Slideshow: 2017 RS3 LMS Clubsport Beckons to You
At 17 years old, JT Coupal's already making a name for himself in the racing circuit. We've got to say; his RS3 LMS Clubsport looks as impressive as any we've seen.
An uncommonly fierce Audi for an uncommon driver.
Don't believe what you hear; apparently, there is such a thing as a mean-looking Audi, and we've got the proof right here. This modified 2017 RS3 LMS Clubsport has been making ripples in the racing world as of late. It's not just because of the modded rig's exceptional acceleration and tight handling, although that does play a part. Possibly the most intriguing part of this vicious racer is the driver behind the wheel. JT Coupal has amounted an impressive string of victories in a relatively new racing career. This respect is compounded by the fact that JT is only 17 years old. Though you may have come here for the RS3, there's such close connectedness between car and driver that it would besmirch one to go without covering the other. Fortunately for us, both JT and his Audi are equally as fascinating.
An early age to get racing.
Just from legal standards alone, 17 is an almost impossibly young age to be a racer -- let alone be a competent and skilled contender that JT Coupal has made himself out to be. Of course, the interest in motorsport has gone a lot farther back than the time he merely got behind the wheel of a car himself. JT has reported being a regular attendee to the racetrack (as a spectator, natch) before he was ten years old. The dream of racing has been with him for most of his life.
>>Join the conversation about JT and his RS3 LMS Clubsport right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
The successes are already racking up.
In 2015, he'd finally get his chance to put those track ambitions to the test. Competing in the SCCA's Spec Miata class, JT earned a whopping four championships within his rookie season. This was followed by a pair of national championship wins via the World Karting Association. This was just the beginning for Coupal. He's since raced in competitions across the world (once going as far as Dubai!) and a healthy interest from sponsors. The 2017 RS3 LMS Clubsport JT has been associating with lately was the product of one such sponsorship. The young star has serious backing from Berg Racing, a New York-based outfit specializing in hi-performance rigs and modifications. If this RS3 is some indication, they clearly know what they're doing.
>>Join the conversation about JT and his RS3 LMS Clubsport right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
What makes this car special?
This Berg Racing RS3 reportedly makes 0-60 MPH in 4.5 seconds and can reach speeds of a hair's breadth away from 150 MPH. On top of the manufacturer's Audi Sport performance enhancements, Berg Racing has invested an impressive amount into making this car as mean as Audi can get. The vast body modifications serve a practical purpose at the speeds Coupal will be taking it on. A significantly revamped cooling system, hyperbolic fenders and rear wing and bold paint job ensure this ride would draw attention even if JT wasn't winning races with it.
>>Join the conversation about JT and his RS3 LMS Clubsport right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
A spartan interior makes this RS3 no-nonsense.
On the RS3's interior, things are arguably even more serious and racer-oriented. Audi models are famously known for their amazing interior luxury. Although it would take some kind of masochist to truly rob an Audi of its creature comforts, the components have been switched out whenever helpful with strict racing alternatives. Most notably, the steering wheel pictured here is a grip-wrapped custom built for the quick-release demands of racing. In line with race rules, all "driving aids" (like anti-lock braking) have been switched out with less friendly equivalents.
>>Join the conversation about JT and his RS3 LMS Clubsport right here in the AudiWorld Forum.
The future's looking up for JT Coupal.
Given all of the modifications Berg Racing invested in a car that was technically performance-oriented, to begin with, the RS3 LMS Clubsport, this is a car you could count on for performance. Based on everything so far, it's clear that it's got the bonus of being manned by a driver who knows what he's doing and boasts passion for the sport on top of that. Compared to the stock RS3, this machine sacrificed some of its raw power for the sake of much stronger handling, but the trade-off was well-considered. Between this and post-secondary aspirations in journalism, it's looking like the sky's the limit for JT Coupal.
If you want to check out JT Coupal's sponsor, Berg Racing, in greater detail, you can find their homepage here.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.