[s-cars] Galati / Pobst / Audi Sport NA outings recap <FINALLY>

[Krasusky Paul (WQQ2PXK)]

Good afternoon- 
The pics are finally sorted and posted, and I'm just getting the recap out
of the Audi Sport NA events that occurred last week, which culminated with
the Audi 1-2 finish @ Lime Rock Park Monday.
First off it needs to be stated... WHAT A WEEK!!! Where do I start??? Below
is a recap of each of the 3 days' activities (longish)...
Wednesday @ Valenti Audi: 
After work a few of us caravanned to Valenti Audi in CT here where Audi
Sport NA was sponsoring a 'meet the drivers' session. A number of us had
pizza beforehand with Rod Bymaster, Managing Director of Motorsports, Audi
Sport NA, Randy Pobst, and Michael Galati. Arriving at the dealer, they
moved their front line cars to accommodate our "Audi parking", with a nice
spattering of UrSs, UrQs, and V8s. Audi Sport NAs Director of Public
relations Melissa Grunnah kicked off an excellent Q&A with Rod, Randy, and
Michael, followed by catered snacks & refreshments. 
The R8 (their motorless show car) was on the showroom floor, which I
finagled my backside into (tee hee)... man is that a tight fit and I'm only
6' 180lb. The RS6 Competition was parked on the showroom ramp outside for
unfettered picturehoaring, I think I actually may have violated the thing.
Notable this year is they dialed boost back to be allowed to run wider
tread, YIKES are them there largeass fender flares!!! (be sure to see the
pics of them below). 
Oh, and it didn't suck that Valenti Audi also happens to house VW and
Lotus... got to hear an R32 fired up (loud) as well as an Esprit V8TT
(GNARLY sounding). The night was capped off when they starting the RS6
Competition up to drive it up and around the back of the building (check the
video bite on the site below), sounds great barking right in your face. Then
they rolled the R8 outside and up past our Audi row; seeing it roll by our
own cars was downright cool, especially at night with the reflective decals
blazing in full glory (again, see gratuitous self serving shot of R8 & my
car in same frame). Looked awesome.
Friday @ the Interlaken Inn, Lime Rock, CT: 
Again after work, a few of us caravanned out past Lime Rock Park to the
Interlaken Inn, a late 1800s rustic Inn and conference center directly up
the road from the track. I had been asked to organize the dinner location,
menu, etc., and the Interlaken proved to be the perfect spot...  turns out
the Champion team, Randy, Michael, and the Audi Sport NA folks were staying
there, making it easy for them to stroll downstairs to join us.

They hosted about a dozen Audi enthusiasts for an intimate dinner
reception... the entire RS6 race crew even joined us! A cocktail reception
kicked the evening off, then we sat wedding-style at round tables of 8 or
so, with varying key-people at each of our tables. Get to chew the race /
car fat with everyone involved, from the transport driver to the crew chief
to Rod Bymaster and Michael and Randy. WHAT an opportunity!!!! These folks
are simply high class high quality people; their willingness to share candid
personal dialogue with us is beyond description. Yes, the RS6 does run the 6
speed STRAIGHT from the stock S4... albeit with a viscous coupling sans
torsen. But no mods necessary, short of "a little polishing to the ring and
pinion". Like I said, amazing dialogue. We were provided Audi team flags and
many of us had the whole team sign them. The evening culminated with a
gathering of the S-car and Quattro listers hanging out in the parking lot,
shooting the breeze and trading stories. Great time!
Monday @ Lime Rock Park: 
After the Corvette staged 3rd in line behind Randy jumped the start and
briefly ended up between Randy & Michael on the starting line (Randy nearly
wore the Vette's nose 'flags' logo in a place that would likely have not
been comfortable!), watching the pair of RS6s silently scream down to Big
Bend with nearly a 8-10 car length lead was quite humorous. CRAP do those
things PATHETICALLY out launch ALL of the competition (996, Vette, Viper,
CTS, etc.). As you likely know, they took the 1-2 finish (under caution, but
hey it wasn't really much of a race up to that point anyway)... catch the
link below for full race highlights.
A few of us were in the Winner's Circle for the podium ceremony. Shoot, I
could have reached out and untied Michael's friggin shoe on the 2nd place
podium if I cared to. Watched Tom Hnatiw of Speed conduct the interviews
about 3 inches away, and received some shrapnel of Michael's champagne blast
to Randy's face. Awesome. We later joined the team at their tent where they
signed uncountable autographs, still in their gear, unrested. Randy was
eventually SOAKED with champagne and from being tossed into the team hot tub
(bubbling from his shoes as he stepped), yet he soldiered on and worked the
crowd. What a true GAMER! Kudos Randy!
Want to thank all those who joined us for yet more CT insanity.  Especially
Bob D'Amato (audisport.com) for his ability to orchestrate the quality face
time with everyone, the 'behind the ropes' time at the race, and for hosting
his site.  Not to mention both Audi Sport NA and the Champion Racing team...
for their unparalleled hospitality, friendliness, and general accommodating
nature. We couldn't have felt more welcomed.  Melissa Grunnah graciously
coordinated the driver and team activities with us and was a true gem to
work together with.  We eagerly look forward to working together with Audi
Sport NA and being involved with them on further events on an on-going
basis, as well as to your support & participation in such activities...
support that will further solidify the foundations of the relationships we
have established with them thus far.
For those so inclined, please visit Bob's site www.audisport.com
<www.audisport.com>  for race highlights, and follow the "gallery" for
NUMEROUS pictures from each of the 3 events (as if right this SECOND it's
only the LRP shots, Bob's posting the other 2 day's worth like now). 

Stay tuned for further insane in the membrane outings with the CT Audi folk!
-Paul generalhoar K. 
CT home of insanity 
'95 //S6 non-competition