ryoung

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from the thread one post down.

I agree, the performance of these cars is wildly underestimated.

So ... can we drum up some enthusiasm here, and get some A8's and S8's to attend the Quattro Club track events at Grattan Michigan on April 27-28, or Mid-Ohio on June 20-21? I'll be at both.

Mid-Ohio and Grattan are both absolutely great road courses. Mid-Ohio is probably one of the top 5 in the U.S. - it's on the CART and ALMS circuit, and it's the home of the SCCA Valvoline RunOffs. Grattan is just plain fun. It has every type of corner you can imagine (including one that's wildly off camber and downhill), a lot of elevation change, and a very fast entry onto a long front straight. Mid-Ohio has better "facilities", but the folks running Grattan provide a more family orientated environment.

Mid-Ohio fills up quickly, so if you're interested, you need to send in your registration ASAP.

BTW, the sig photo is at the entrance to the Keyhole at Mid-Ohio. The back straight is visible over the top of the car.

escapA8

Can you tell me what goes on during the day or where I can find more info about it on the Web? What about insurance arrangements?

If I can't participate with my own A8 for some reason, I would love to sit in the passenger's seat of yours and ride (rip?) along on the track if you don't mind.

If anything, I'll take some footage of it all and turn it into MPEG's to show to the rest of the guys on this forum.

ryoung

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The link contains most of the information you need and the application.

Since this is a driver's school - not a race, a racing school, or a competitive event - you're covered by your standard auto insurance.

The Quattro Club gives the highest priority to safety, and the last thing they want is for you do damage your family car (or yourself!). You'll ride with an instructor until he's satisfied you can solo safely; and if this is your first track event, you'll find yourself VERY preoccupied and glad that the instructor is watching your mirrors. Passing is only allowed on three straights, and only after the driver in front signals OK to pass. Last year no student had more than minor off-track excursions.

Unfortunately, last year the Quattro Club did not allow any passengers in students cars, except for instructors.

Also, Fred Baker Porsche Audi from Akron had a garage at the track, and their mechanics provided any necessary mechanic service usually under warranty, plus advice. I assume they'll be there this year also.

Finally, just knowing when to turn left or right is a non-trivial activity when driving for the first time at speed on a new track. The instructor is obviously there to help, but an excellent video, "In the Driver's Seat", is available directly from from the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course at

http://www.midohioschool.com/index0504.html

They go thru the entire course using an Acura NSX, showing both the right and wrong way thru every turn. Highly recommended.

Let me know if you have any other questions, or you can call Craig Liechty at 440 543-8233 x3003. He's running the event, as he did last year. As you'll discover, he runs an outstanding event, is very helpful, and is a fine gentleman.

Be sure to send in your application quickly; this Mid-Ohio event will be quickly filled to the 80 student max. I'll look forward to seeing you there ... and now, any others?<ul><li><a href="http://www.quattroclubusa.org/r/ohio/events/mid_ohio.html">Mid-Ohio event</a></li></ul>

ryoung

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from an earlier post.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/6641.phtml">Track Tips</a></li></ul>

escapA8

The form is printed. It'll be in the mail by Monday. You've got me going now! Thanks!!

ryoung

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three months and 10 days to go.

I'm sure glad that you'll be able to make it. We'll each be able to compare notes with another driver of that big sedan, rather than "just" the 80+ drivers of A4's, TT's, etc. Actually, comparing notes with all those other Audi drivers is part of what makes the whole event so enjoyable. Even though I'll be at Grattan next month, there's always been something special about Mid-Ohio; maybe it's just driving on a track that's a part of U.S. racing history.

BTW, my brother has signed up as an instructor for this event. That's him in the photo below of our Formula Continental, taken at an SCCA race at Mid-Ohio. The only "catch" is that though he's raced at Mid-Ohio 15-20 times, he doesn't own an Audi. Apparently he might get bumped if more than 20 other Audi owners/instructors also register. If that happens, he's signed up as a co-driver for my S8, and I'm sure he'll be able to provide some very critical insight into the handling of the A8/S8.

<img src="http://www.formulacontinental.com/gallery/images/ry01.jpg">

escapA8

Thanks again ryoung for all the info. I'll probably be asking for more later if you don't mind.