SmokinS4™

<center><img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2073"></center><p>I got to NHIS early, since my car wasn't ready. I drove all the way up there in the S2000 <img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/Ported-heads/thumbnails/s2krear.jpg">
I didn't think they'd let me run in the S2000, but I was hoping for a factory "loaner" for the day. Worse case scenario, I figured I knew enough people going, so I'd be able to hotseat for the day. Turns out that my buddy Jim* had shown up, but his guest bagged out on him that morning.
<i>*Jim has an S4 - X-Dorito, Coilovers, 6-spd =)</i>

When we arrived, everyone got in line for tech inspection
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2053.jpg">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2055.jpg">

<B> yes, THAT IS ICE. </b> Ironically everyone had summer tires on and it was 30F for most of the day.
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2056.jpg">

The tech inspection crew was from one of the local dealerships. Basically, they were topping off radiator, oil, and brake fluid, checking tire pressures and removing centercaps.
Ironically, when Rey Khan needed an allen wrench to tighten up a brake dust cover, they had NO TOOLS.
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2057.jpg">

Next, everyone staged into the waiting area and we all went in to the tent on the left for a little coffee and breakfast.
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2059.jpg">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2058.jpg">

While I scoped out the cars in the lot, I saw the proud owner of a new B6-S4.
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2061.jpg">
The exhaust really sounded awesome!
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2062.jpg">

After registration, a welcoming gift (accutire pressure gauge), and welcoming "ra-ra", we separated into 4 groups for the four activities:
1) Audi "Plus" - an opprtunity to meet Audi-related vendors and test drive the 2004 A8L (in a small autoX)
2) NHIS Road course test drives with factory cars &amp; hot laps with pro drivers
3) collision avoidance
4) autoX which included a wet section

Here's the A8L that I got a chance to play in. I asked the person working this demonstration if using the e-brake was discouraged. He looked at the helmet I brought, rolled his eyes, and said, "you're one of those guys, huh?"
The A8L handles <b> AMAZINGLY well </b> for a 4500 lb car that is as large or larger than a lincoln towncar. The active handling really is amazing.
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2065.jpg">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2066.jpg">
After the A8L test drive, we walked in and checked out the booths.
I chatted with Neil from Audiworld and Mike from NE Quattro club - then we moved on to the next section: The Road Course.

<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/1436569.phtml">Original Post here</a>

<B>First, we got the pep-talk</b> about safety, braking, and lines. This portion was put on by Team POnaz Driver schools.
It was a summarized version of what you might see at a club-track day - just REALLY simplified and short.
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2068.jpg">

Then they let us in the car - two participants and the instructor to each vehicle: A8L, Allroad, A6 2.7T, 3.0 Sedan, 3.0 Avant, and 1.8T Sedan
I went up to the 2.7T ASAP, and ended up as a passenger in the backseat for the 1st two laps. I've been on this course a few times...I'd prefer the tour 1st to see how they had set it up

<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2070.jpg">

The turn uphill (I think this is what wore-out my passengers side wheel bearing)
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2071.jpg">
Coming into the bowl
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2072.jpg">

And the straight-away (no passing) &lt;---hint let ALLOT of room in front of you ;-)


&lt;img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2073"&gt;

<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2074">


I got my turn, and there was ALLOT of body roll on the A6 2.7T compared to stock S4s. but I had fun, I just wish it was a stick, I hate autos always hunting for gears

Next up, I hopped in the A8L. First I was in the backseat - DAMN, there's a TON of ROOM BACK HERE:
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2075">
AS I said before, the A8L was a phenomenal handling car - especially considering the size - I even managed to drive as much as ESP would allow....I did try turning it off, but the instructor turned it back on right away =/

<B> NEXT, </b>we had the opportunity to go for a ride with the pro drivers. Being a passenger during this staged cat&amp;mouse run was allot of fun.
We were bumper to bumper, fender to fender, I was pretty comfortable with it, but I was curious how most of the other non-racing-types handled it ;-)
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2077">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2078">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2079">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2080">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2081">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2082">
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2083">

After the road course demo, we headed to lunch. I sat with a bunch of people I knew: Neil@audiworld, Mike@Bostonaudi, Rey&amp;buddy, Jim*, and a few others.

After lunch, we headed to the Collision Avoidance demo
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2084">
There was a nice S8 while we paraded to the demonstration
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2086">


We parked in rows, and got instruction
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2087">

Here's the course, basically it was a small autoX course, and at the end of it, there were three gates with lights above them. The point of the demo was to make a split second decision and drive thru the gate that was lit green (while the other two turned RED), and do a full ABS stop - yes, I know threshold braking is more efficient.
<img src="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/images/DSCN2088">

Jim had two runs, and I was doing my 2nd, when after the big turn-around, but before the lights, the steering seemed heavy....but I pressed on to the lights, and the ABS brake (which I couldn't do - I am trained not to let ABS do the work)

After we stopped, I noticed the power steering was gone and the battery light was ON. Looks like an alternator belt.
I explained that he was down to 12volts, and it was a matter of time before there was no juice left. So we took off to the tech inspection area.

We popped the hood, and I suggested looking at the belts, while I ran to go get my Prodiag (VAG) cable from Rey. Jim pulls outr a 4 foot belt. Yup, it was the alternator =(
It seemed that when Jim was in a small fendor bender a few months back, the accident nicked the belt, and it was just a matter of time.
We tried to find out if we could ge tit fixed that day, but it seemed Monday was the best bet at Ira.

We packed up, but before we left, one of the Audi reps sent us on our way with a parting gift: an Audi sweatshirt for each of us.

I called AAA (Plus) and had it towed to the dealership of his choice. They picked the S4 up, and we drove home.
It could have been worse, we had a great day, and all is well.

Now I REALLY miss my car ;-)



<a href="http://www.isaacsrelocation.com/smokin_s4/q-challenge-web/">All the pics here</a>

Nogaro Nitwit

Nice writeup. Looks like that was a lot of fun!

SmokinS4™

to go. I was originally wait-listed, and got accepted about a month before the event.

Nogaro Nitwit

It looks like a blast!