Nathan Gilmore II .... "I love paying it forward and sharing the wisdom I've acquired over the years."
Posted on June 18 2025
How did you start racing?
I first started with Motorcycles on track around 2004 after having an accident in an intersection. At the time, motorcycles were the most affordable way for me to enjoy the thrill of speed. Many years later, in 2021 I transitioned to HPDE events with cars after purchasing my first ZL1-1LE. I've always been a fan of motorsports in general. Following AMA Superbike, Moto-GP, F1, Indy Car, British Superbike, Repco Supercars, and even a little bit of NASCAR. It's nice to be able to push the limits in a safe environment while meeting new friends along the way.
What is your favorite car to race?
My favorite car to drive on track is the Camaro ZL1-1LE. For me it's the perfect car. I fell in love with it when it smashed the Nurburgring with a 1:16.04 lap back in 2017. Right out of the box it is extremely capable and is a Supercar slayer in the right hands. For the money, I genuinely believe it's the best bargain under $200k. I chose this over 2 seater options such as the McLaren 570s, Corvette, 911, and Cayman, as the extra cabin and trunk space allow me to transport four 18" wheels with racing slicks, which I buy from the site you are reading on. People are always amazed at how much I am able to fit inside of the Camaro when heading to the track. Also, when it comes to track performance, the guys usually giving me fits on track are usually fully equipped with cages, and weighing in at around 3,000lbs or lighter. I also find that the car is relatively cheap to run and the aftermarket support is endless. It's got more power than I'll ever truly need, easily upgradable, and it's hard to argue with 1.4 Gs in corners when equipped with the Pirelli DH Scrubs. I love it!
What is your favorite track?
I've been to many tracks in the USA, but I enjoy New Jersey Motorsports Park - Thunderbolt. It's relatively close at about 2.5hrs away, and it has plenty of challenges. My current personal best there is a 1:25.16 in an otherwise stock-ish car on Pirelli DH scrubs. I definitely see a 1:24 in it and possibly even a 1:23 with cooler temps, a clear lap, and a fresh setup. Just a few years ago, that would have put me mid-pack in the Pro Grand Am series that used to run there. NJMP T-bolt isn't the ideal race track for a car of this size, but I really enjoy throwing it around the corners keeping up with the GT3s and fully prepped race cars that are much lighter.
Best track day experience?
I've had so many great track days over the years, it's hard to pick out my "best experience". I would say that the feeling of hitting a lap time goal is always exciting. Furthermore, while it's good to always remain courteous in a non-competitive environment, every so often the opportunity presents itself to go for a hot lap. Those moments never disappoint. The other aspect I enjoy is when I can finally keep up with someone who I've always looked up to, whose skill level seemed unattainable for me at some point. It's that point in your life where you transition from the guy asking all of the questions, to the guy who has many answers to share with others. I love paying it forward and sharing the wisdom I've acquired over the years.
Worst track experience?
In 2019, I lost a close friend at Summit Point, who had a motorcycle equipment failure while chasing me on the front straight. That was the last day that I swung a leg over a motorcycle, and admittedly, I do experience a bit of survivor guilt. My heart wants to get back on, and I'm genuinely not afraid to ride. I just feel that the fire is gone.
Advice for newcomers?
There's so many good pieces of information for newcomers. I think these have served me well over time:
- Smoother is faster. Upsetting the chassis should never be an option.
- Take time to learn the correct lines.
- Safety and awareness should always be your top priorities.
- Before modding your car, develop your skills first. Fully understand your limitations, and the cars limitations. By doing that, you will know how to mod the car to get the performance you want out of it on specific parts of the track.
- Driver mod, and seat time, are the best upgrades you can make.
- Being unskilled is not a crime. Always be patient, understanding, and empathetic to your fellow participants. Don't take mistakes from others personal.
- I've always found that when I am relaxed, I drive faster. When I've come in from sessions feeling like I absolutely rocked them, the lap times didn't reflect it. On the other hand, I've been left completely surprised at how I've been able to reach new PRs without feeling like I exerted a ton of effort.
- Always arrive at the track well rested. Invest in yourself and get a hotel room the night before, or camp out at the track. Never drive jet lagged. The brain won't be up to the task, and it will affect your "depth perception".
- Caring for your vehicle can mean the difference between life and death. Take it seriously. Don't skimp on critical components. It's better to only do a couple of track days per year with a car fully prepped and safe, than it is to do a dozen track days with worn out components, leaks, and other hazards.
- Lastly, always remember to have fun. When it becomes a chore, or you are left feeling frustrated, consider taking a break until it excites you again.
Tell us about you?
I'm just your typical weekend warrior / computer nerd, husband, and a father who loves that occasional dance with adrenaline. During the day, I manage 3 Technology Teams for a Global Investment Management firm. I've been in the industry going on 26 years. I have a passion for all forms of racing and I have participated in Cycling races, Motorcycle track days, and now HPDE events over the past 20+ years. I also enjoy weight lifting, and I like to enjoy a good movie from time to time. You can catch me at NJMP with HOD, MoE, and NJMP Drivers Club at various times throughout the year. You can find my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/turbo329 where I regularly upload HPDE sessions.
Final Thoughts?
If you've been on the fence about trying the track, I would highly recommend it. It will make you a better street driver, and a safer one more importantly. Also, I've found that the more skilled I became, the more respectful and safer I become on the street since I fully understood how easy things can get away from you.
Usedracingtires.com has been a huge win for me. At my pace I can cord most R comp tires after a single day of lapping. If I'm lucky, 1.5 days. The slightly used slicks seem to last longer, sometimes 3-4 days on my heavy-ish Camaro ZL1-1LE while providing more grip than your typical R comp tire. Customer service has been wonderful and I have never once received a bad set of tires. Buy with confidence.
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