PIR Track Event Report

[Todd Phenneger <phen9461@uidaho.edu>]

Hi everyone,
	I thought I would post a quick report on what I saw at the
Portland Internations Raceway Track Event that was held for the PNW group
last weekend.  I was only there for part of Sunday but enjoyed myself
anyhow.  I did not drive due to both my quattros having a case of "Bad
Clutch Syndrome" so there is now way they would have survived a track
event.  But, here is what I saw.
	First, I missed the Sport quattro!  Arghh.  Maybe next year.  I
have yet to see one.  I guess, due to weather many people didn't return on
Sunday or left early on Sunday.  I think I passed the 911 TT that usually
comes to events on the way down. I guess his racing slicks didn't like the
rain.
	I dont think there was anything real special but there was a Ford
Escort Cosworth there. Wow, that thing is nice looking.  Got some good
pics I think.  Guy didn't Drive it though!?!?  What a shame.  Maybe he was
banned for Visibility reasons since that MAssive rear spoiler would kick
up so much Rain into the air :-)  I would have liked to see it drive
though.  Whos was it, anyone know?
	The 2-bennet Brothers were there with their cars though.  Andrews
REd 200 was there complete with 19inch wheels with Michilin Pilot Racing
Sliks (same as used in BTCC and other series).  So was Ken's Black UR-Q
complete witht eh Steering wheel throttle and brake so he could drive it
(He is paralyzed from waist down from being hit by a drunk Driver BTW)
Beautiful UR-Q.  Anyhow, that Red 200 was amazing.  VEry fast.  Alex
Nekus seemed to be able keep up on the straights it seemed but nothing
could touch him in the corners.  That thing Really Flew!  Youd brake for
the corner and it would almost seem like he just kept going.  Zip, no body
roll, no motion, he just exits going 15 mph faster than you and flys down
the next straight to reel in the traffic.  Wow.  he is a good driver too.
Never got to ride with him cause we got there kind of late but oh well, I
still got a feel for his speed by being blown by in other cars.
	I rode in Scott Mo's car and it is smooth.  I would day it
realistically pulls about 1,000 rpm sooner than My friends 5ktq.
Considering they are both running 1.8 bar that is nice. It is smooth and
fast.  I was very impressed by how well he kept up with faster traffic.
	Gary Ericksons Turbo Coupe GT was having boost problems.  It
would loose boost at 4k rpm but he said the Wilwood brakes acted like an
Anchor.  Serious hang in the harness time from 100 mph.  I will run these
on the track car I think.  Have to re-build every year but who cares.  For
the price, you cant beat them.  These are the calipers that Rons Parts
Advertises in EC.
	Pat martins 4kqt was fast.  Seemed to be running very well.  He
could light up the tires in 1st with no IC and good Throttle response.  HE
has 16in wheels with 520's.   That car seemed to run great on that smooth
track even with Boge's.  I k now that the Boge's have trouble with 16's on
a rougher track.
	BTW, PIR is Beautiful.  That was my first time on a Top Caliber
track like that.  WHat a treat.  Sure beats the likes Bremerton Hands
Down.  Smooth, beautiful, run of room on many corners, FAST.  I want one
going around my HOUSE :-)  Its fun haveing roads like Pro Rally roads to
drive on every day to get home but a track like that would be nice.  Pete
Kunzler and Pat Martin have a nice road nearby I know.  I have an OK one
but it is getting populated now so I better slow down.
	Ales's car was fast as usual.  I got a great sound file of him
accelerating from a stop with my friends Mini-Disc player.  I will post it
on my Web Site when I have a chance.  People were laughing at me but I
think its nice to have stuff like that.  What I want to do is do an
Archive of different Audi's with different Exhausts so people know what
they are gettign before they buy it.  Alexs car is 3" with 3" downpipe and
a Single Turbo Muffler.  I will also have my Single 4kq Borla 2.5"
muffler, 2.5" Dynomax Muffler on 4kq, and Dual Borla 2.25" on 4kq.  Soon
will have Borla on 3" 5ktq.  And hopefully more later. :-)  BTW, Car looks
great with those 18" rims too.
	John karasaki I didn't ride with but his UR-Q seemed VERY fast
with that k24 on there and modified IC.  Definately the way to go.  For
reference, Alex was hitting 105+ at end of straight, John 115, Alex 120,
dont know what Andrew Bennet was hitting.  125 maybe?
	There were many other nice cars there but these were the ones
worth mention and that I saw.  Sorry if I left anyone out.  Too many cars
to look at
	BTW, worth a mention was Marnie Ritchies 4kq.  (Neds Daughter)  It
has a 5-bolt conv. with UR-Q struts, G-60s, and has the A6 16" sport
Wheels on it.  Looks really nice with 215/40-16 tires on it. 
	Anyhow, I had a blast and look forward to getting my Turbo
conversion done so I can go play.  Hope I didn't bore anyone with this

	L8R
Todd