Re: Gorman Ridge Rally

[Ron Wood <vw-audisport@worldnet.att.net>]

I am not debating that the 323 (or any other car with enough money spent 
on it i.e. the "Hyundai" of Paul C.) has the potential to be a very good 
car. I don't recall Mazda winning any rallies in the US, let alone a 
championship in the past 15 years or so. In 95, Peter finished a total 
of one event-not very much to brag about. Back when Rod Millen was still 
rallying the 323's with factory help, he still could not match John 
Buffum's speed or handling-how many titles did Audi win vs. Mazda back 
then ? Of course the current WSC cars are far superior to the older 
Group B cars, technology has advanced a great deal in the past 15 years.
Audis were only rallied by the factory for 4 or 5 years vs. 15+ years 
for Toyota, I would hope Toyota has won more races in 3 times the amount 
of competition. Audi has sinced moved on to dominate many other forms of 
racing before being legislated out of being competitive due to their 
overwhelming advantage ( SCCA Trans-Am, IMSA GTO, BTTC, etc). Audi was 
probably responsible for the 4 wd revolution that has made rallying
what it is today. 
  As to the superiority of the X-Trac gearbox, you will hear no 
arguement from me-for $ 65,000 it had better be the best. I am currently
having 5 speed dog gears made for the 016 boxes by one of the top racing 
tranny constructors.
  As far as Toyota's success in the US, it has not matched Audis or even 
that of the "Hyundai/Mitsubishi" conglomeration. We look forward to 
challenging your super Toy when it is finished, bring it out west to 
play.
Ron Wood-Audis a plenty, toyotas in the rear view mirror :)