Last appearance of the quattros

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

Since I think I was the only non-lurker there (you know who you are) it falls 
to me to chronicle the last competitive appearance of the Audi quattro in 
Europe.

Last Sunday, the RAC Tourist Trophy races were run at Donington Park - rather a 
small and friendly racetrack in the English Midlands, in the grounds of 
Donington Hall.  Audi (UK) had a large corporate entertainment facility, 
conveniently placed on a small escarpment over the Kramer Curves, with a good 
view of around 1/3rd of the circuit.  Lots of ur-quattros made the pilgrimage - 
43 were expected, and I think one or two more actually turned up - though one 
was _very_ dirty. There were three Sports on the stand, and another over in the 
pit area for the parade lap.  Dialynx brought their A2 along, and Malcolm Lake 
exhibited his immaculate (it's NEVER driven) MB as well.
 
The day started off in thick, dryish fog - obviously a thin ground-hugging 
layer with the sun shining brightly a hundred feet up or so.  By lunchtime, it 
had cleared enough for a heat of the Tourist Trophy and eventually we had three 
or four hours of bright and warm October sunshine.  Your correspondent was 
wandering around with a bagful of Leicas taking pictures of people rather than 
cars.  Although the entertainment wasn't cheap (Audi ripped us off GBP32.50 for 
as much food and beer as we could consume) the quality was _excellent_ and the 
whole stand crew were _very_ polite and friendly.  All in all, a _very_ good 
day.
 
Oh, yes.  Somebody won something.  Can't remember any of the results, to be 
honest.  Amazed at how competitive the FWD A4 has become in its year in 
Germany.  Nice to see the ABT quattros competing, and the exhibition lap by the 
720bhp Audi 90.

And someone came up to me (you know who you are) and said: "I followed your 
advice and wrecked my engine."

-- 
 Phil Payne
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club