Quattros at LRP Report

[Paul_Royal@idx.com]

To:   quattro
Once again I am more than happy to report that the Northeast Region Quattro
Club has completed another fabulous event at Lime Rock Park in northwestern
CT.  Thanks goes out in particular to Glenn Lawton (Eventmaster), Rick
Williams, Steve and Claire Early, Greg Hayman, Thompson Smith and Wendy
Weintraub for a job well done.  As always, much thanks also goes out to the
instructors who work very hard to make these events successful, safe and
fun.  Of course, Thompson graced us once again with his artwork for the
shirts (this time in COLOR!)

The event opened with a pre-tech inspection held at the Ironmasters Inn in
Lakeville, CT where over half the field of entries were able to get all the
"paperwork" done before an all too busy Friday morning at trackside.  There
was ample time there to meet up with old and new friends, and grab a quick
beer and dinner before retiring to rest for the serious fun.

Things ran pretty smoothly Friday morning and the event was filled to
capacity with roughly 100 cars in attendance.  The pre-inspections were
completed and we were even treated to an early morning rain shower just to
make things more interesting and leave folks to ponder tire changes for the
day.  It would get quite hot and sunny and stay that way for the duration.
First timers at the event were held to a moderate speed for their first
laps in order to familiarize them with the track and reduce any pressure
they might be feeling and maximize safety.  I think that this was a great
idea and worked very well for the participants on every level.  On-track
exercises [threshold braking, slaloms, etc] were held about mid-morning and
went fairly smoothly with only a slight modification to the day's schedule.
The rest of the day went off [some more off than others:-)] without a hitch
and it was a treat for me to be able to drive with Jeff Donnelley and Glenn
Lawton as I work towards earning my wings as an instructor.  I had fun
meeting many of the new participants on-track when I was running the tight
slalom and helping with registrations on Thursday evening.

Friday evening we retired to the White Hart Inn just down the road for a
delightful evening beginning with drinks and hors d'oeuvres on a porch made
for summer, and over looking a sea of Audis on the town green.  Dinner was
excellent and although lengthy, I can't imagine a group of people I'd
rather be "stuck" at the table with.  We all retired late, but happy and
relaxed.  Bonnie and I made the mistake of staying in Torrington for
economic reasons (one half hour away) so our evenings were a little later
and our mornings a little earlier :-(.

I have to admit there was something great about going through a one lane,
wood floored, covered bridge every morning before running over 100mph down
the front straight at LRP.  The Lime Rock area is simply beautiful and a
nice way to "warm up" with some early morning fresh air driving of the
twisties.

Saturday morning found me at the track changing front brake pads at
7:45AM.....but the work went smoothly and allowed me to remain confident in
my machine's ability to stop.  No Steve, I did not "skip" your class, I was
up to my elbows in brake dust :-).   Saturday went along about like Friday
with nary a wheel off and a track that continued to change conditions as
the early morning fog rolled out only to be replaced with a late August
blast of Sun.  The new Michelin Bldg. at LRP was a welcome relief for those
seeking respite in the shade.

I had a great time and I felt fast, safe, and very confident with the
drivers in my group.  I can hardly wait until we get together again.  Looks
like I'll have to.  Before you know it, the snow tires go on.
Thanks again to everyone for a great outing!

Paul Royal
1990 90Q20v (199,300 miles and counting)