More than 100 Z cars rolled through Maricopa Saturday as part of an international convention celebrating Nissan’s iconic sports car.
The cars were headed to Nissan’s Arizona testing center in Stanfield as part of ZCON 2026, a six-day convention that brought Z-car clubs and enthusiasts from across the country and other countries to Arizona.
The annual event featured car shows, autocross, guest speakers and other activities celebrating the history of Nissan’s Z.
Saturday’s group traveled from the Mesa area through Maricopa before arriving at Nissan’s Arizona proving grounds, where participants took part in an autocross, car show and parade lap around the facility’s oval track.
Dusty Pierson, an engineer with technology communications at the Nissan Arizona Test Center, said Nissan invited ZCON participants to the facility to give them a behind-the-scenes look at vehicle testing. The testing center is located on White and Parker Road in Stanfield.
“It was pretty cool seeing that many Z’s come through our community,” Pierson said.
Earlier this year, the company hosted about two dozen Desert Sunrise High School students at the testing center through a partnership with Maricopa Unified School District’s career and technical education program, giving students a look at engineering and automotive careers. Nissan employees also work with Butterfield Elementary School students on an annual STEM project involving balloon-powered cars.
“Nissan is part of the Maricopa community, and so we like to share what we’re doing out at the proving grounds with our friends and family in Maricopa,” Pierson said.
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