More than 100 Nissan Z cars passed through Maricopa on Saturday as part of ZCON 2026, an international convention celebrating the sports car, according to InMaricopa.
The six-day event brought Z-car clubs and enthusiasts from across the United States and other countries to Arizona. Saturday’s caravan traveled from the Mesa area through Maricopa before arriving at Nissan’s Arizona proving grounds in Stanfield.
At the testing center, participants took part in autocross, a car show and a parade lap around the facility’s oval track. The convention also included guest speakers and other activities focused on the history of Nissan’s Z.
Dusty Pierson, an engineer with technology communications at the Nissan Arizona Test Center, said the company invited ZCON attendees to the site to give them a behind-the-scenes look at vehicle testing. Pierson also said Nissan considers itself part of the Maricopa community and likes to share its work at the proving grounds with local residents.
Pierson noted that Nissan has also hosted local students at the testing center this year through school partnerships, including Desert Sunrise High School students and Butterfield Elementary School students.
