autocrossing an urq

[Thompson Smith <thompers@together.net>]

Jim,

Speaking from much experience, I'd vote to use the A509's. Although,
I've never used A509's autocrossing (only AVS intermediates on the VC
Hillclimb and they worked well). The lower profile tires combined with
less tread depth are quicker for autocrossing, plus they will heat up
better. Besides, who wants to scuff up fresh tires? Set the front tires
up to about 42psi and the rear tires at about 38 psi for starters. If it
is a tight course you might loose your powersteering feel - be prepared
for that when rounding a hard corner, the steering gets very thick. Make
sure everthing loose is out of the car before racing and let it WARM up
well. 

Tips:

-These suckar's push hard, remember - "in like a lamb, out like a lion"
-Try using left foot braking.
-Keep it spooled up.
-Brake VERY Late. The advantage is in your favor - quattro.
-4000-6000 rpm launches work well too.
-If you have racing belts, make 'em tight.
-If using SCCA rules, you should be in GS class. You will be running
against Mazda MX-6's, and the occasional SHO. They will surprise you.

A few years back, Ken Bennett (of 2Bennett) and I raced a SCCA autocross
at Reno, NV fairgrounds. He had his first orig. silver, just finished
4KS turbo conversion, and I was running in my old '83 urq #568. (this
was before his unfortunate bicycling accident). Anywho, he beat me every
run by about 1 sec. turned out he had drilled front brakes w/G60s and
could carry waaay more speed into the turns. I settled for second place.
Heck, he could still beat me today in his FWD Coupe GT turbo.

Also, FYI - I have just finished desinging an autocross course for my
local club up here in VT. The SCCV had asked me to come up with
something fancy. We have a small area to race in so I got creative. Run
like a time trial, two practice one timed run. Should be fun. See:
www.thompsonsmith.com/track.jpg

Good luck and lets hear a report!
-- 
Regards,

Thompson Smith
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Der Audi Art Meister
www.thompsonsmith.com
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