you can't open the doors when it's loaded... So I have to climb in and out of the trunk like some kind of clown car...


The Uhaul trailers are the best in my opinion... No problem for lowered cars, straps easily in the front, the side fender tilts to the side so you can open the driver door, and it only costs $54 for one day rental...

http://nitinj.com/Images/240SX2/Buttonwillow%20092807/2DSC01422.JPG

[Nikeboy355]

Videos added...

I'll update that section as I edit what I have...
If you have footage, let me know... I know Daryl has some that is real good...

[MrChow]

After we pulled back in he said that he didn't like the brakes at all... He said that they had no feel and lock too quickly... He recommended Brembos... He really liked the tires once they warmed up and said the suspension was good as is... It was really great to get some feedback from a professional...
Don't you have different brake pads on the front and rear?? Both work differently. So it's become really weird when you try to brake hard cause you can't understand what your brakes are doing. Let say your bite earlier then your fronts so that would mean you rear would be braking hard then the fronts. Same if like one of the pads work better warmed up and then other is fine all the time. Do you get what I'm getting at??
My friend that's a pro driver said he liked my brakes and I have stock brakes with Porterfield with SS line and ATE fuild.
I'm DL'ing your vid right now. Anyways.

[MrChow]

Nike nice suspension setup. You can watch that your suspension setup was done right. He didn't have to many steering adjustments from what I can see in the vid.s

[xxbadnewzxx]

i see u got a picture of the eastside muffler evo....thats one of the best shops out here in palmdale!!!!

[status:one]

That looks like it was a lot of fun. Some really nice cars there.

[Jung918]

more pics...

http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track1.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track2.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track3.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track4.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track5.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track6.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track7.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track8.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track9.jpg
http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track10.jpg

[hstylez]

Maybe I missed it, but what times did all the s13's put down in comparison to other cars there. Looks like a good 240 showing for sure...

[TravisSW]

Looks like everyone had a blast!

Too bad my car would never pass tech haha.

[Jung918]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=489004234752212560&hl=en

[Edgar]

this looks like it was fun

[hstylez]

Jung: That was some of the funniest shit hahaha!!!!! NEMESIS!!!!! God I hate mustangs...

[liv2drift045]

Jung: That was some of the funniest shit hahaha!!!!! NEMESIS!!!!! God I hate mustangs...


lol and the fact that he spun and you were able to pass him at the end of the lap lol... priceless

[SilviaBricks]

I think I've seen that flat black s14 in Irvine. My buddy tried to race her but we didn't want to get beat by a girl.

[Koopa Troopa]

Damn, looks like hella fun. I actually wouldn't mind moving back to the states to participate in such events..

[khmerguy618]

i seen that chicks car w/ the star on the hood in norcal at the asian plaza in milpitas.

the maniacal laughter in the vid was awesome too.

[Paul2x]

LOL James that vid was awsome!

[steve shadows]

lol and the fact that he spun and you were able to pass him at the end of the lap lol... priceless

James? thats a video of your car? Bwillow gets that green? where is that?


I thought I saw that video a long time ago in different context did not know if was you.

[Jung918]

just found the video on another site. thought it was funny and posted it.

[Nikeboy355]

That video chasing the Mustang isn't from Buttonwillow Raceway...

It's a track in Iowa called MidAmerican Motorplex or something...

[articdragon192]

i seen that chicks car w/ the star on the hood in norcal at the asian plaza in milpitas.

the maniacal laughter in the vid was awesome too.

Yeah, she's from milpitas. That's Nessa aka Autobahnessa on Zilvia.

[autobahNESSA]

i seen that chicks car w/ the star on the hood in norcal at the asian plaza in milpitas.

the maniacal laughter in the vid was awesome too.

When? Were you with a red s13 hatch too and a couple other cars?

James, I was replicating that video while hunting you down!!



http://www.kang.tv/james_files/zilvia/track3.jpg


and LOL

[jspaeth]

Excuse my ignorance....to attend an event like this, what is required..

helmet, etc....

Are roll bars and/or harnesses required?

airbags??

fire-proof jackets?

I really wanna do something like this...not really sure where to go...I live in Jersey

[tacotacotaco]

just a certified helmet. and a car that at least has its stock restraining system. No cage airbags fire proof jackets required. And make sure your car isnt leaking or in a state of about to fall apart

[Nikeboy355]

That day airbags would have been a nice thing to have when going through Lost Hill...

Haha... Just kidding...

[steve shadows]

I put an ATS 1.5 way in my car :2f2f:

[johngriff]

I just renewed my license.

They sprung an 18 question test on me, which i aced.

But, never really owning any cars with airbags, this question threw me.

12. When driving a vehicle with airbags, you are safest when seated:

*At least 10 inches away from the steering wheel
*Within 6 1/2 inches of the steering wheel
*With you head directly positioned above the steering wheel

First correct answer get Pos Rep.

I wear sunglasses when I drive, I am always scarred an airbag will break the lens into my eye.

[murda-c]

at least 10 inches away

though chin on wheel would be interesting.

[johngriff]

woot!

posi rep

[Nikeboy355]

I put an ATS 1.5 way in my car :2f2f:
Get the F out!... That is tight!...

[murda-c]

I wish we had more events like this on the east coast.

I haven't even been able to make it to anything at summit point like i meant to this past year.

[projectdrifter]

always love tthese posts. great stuff everyone

[Fibercus]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=489004234752212560&hl=en

Thats gotta be the funniest track vid , ROFL

[sideview_180sx]

Random question asking. So nitin are you going to do the evo/sti brembo upgrade. Also with a mild cam and a retune. i'm sure your car could get into at least 2:09. I been look at Rob's site (maxrev) and i'm astounded at essentially stock engine and alotta suspension and brakes what his s2k has done. is that a similar direction you are wanting to go with the s13??

[jspaeth]

I just renewed my license.

They sprung an 18 question test on me, which i aced.

But, never really owning any cars with airbags, this question threw me.

12. When driving a vehicle with airbags, you are safest when seated:

*At least 10 inches away from the steering wheel
*Within 6 1/2 inches of the steering wheel
*With you head directly positioned above the steering wheel

First correct answer get Pos Rep.

I wear sunglasses when I drive, I am always scarred an airbag will break the lens into my eye.

hahah Pos Rep. reference

[Nikeboy355]

Random question asking. So nitin are you going to do the evo/sti brembo upgrade. Also with a mild cam and a retune. i'm sure your car could get into at least 2:09. I been look at Rob's site (maxrev) and i'm astounded at essentially stock engine and alotta suspension and brakes what his s2k has done. is that a similar direction you are wanting to go with the s13??

Absolutely that is my direction and I've learned a lot from Rob(Maxrev) and Tim (Stinkytofu)... For those who don't know, these guys are some of the fastest local drivers who always clock the fastest lap times with only stock S2000 engines... Every event we went to last year, their times were in the top fastest 5% of the cars out there... regardless of horsepower and cost... As well as they have multiples placings in Time Attack last year in an Evo, Fit, and a couple of S2000s...

http://www.maxrev.net/

My goal is to work up to 200-250WHP in my car and see if I can learn to drive as well as them... Then enter Street Class RWD class for Time Attack...

We think my car can do 2:09 right now and two events ago we clocked a 2:11 but I want to make the car 2:00 capable for next year...

The first Buttonwillow event is the second week of April and by then my car will have:
1. Cams (BC 264s)
2. ECU retune (maybe put the car on E85 since it's a track only car)
3. SPL RUCA (I want to lower the rear camber)
4. Voltex wing (Like the Dentsport S13)
5. 4.6 final drive
6. Helical LSD

And let's see how close we can get to 2:05... Preferably me driving the car also...

[sideview_180sx]

have the BC 264 cams been used in an NA setup... I'm curious as to what type of gains would be seen. Since PDM distributes Colt cams. I forgot some other company was selling what were essentially Nismo and Jim Wolf cams.

Hey nitin I have the ikeya formula front LCAs. you know those would help.

[Nikeboy355]

Here are some great pics from Katman... enjoy!...

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2625_res.jpg

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2855_res.jpg

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2858_res.jpg

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2876_res.jpg

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2885_res.jpg

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2892_res.jpg

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2915_res.jpg

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2930_res.jpg

http://www.ff-squad.com/events/bw.12.07/HD0G2935_res.jpg

[a_ahmed]

Awesome thread! Awesome pix! :) Aw man, you guys in the states have so many great tracks. The closest track here is almost 4 hours and it sucks and is small plus its winter now.

[steve shadows]

I took the car out for a spin this past weekend around a couple local test corners and the lsd made a world of difference. I think the suspension is actually quite capable now that I have the 1.5 way in the car@

[Daryl]

Whatup Steve! Damn I want a 1.5way diff too but I'll probably run my OEM diff. until it blows or warranty no longer covers it. I gave Nit the clip where you rode with me. He should be uploading it any minute.

[n2motorsports]

anyone know how that z4 do out there? was it the m?

my friend has one and let me loose on some of the local runs down here, that thing has some awesome handling, but you'd expect that for 55k.

[!Zar!]

What happened to that yellow s2000?

Loose it's wheel studs or what?

[autobahNESSA]

An evo hit it.

[Nikeboy355]

Here's a video from that day of Daryl's S2000 on Simon's 997 GT3's ass...
Steve Shadows was the lucky one in the passenger seat...

http://NitinJ.com/Images/Other/ap2-daryl_997gt3-simon_bw1cw-071216.wmv
Right Click and Save... 115MB...

The Porsche is a lot more expensive than the Honda as you already know...

[steve shadows]

it's all about driver...and tires...

fucking R comps totally worth the money, figured that out after that ride.

[DunG HAB SP]

yeah i should have been there to but car is in the paint shop....

[Bobafreak]

Great review sir. Sigh i cant wait to do a couple of grip events. btw can you give me a pm on how to get to britneys house? lol.

[Nikeboy355]

btw can you give me a pm on how to get to britneys house? lol.
Hwy 101 exit Mulholland drive is where I end up a lot...

They don't tell me whose house I'm going to until the day of the event just in case I want to tip someone off... Security is super strict with cameras in the trees and special procedures that have to be followed... Especially at the Playboy mansion... Will Smith's house was like entering Jurassic Park...

Prime rib dinner from Will Smith... My first time having prime rib (but I'm vegetarian now) and it was delicious..

http://nitinj.com/Images/Other/Valet1.jpg

Cedric the Entertainer's Rolls Royce... Smelled like weed...

http://nitinj.com/Images/Other/Valet2.jpg

Talking to some girls who work for Playboy... This was as we were waiting for the guests to arrive for the Halloween party at the mansion...

http://nitinj.com/Images/Other/Valet3.jpg

Everywhere I go I have a camera with me... I take way too many pics... Haha!...