versaptet Apex

verspatet Apex..Volume 1 Issue 2

Audi Club Golden Gate Chapter

Quarterly Newsletter October 2009

3October 2009 verspatet Apex..

In This Issue Volume 1 Issue 2

Editors Page


Here we are with our second quarterly issue of verspatet Apex! I know it's a bit behind schedule of a planned Oct 1 release, but we've been pretty busy around the Golden Gate Chapter. We've managed to organize 5 events in the last 6 weeks and the member turnout has been fantastic, but that also comes with a significant amount of work by everyone to ensure great venues for you the members. Several of those events will be featured in this issue and a few will be carried over to the Winter 2009 issue, have a look at our upcoming articles to see what's on tap for the next one – some pretty cool stuff I must say!

I put out a call for submissions from the membership in the last issue and the response has been pretty good, we have four member submitted articles and a plethora of photos in this issue. Keep up the good work and keep them coming – if you been to a Golden Gate or other Chapter event, please feel free to send us your words and photos and we'll get them in “print”!

I've added a couple of new sections in this issue and also trying out a different look and feel that I hope everyone likes – feedback is more than welcome so drop me a note on what you'd like to see in the future. I'm working towards a standard format of sorts, so now is the best time to work in new ideas.

Thanks again for downloading!

Dave Ruddock

Golden Gate ChapterBoard of Directors

Dave Ruddock Gordon Sanderson

Pete Solari Terry Geiser

Mike Sremba Cliff Musante

Larry Whitney Patrick O’Neal

On the Cover: Tom Kristensen at Work, Photo by Terry Griffin

www.audiclubgoldengate.org

Monterey Historics Page 4

Member Spotlight Page 10

The Right Line Page 17

DTM News Page 20

Best Buddies Challenge Page 24

Audi in Print Page 30

Audi News Page 32

ACGG Picnic Page 36

Monterey Poker Run Page 38

Palo Alto Concours Page 43

South Bay Wine Drive Page 44

Member’s Corner’s Page 22


In This Issue Volume 1 Issue 2

Editors Page


Here we are with our second quarterly issue of verspatet Apex! I know it's a bit behind schedule of a planned Oct 1 release, but we've been pretty busy around the Golden Gate Chapter. We've managed to organize 5 events in the last 6 weeks and the member turnout has been fantastic, but that also comes with a significant amount of work by everyone to ensure great venues for you the members. Several of those events will be featured in this issue and a few will be carried over to the Winter 2009 issue, have a look at our upcoming articles to see what's on tap for the next one – some pretty cool stuff I must say!

I put out a call for submissions from the membership in the last issue and the response has been pretty good, we have four member submitted articles and a plethora of photos in this issue. Keep up the good work and keep them coming – if you been to a Golden Gate or other Chapter event, please feel free to send us your words and photos and we'll get them in “print”!

I've added a couple of new sections in this issue and also trying out a different look and feel that I hope everyone likes – feedback is more than welcome so drop me a note on what you'd like to see in the future. I'm working towards a standard format of sorts, so now is the best time to work in new ideas.

Thanks again for downloading!

Dave Ruddock

Golden Gate ChapterBoard of Directors

Dave Ruddock Gordon Sanderson

Pete Solari Terry Geiser

Mike Sremba Cliff Musante

Larry Whitney Patrick O’Neal

On the Cover: Tom Kristensen at Work, Photo by Terry Griffin

www.audiclubgoldengate.org

Monterey Historics Page 4

Member Spotlight Page 10

The Right Line Page 17

DTM News Page 20

Best Buddies Challenge Page 24

Audi in Print Page 30

Audi News Page 32

ACGG Picnic Page 36

Monterey Poker Run Page 38

Palo Alto Concours Page 43

South Bay Wine Drive Page 44

Member’s Corner’s Page 22

0+* /0+* /


he third Sunday of August, each year, is the gathering at Pebble Beach of arguably the best and Tthe most significant classic automobiles in the

world. Approximately 175 vintage and collectable cars were on display for all to see and enjoy. These cars are judged by experts for their originality, significance, and panache for the price of a ticket. All are polished and preened to a level far beyond the day when they were new, which makes each one a jewel to behold. Most have only been seen in museums and magazines.

0+* /


Monterey Historics by Patrick O’Neal

ebble Beach Concours Pd'Elegance

0+* /0+* /


he third Sunday of August, each year, is the gathering at Pebble Beach of arguably the best and Tthe most significant classic automobiles in the

world. Approximately 175 vintage and collectable cars were on display for all to see and enjoy. These cars are judged by experts for their originality, significance, and panache for the price of a ticket. All are polished and preened to a level far beyond the day when they were new, which makes each one a jewel to behold. Most have only been seen in museums and magazines.

0+* /


Monterey Historics by Patrick O’Neal

ebble Beach Concours Pd'Elegance


Just to be “On the Lawn” is an honor all to its own. In addition to the Concours cars, there are many other cars from different manufactures and design houses on display all around the grounds. For example, a new R8 V10 was on display in the manufacturer's area. There is a retail area where you can buy a rare book about cars, a taillight for your Ferrari, and all other manner of auto regalia tailored to the discerning auto enthusiast. However, there are few bargains.

While there were cars of many manufactures are on display, this year's featured marques were Bentley and Bugatti. Both marques were racing contemporaries mostly in the 20's. Both were successful by employing

different visions. Bugatti utilized smaller and lighter cars while Bentley utilized massive and more powerful cars. Both were sophisticated and light for their size, but utilized two very different approaches to achieve the same result.

W. O Bentley was an engineer, and he designed his cars for speed and reliability. His road cars were elegant, as his racing cars were large, substantial, and fast. During this year's Concours there were more Bentley Racing team cars on display than at time in history. Most were from the late 1920's, but they ranged from a 1922 Park Ward Tourer to the 2003 Bentley Speed 8 Le Mans winner, which borrowed heavily from the all conquering Audi R8 racer. It was a treat to see so many special significant cars at one event.

There was a wide array of magnificent Bugattis on display. The marque's founder, Ettore Bugatti, felt “there is elegance in simplicity”, and his motto was carried to all of his cars. An artist by background, his cars were among the most elegant of the period. During this year's Concours there were no less than nine different Type 57s on display, however, the 1937 Bugatti, Type 57SC Atalante Coupe' was by far the best. Bentley was also well represented.

0+* /Bentley also chose to unveil their newest model; the Bentley Mulsanne which is expected to be available for purchase early next year.

There were several marques celebrating their 100th anniversary. Audi and Morgan were among them. Audi AG had two different cars “on the lawn”, a 1935 Audi Front Roadster and a 1937 Wanderer Streamline Special. There was also a 1939 Auto Union D-type Grand Prix car, which looked and sounded fantastic, but the most magnificent of the bunch, judged Best of Show, was the 1937 Horch 853 Voll & Ruhrbeck Sport Cabriolet. The pictures do not due it justice. The side profile of the long flowing fenders was fantastic. It was easy to see why the car was judged Best of Show for this year's event.

The event also displayed several famous Porsche Racers. There were two 917s and a 962C Group C WSC racers. As is the case every year, there were a

brace of fantastic Ferraris to delight the attendees. This year was the first for

motorcycles. They displayed a number of superb Vintage British

motorcycles.

In addition to the cars, the “people watching”

is unparalleled. The field is full of the rich and famous, great and near great as well as the hordes of

people who love cars. If

you plan to go next

year, get your hotel

accommodations made early. The best

time to see the cars is when they bring them out onto the lawn at

dawn, that way you can hear them run as well as see them.

0+* /



Just to be “On the Lawn” is an honor all to its own. In addition to the Concours cars, there are many other cars from different manufactures and design houses on display all around the grounds. For example, a new R8 V10 was on display in the manufacturer's area. There is a retail area where you can buy a rare book about cars, a taillight for your Ferrari, and all other manner of auto regalia tailored to the discerning auto enthusiast. However, there are few bargains.

While there were cars of many manufactures are on display, this year's featured marques were Bentley and Bugatti. Both marques were racing contemporaries mostly in the 20's. Both were successful by employing

different visions. Bugatti utilized smaller and lighter cars while Bentley utilized massive and more powerful cars. Both were sophisticated and light for their size, but utilized two very different approaches to achieve the same result.

W. O Bentley was an engineer, and he designed his cars for speed and reliability. His road cars were elegant, as his racing cars were large, substantial, and fast. During this year's Concours there were more Bentley Racing team cars on display than at time in history. Most were from the late 1920's, but they ranged from a 1922 Park Ward Tourer to the 2003 Bentley Speed 8 Le Mans winner, which borrowed heavily from the all conquering Audi R8 racer. It was a treat to see so many special significant cars at one event.

There was a wide array of magnificent Bugattis on display. The marque's founder, Ettore Bugatti, felt “there is elegance in simplicity”, and his motto was carried to all of his cars. An artist by background, his cars were among the most elegant of the period. During this year's Concours there were no less than nine different Type 57s on display, however, the 1937 Bugatti, Type 57SC Atalante Coupe' was by far the best. Bentley was also well represented.

0+* /Bentley also chose to unveil their newest model; the Bentley Mulsanne which is expected to be available for purchase early next year.

There were several marques celebrating their 100th anniversary. Audi and Morgan were among them. Audi AG had two different cars “on the lawn”, a 1935 Audi Front Roadster and a 1937 Wanderer Streamline Special. There was also a 1939 Auto Union D-type Grand Prix car, which looked and sounded fantastic, but the most magnificent of the bunch, judged Best of Show, was the 1937 Horch 853 Voll & Ruhrbeck Sport Cabriolet. The pictures do not due it justice. The side profile of the long flowing fenders was fantastic. It was easy to see why the car was judged Best of Show for this year's event.

The event also displayed several famous Porsche Racers. There were two 917s and a 962C Group C WSC racers. As is the case every year, there were a

brace of fantastic Ferraris to delight the attendees. This year was the first for

motorcycles. They displayed a number of superb Vintage British

motorcycles.

In addition to the cars, the “people watching”

is unparalleled. The field is full of the rich and famous, great and near great as well as the hordes of

people who love cars. If

you plan to go next

year, get your hotel

accommodations made early. The best

time to see the cars is when they bring them out onto the lawn at

dawn, that way you can hear them run as well as see them.

0+* /


The Pebble Beach Concours is spectacular but it is only one of many events that take place all week. Those who wish to see the Concours cars drive on the road can pick a place along Highway 1, just north of Carmel, and watch them drive by while they are on the Tour d'Elegance. The Concours entrants get extra points for participating in the event so most can be heard and

viewed by picking a place along the route.

The Monterey Historic Races are among the best anywhere. Famous racing cars from the past can be seen and heard on the race track. Spectators can freely wander the pits to view these fantastic examples of racing history.

Concorso Italiano is a notable event where one can view more red Italian cars that can be imagined. For the Italian car fan, it is fantastic.

The Quail is an event those who wish to see a number of very special cars with fewer people. They are able to accomplish this by selling a limited number of higher priced tickets. However, the viewing is also terrific.

There are a number of auto auctions that can also be attended. The Gooding and Company, Bonham's, and RM are among the best.

There are a plethora of other smaller events that go on the week before the Concours, all are interesting, but almost too much for a good thing . . . almost!

0+* /


0+* /


1485 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702P:510.524.7447 www.g-werke.com

1730 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA Sales: 888.593.4075 Service: 650.856.6300

0+* /0+* /

The Pebble Beach Concours is spectacular but it is only one of many events that take place all week. Those who wish to see the Concours cars drive on the road can pick a place along Highway 1, just north of Carmel, and watch them drive by while they are on the Tour d'Elegance. The Concours entrants get extra points for participating in the event so most can be heard and

viewed by picking a place along the route.

The Monterey Historic Races are among the best anywhere. Famous racing cars from the past can be seen and heard on the race track. Spectators can freely wander the pits to view these fantastic examples of racing history.

Concorso Italiano is a notable event where one can view more red Italian cars that can be imagined. For the Italian car fan, it is fantastic.

The Quail is an event those who wish to see a number of very special cars with fewer people. They are able to accomplish this by selling a limited number of higher priced tickets. However, the viewing is also terrific.

There are a number of auto auctions that can also be attended. The Gooding and Company, Bonham's, and RM are among the best.

There are a plethora of other smaller events that go on the week before the Concours, all are interesting, but almost too much for a good thing . . . almost!

0+* /


0+* /


1485 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702P:510.524.7447 www.g-werke.com

1730 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA Sales: 888.593.4075 Service: 650.856.6300

0+* /0+* /

10October 2009 verspatet Apex..11October 2009 verspatet Apex..

Member Spotlight by Pamela Treadway

Golden Gate’s First RingDean Treadway

Editor: If you're reading this magazine and this article, odds are that you are a member of the Golden Gate Chapter of the ACNA, and we all have Dean Treadway to thank for that! As you will read in this article, written by his wonderful wife Pam, Dean started this Audi journey and chapter that we all enjoy here in Northern California. He was not alone, with the support and aid of Burke Ferrari and Helmar Sowick, the three of them laid the groundwork for what has become one the best examples of the Audi Club nationwide.

When Dean started the Golden Gate Chapter, he had already traveled throughout the country attending the driving events put on by other chapters and well quite frankly, had a slightly different vision of what a “DE” could be and went forward to develop a higher standard that we still aspire to today. Maintaining a consistent approach to instruction, enlisting reliable and skilled instructors motivated to share their knowledge, utilizing highly organized schedules and event time tables and providing an upbeat and engaging atmosphere for those attending became the measure for success and still is today.

Dean's support of the Golden Gate Chapter has not wavered over the years, he's been a mentor to new board members and provided keen insight and reference of the goals that the ACNA and Audi has of its chapters and organizations. Even today, he volunteers at events by instructing student classrooms, assists with the development of teaching materials and guidelines and also has been working with the new Teen Driving Clinics as well.

So if you have an opportunity to see Dean at one of our events, take a minute and say hello, he's always happy to talk Audi's, the ACNA and the Golden Gate Chapter, you may even get a ride on the track if you like as well!


Member Spotlight by Pamela Treadway

Golden Gate’s First RingDean Treadway

Editor: If you're reading this magazine and this article, odds are that you are a member of the Golden Gate Chapter of the ACNA, and we all have Dean Treadway to thank for that! As you will read in this article, written by his wonderful wife Pam, Dean started this Audi journey and chapter that we all enjoy here in Northern California. He was not alone, with the support and aid of Burke Ferrari and Helmar Sowick, the three of them laid the groundwork for what has become one the best examples of the Audi Club nationwide.

When Dean started the Golden Gate Chapter, he had already traveled throughout the country attending the driving events put on by other chapters and well quite frankly, had a slightly different vision of what a “DE” could be and went forward to develop a higher standard that we still aspire to today. Maintaining a consistent approach to instruction, enlisting reliable and skilled instructors motivated to share their knowledge, utilizing highly organized schedules and event time tables and providing an upbeat and engaging atmosphere for those attending became the measure for success and still is today.

Dean's support of the Golden Gate Chapter has not wavered over the years, he's been a mentor to new board members and provided keen insight and reference of the goals that the ACNA and Audi has of its chapters and organizations. Even today, he volunteers at events by instructing student classrooms, assists with the development of teaching materials and guidelines and also has been working with the new Teen Driving Clinics as well.

So if you have an opportunity to see Dean at one of our events, take a minute and say hello, he's always happy to talk Audi's, the ACNA and the Golden Gate Chapter, you may even get a ride on the track if you like as well!

o say Dean Treadway is a car enthusiast is a gross understatement. Besides his vast wardrobe of Audi garb, one of his favorite T-shirts has “Still Plays TWith Cars” emblazoned across the front. His interest in cars started when

he worked in his father's service station in high school. He would listen to the Indianapolis and Formula One races on the radio before the family owned a TV. Today he owns 12 cars, 8 are Audis. He plans to add to his fleet when the R8 V-10 comes out. His favorite car though admittedly is his '57 Porsche Speedster that he has owned since 1969. His most favorite car he ever owned was a 1964 289 Cobra with chrome wire wheels that was in the movie Where the Boys Are. One car he would like to own is a '60 Porsche RSK.

Dean Treadway is one of Audi's fervent cheerleaders and will spew on about the virtues and greatness of Audis, their performance and engineering, every chance he gets with any one who might be interested. Audi owners often seek his advice whenever they have questions about their cars. He is known throughout the Audi Club Chapters having attended 105 Audi track events across the country. He joined the club in 1996 and attended his first event, the Virginia City Hill Climb where he met the club's founder, Frank Beddor.

12October 2009 verspatet Apex.. 13October 2009 verspatet Apex..

At the 1999 Virginia City Hill Climb event, several members of the ACNA National Board, Don Gruenler, Bob Houston and Frank Beddor, asked Dean if he would run an event at Sear's Point. Two months later a track date was secured, the work and planning began, and that was the start of the Golden Gate Chapter. He was President of the Golden Gate Chapter until 2005. He then successfully ran for the ACNA National Board in 2006 and was president for two years. He was elected with the most votes ever which he attributes to the fact that he is well known in many chapters outside of Golden Gate.

At most of the events he attends, he usually teaches the classroom for beginning students. Watching him in this environment, you quickly observe the passion he has about teaching and just simply helping others. His classroom is no nonsense taught with incredible integrity and intentions. No question or need is overlooked and he goes above and beyond to help anyone.

Working as an ambassador for the Audi Club and the Golden Gate Chapter, Dean has helped get the Utah and Southern California Chapters started by mentoring

their first track events. And, when speaking to attendees at Audi events his emotions and passion

are often so strong he is fighting back tears by the end.

o say Dean Treadway is a car enthusiast is a gross understatement. Besides his vast wardrobe of Audi garb, one of his favorite T-shirts has “Still Plays TWith Cars” emblazoned across the front. His interest in cars started when

he worked in his father's service station in high school. He would listen to the Indianapolis and Formula One races on the radio before the family owned a TV. Today he owns 12 cars, 8 are Audis. He plans to add to his fleet when the R8 V-10 comes out. His favorite car though admittedly is his '57 Porsche Speedster that he has owned since 1969. His most favorite car he ever owned was a 1964 289 Cobra with chrome wire wheels that was in the movie Where the Boys Are. One car he would like to own is a '60 Porsche RSK.

Dean Treadway is one of Audi's fervent cheerleaders and will spew on about the virtues and greatness of Audis, their performance and engineering, every chance he gets with any one who might be interested. Audi owners often seek his advice whenever they have questions about their cars. He is known throughout the Audi Club Chapters having attended 105 Audi track events across the country. He joined the club in 1996 and attended his first event, the Virginia City Hill Climb where he met the club's founder, Frank Beddor.


At the 1999 Virginia City Hill Climb event, several members of the ACNA National Board, Don Gruenler, Bob Houston and Frank Beddor, asked Dean if he would run an event at Sear's Point. Two months later a track date was secured, the work and planning began, and that was the start of the Golden Gate Chapter. He was President of the Golden Gate Chapter until 2005. He then successfully ran for the ACNA National Board in 2006 and was president for two years. He was elected with the most votes ever which he attributes to the fact that he is well known in many chapters outside of Golden Gate.

At most of the events he attends, he usually teaches the classroom for beginning students. Watching him in this environment, you quickly observe the passion he has about teaching and just simply helping others. His classroom is no nonsense taught with incredible integrity and intentions. No question or need is overlooked and he goes above and beyond to help anyone.

Working as an ambassador for the Audi Club and the Golden Gate Chapter, Dean has helped get the Utah and Southern California Chapters started by mentoring

their first track events. And, when speaking to attendees at Audi events his emotions and passion

are often so strong he is fighting back tears by the end.


But there is more to Dean Treadway than just cars. He is a fierce competitor. He played football and tennis in high school. He is a very accomplished sailor. He owns a 36-foot Bruce Farr boat, Sweet Okole that he bought in Hawaii in 1977. He won the prestigious Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii in 1981, placing first overall. He also placed second overall in Transpacific in 1985 and first in class twice. He has raced a total of seven times to Hawaii, most recently in 2008.

He graduated from Fresno State College with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked for Bechtel for two years. Not well suited to sitting behind a desk all day, he left to work as a mechanic for Porsche/Audi. He soon was asked to help with sales on weekends after he mouthed off one day when watching a salesman trying to sell a Porsche. It was then he honed is skills as a salesman because he knew Porsche buyers were interested in learning about the mechanics and performance of the car and he was just the guy who could do that. He was so successful that he sold more cars on weekends than the other entire sales group sold in a month. In fact, on his first day, he sold three 911's. He left in 1976 for an opportunity with CB Richard Ellis in commercial real estate sales where he still works.

There is another side to Dean Treadway that many have never seen in the Audi Club. He loves watching chick flicks and usually sheds a few tears in the tender and sad parts. He has seen the movie Cars over 30 times and can do a better Mater than Larry the Cable Guy. And, when he sees any old car anywhere, he knows the year, make, model and other important information, akin to baseball nuts spouting off stats. He is actually shy and embarrasses easily. He is amazingly intuitive and is clearly in touch with his feminine side. He grows orchids, loves chocolate and is a great cook. For his wedding, he picked out his wife's gown and shoes, designed the jewelry and made all of the floral decisions. And, he cuts a mean rug on the dance floor, having done West Coast Swing style dancing regularly for the past 15 years.

When Dean found out he was selected to be the first Golden Gate member highlighted in this newsletter, he was more than touched and extremely humbled and very honored. He loves this club, its members and the events and will do anything he possibly can to help make it the best ever. Oh, and when you see him at the next event, ask him to talk like Mater and you are sure to be entertained.


But there is more to Dean Treadway than just cars. He is a fierce competitor. He played football and tennis in high school. He is a very accomplished sailor. He owns a 36-foot Bruce Farr boat, Sweet Okole that he bought in Hawaii in 1977. He won the prestigious Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii in 1981, placing first overall. He also placed second overall in Transpacific in 1985 and first in class twice. He has raced a total of seven times to Hawaii, most recently in 2008.

He graduated from Fresno State College with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked for Bechtel for two years. Not well suited to sitting behind a desk all day, he left to work as a mechanic for Porsche/Audi. He soon was asked to help with sales on weekends after he mouthed off one day when watching a salesman trying to sell a Porsche. It was then he honed is skills as a salesman because he knew Porsche buyers were interested in learning about the mechanics and performance of the car and he was just the guy who could do that. He was so successful that he sold more cars on weekends than the other entire sales group sold in a month. In fact, on his first day, he sold three 911's. He left in 1976 for an opportunity with CB Richard Ellis in commercial real estate sales where he still works.

There is another side to Dean Treadway that many have never seen in the Audi Club. He loves watching chick flicks and usually sheds a few tears in the tender and sad parts. He has seen the movie Cars over 30 times and can do a better Mater than Larry the Cable Guy. And, when he sees any old car anywhere, he knows the year, make, model and other important information, akin to baseball nuts spouting off stats. He is actually shy and embarrasses easily. He is amazingly intuitive and is clearly in touch with his feminine side. He grows orchids, loves chocolate and is a great cook. For his wedding, he picked out his wife's gown and shoes, designed the jewelry and made all of the floral decisions. And, he cuts a mean rug on the dance floor, having done West Coast Swing style dancing regularly for the past 15 years.

When Dean found out he was selected to be the first Golden Gate member highlighted in this newsletter, he was more than touched and extremely humbled and very honored. He loves this club, its members and the events and will do anything he possibly can to help make it the best ever. Oh, and when you see him at the next event, ask him to talk like Mater and you are sure to be entertained.

Written for "SportsCar" (the official publication of the Sports Car Club of America)

Hand Speed

Calm hands, every heard that expression? It is common to hear of a driver that turns blindingly fast times, but looks like she or he is barely working. In a proper handling car, when all is well, your hands should move slowly and smoothly on the wheel. Smooth is fast, remember? Tires do not like sudden inputs, it breaks traction. Speed comes from using every bit of the available grip of your tires, at all times. This means blending maximum braking, dead straight, into pure cornering at the extreme, and then full circle into flat-out acceleration. Filling the friction circle. These transitions are very delicate at the absolute limit, which is where we live, right, Heroes?

The faster the road speed, the slower the hand speed. High velocities magnify the effects of weight transfer. At low speeds, more weight transfer is a good thing, because much more direction change is necessary, you can be a little more insistent. But no corner ends instantly. It takes time. Slow hands melt the corner into the straight. Slow hands squeeze every last ounce of grip from the tires…when all is well.

So what about when turn-in does not go as planned? What if the tail snaps out? What if we are in an ill-handling beast, not set up by Tri-Point? Well, now we move into chasing slides, catching the car. Everything I just said? Fugetaboutit. Unintended oversteer requires lightning hands, fast as possible. When all is not well, fast hands fix it, now.

The Right Line by Randy Pobst

2008 Mt Diablo BoulevardWalnut Creek, CA925.932.8744 Office925.932.8901 Fax

[email protected]


Written for "SportsCar" (the official publication of the Sports Car Club of America)

Hand Speed

Calm hands, every heard that expression? It is common to hear of a driver that turns blindingly fast times, but looks like she or he is barely working. In a proper handling car, when all is well, your hands should move slowly and smoothly on the wheel. Smooth is fast, remember? Tires do not like sudden inputs, it breaks traction. Speed comes from using every bit of the available grip of your tires, at all times. This means blending maximum braking, dead straight, into pure cornering at the extreme, and then full circle into flat-out acceleration. Filling the friction circle. These transitions are very delicate at the absolute limit, which is where we live, right, Heroes?

The faster the road speed, the slower the hand speed. High velocities magnify the effects of weight transfer. At low speeds, more weight transfer is a good thing, because much more direction change is necessary, you can be a little more insistent. But no corner ends instantly. It takes time. Slow hands melt the corner into the straight. Slow hands squeeze every last ounce of grip from the tires…when all is well.

So what about when turn-in does not go as planned? What if the tail snaps out? What if we are in an ill-handling beast, not set up by Tri-Point? Well, now we move into chasing slides, catching the car. Everything I just said? Fugetaboutit. Unintended oversteer requires lightning hands, fast as possible. When all is not well, fast hands fix it, now.

The Right Line by Randy Pobst

2008 Mt Diablo BoulevardWalnut Creek, CA925.932.8744 Office925.932.8901 Fax

[email protected]


Ever done skidpad training? I'm a true believer. Skip Barber says “Correct, pause, recover.” The other CPR. Both save lives. One will lower your lap times and improve consistency. When the tail pops out, more than you want, quickly correct, turn into the skid. Keep your eyes fixed on where you want to be, not what you're afraid of (just like life). You go where you look. If you are fast enough and catch the slide, great. Now where is the steering? You countersteered, right? You've gotta return that wheel to point back down the road, pronto! Fast hands.

When you saw at the wheel, like A J Foyt in a fuzzy black-and-white film, you are fixing little slides. Oversteering cars demand fast hands, because they must constantly be chased. The rear end keeps trying to go first. You have got to be quick to keep the front in front, where it belongs.

Understeering cars involve slow hands. The steering is relatively unresponsive. Understeer begs patience. Fix understeer with your feet, not your hands. If it won't turn enough, brake longer, go to power later, or back off slightly. Avoid cranking more wheel in. Understeering cars want later apexes and later power application. Keep some weight on the nose until it turns.

I hear ya, Camaro drivers. Just gas it and kick the tail out! Great fun, but how 'bout a tire BBQ? Your best speed will come from staying hooked up, on pavement. A little drift is a beautiful thing, but unfortunately (cause it is so much fun), a slide is like putting on the brakes. If you have a low weight-to-tire-stick ratio, like a Formula Mazda or GTL car, you can get away with a lot more than a Mazda 6 or Viper World Challenge Car.

Slow hands for fast times. Fast hands for saving slides. Think Hand Speed.


Ever done skidpad training? I'm a true believer. Skip Barber says “Correct, pause, recover.” The other CPR. Both save lives. One will lower your lap times and improve consistency. When the tail pops out, more than you want, quickly correct, turn into the skid. Keep your eyes fixed on where you want to be, not what you're afraid of (just like life). You go where you look. If you are fast enough and catch the slide, great. Now where is the steering? You countersteered, right? You've gotta return that wheel to point back down the road, pronto! Fast hands.

When you saw at the wheel, like A J Foyt in a fuzzy black-and-white film, you are fixing little slides. Oversteering cars demand fast hands, because they must constantly be chased. The rear end keeps trying to go first. You have got to be quick to keep the front in front, where it belongs.

Understeering cars involve slow hands. The steering is relatively unresponsive. Understeer begs patience. Fix understeer with your feet, not your hands. If it won't turn enough, brake longer, go to power later, or back off slightly. Avoid cranking more wheel in. Understeering cars want later apexes and later power application. Keep some weight on the nose until it turns.

I hear ya, Camaro drivers. Just gas it and kick the tail out! Great fun, but how 'bout a tire BBQ? Your best speed will come from staying hooked up, on pavement. A little drift is a beautiful thing, but unfortunately (cause it is so much fun), a slide is like putting on the brakes. If you have a low weight-to-tire-stick ratio, like a Formula Mazda or GTL car, you can get away with a lot more than a Mazda 6 or Viper World Challenge Car.

Slow hands for fast times. Fast hands for saving slides. Think Hand Speed.


Prior to the puncture, Scheider had pushed forward into the points from position 16 on the grid by delivering a fantastic start and a strong early phase. "That really wasn't bad on this difficult track," commented Scheider. "In the end, I focused strictly on trying to take the car around the circuit and across the finish line. It was like walking a tightrope, but I managed it. Now I'll be going to Hockenheim with a seven-point lead and ten kilograms less weight. That's okay."

Martin Tomczyk saved his tires in the final phase as well and thus took seventh place and two points across the finish line. Markus Winkelhock in tenth place was the best driver of a year-old A4.

"Of course that wasn't the result we'd been hoping for," said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "We knew that the track at Dijon would be critical for the tires, but thought we had the problem under control – there were no indications whatsoever even after the warm-up. But in the race we had a whole series of punctures, which is not helpful when you're fighting for the championship. After the first defect we tried to control the pace to get through the race – unfortunately, not all the drivers managed doing that."

DTM News

DTM News

Oct 11, 2009

Audi driver Timo Scheider remains title favoriteAt the turbulent DTM debut at Dijon-Prenois, France, Audi driver Timo Scheider kept his cool and scored three important points by finishing in sixth place. The title defender will start to the finale at the Hockenheimring on October 25 with a seven-point lead over Gary Paffett (Mercedes).

This gives Scheider a cushion that is five points larger than the one he had a year ago when he secured his first DTM title by winning the race. This time, a fifth-place finish would even suffice for the 30-year-old in the event that Gary Paffett should win.

26,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) witnessed one of the most turbulent and curious DTM races of all time on the high-speed circuit of Dijon-Prenois at which tires played the crucial role. On the final laps many drivers had to drastically reduce their pace in order to finish the distance across the demanding track without risk. As a result, the first twelve vehicles crossed the finish line as a pack within just six seconds.

Audi was the front runner for the longest time at the DTM debut – in the form of the Red Bull Audi A4 DTM driven by Mattias Ekström. The Swede who had started from position four on the grid took the lead on lap 22 thanks to a good strategy of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline and subsequently held up to the pressure exerted by Gary Paffett despite the fact that Ekström was simultaneously trying to save his left rear tire that was subjected to particularly severe stress at Dijon. Nevertheless, the tire blew seven laps before the finish – and destroyed Ekström's dream of a third DTM title in the process. A particularly bitter pill: At the Hockenheim season opener a tire puncture just before the finish had also deprived Ekström of victory.

But the Swede was not the only one to suffer misfortune at Dijon. Timo Scheider, Martin Tomzcyk, Oliver Jarvis and Tom Kristensen became victims of punctures as well. While Kristensen lost third place just before race end, Scheider was more fortunate despite the mishap: The leader of the standings was struck on lap 21, two turns before his first scheduled tire change. Consequently, Scheider's time loss was not as severe. However, his Audi A4 DTM lost important aerodynamics components in the area behind the defective tire.


Prior to the puncture, Scheider had pushed forward into the points from position 16 on the grid by delivering a fantastic start and a strong early phase. "That really wasn't bad on this difficult track," commented Scheider. "In the end, I focused strictly on trying to take the car around the circuit and across the finish line. It was like walking a tightrope, but I managed it. Now I'll be going to Hockenheim with a seven-point lead and ten kilograms less weight. That's okay."

Martin Tomczyk saved his tires in the final phase as well and thus took seventh place and two points across the finish line. Markus Winkelhock in tenth place was the best driver of a year-old A4.

"Of course that wasn't the result we'd been hoping for," said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "We knew that the track at Dijon would be critical for the tires, but thought we had the problem under control – there were no indications whatsoever even after the warm-up. But in the race we had a whole series of punctures, which is not helpful when you're fighting for the championship. After the first defect we tried to control the pace to get through the race – unfortunately, not all the drivers managed doing that."

DTM News

DTM News

Oct 11, 2009

Audi driver Timo Scheider remains title favoriteAt the turbulent DTM debut at Dijon-Prenois, France, Audi driver Timo Scheider kept his cool and scored three important points by finishing in sixth place. The title defender will start to the finale at the Hockenheimring on October 25 with a seven-point lead over Gary Paffett (Mercedes).

This gives Scheider a cushion that is five points larger than the one he had a year ago when he secured his first DTM title by winning the race. This time, a fifth-place finish would even suffice for the 30-year-old in the event that Gary Paffett should win.

26,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) witnessed one of the most turbulent and curious DTM races of all time on the high-speed circuit of Dijon-Prenois at which tires played the crucial role. On the final laps many drivers had to drastically reduce their pace in order to finish the distance across the demanding track without risk. As a result, the first twelve vehicles crossed the finish line as a pack within just six seconds.

Audi was the front runner for the longest time at the DTM debut – in the form of the Red Bull Audi A4 DTM driven by Mattias Ekström. The Swede who had started from position four on the grid took the lead on lap 22 thanks to a good strategy of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline and subsequently held up to the pressure exerted by Gary Paffett despite the fact that Ekström was simultaneously trying to save his left rear tire that was subjected to particularly severe stress at Dijon. Nevertheless, the tire blew seven laps before the finish – and destroyed Ekström's dream of a third DTM title in the process. A particularly bitter pill: At the Hockenheim season opener a tire puncture just before the finish had also deprived Ekström of victory.

But the Swede was not the only one to suffer misfortune at Dijon. Timo Scheider, Martin Tomzcyk, Oliver Jarvis and Tom Kristensen became victims of punctures as well. While Kristensen lost third place just before race end, Scheider was more fortunate despite the mishap: The leader of the standings was struck on lap 21, two turns before his first scheduled tire change. Consequently, Scheider's time loss was not as severe. However, his Audi A4 DTM lost important aerodynamics components in the area behind the defective tire.


“Vintage” Golden Gate Members!

Jim Bruce 1987Alex Christopher 1991Stephen Freathy 1991Thomas Ordway 1991Dean Schneider 1992Stephen McGregor 1993Thomas Luciano 1993Joel Sanders 1993Jose-Maria Castro 1993Michael Glantz 1993Don Watters 1993

Paul Shoen 1994Aidan McLeer

Tod Brannan 1995Timothy Calvert 1995Rod Cornell 1995Mike Shirley 1995Ben Bauer 1996

1994Tomas Kasan 1994Eddie Delgado 1995

Joe Petersack 1996Dean Larson 1996

Dean Treadway 1996Keith McMahan 1996

Perry Eyges 1996Lowell Nickel 1996

Joe Hafkenschiel 1996Doug Pumphrey 1996Eric Gunderson 1997

Gregory Hyde 1997

Richard Luscher 1997Don Brawner 1997

David Brady 1997David Baertschiger 1997

Masaru Kagami 1997Richard Greenwold 1997

Edric Alunan 1997Finn Rinne 1997

Toshio Ozeki 1997Annette Mirviss 1997

DTM News

Member’s Corner’s

New Golden Gate Members!

Scott and Michele Cable 2009 Q7 / 2003 RS6Benjamin Chui and Jenny Lui 2003 A3

Ben Travis 2004 A4John Carvelas 2007 A4Yulia Tarasova 2008 A4

Garth Falk 2001 S4Rob Montgomery 2008 S4

Sashi Cousins 2009 A3David Ortega and Sharon Walters 2006 A4

Marc Kohlman 2006 TT CoupeMartin Lauber 2004 S4 Avant

Len and Kate Farace 2009 TTS CoupeRon Southern 2000 TT Coupe

Merle Ensign 2004 A4Samuel Huang 2009 R8

Brian Lewis 2009 A4 AvantRichard Burg 2005 Allroad

Jaime Garcia 2002 TT RoadsterMarcel Velazquez 2009 A4 Avant

Kathrine Ringgold 2009 A5Paul Curtin 2003 RS6

Charles and Vicki Bassing 2008 Rs4 Christian Bryndum 2009 A4

Matthew Lyle 2008 A5Laurent Moll Associate

Thibault Pelloux-Gervais AssociateJulienne Reed Associate

Partha Pinisetti Associate


“Vintage” Golden Gate Members!

Jim Bruce 1987Alex Christopher 1991Stephen Freathy 1991Thomas Ordway 1991Dean Schneider 1992Stephen McGregor 1993Thomas Luciano 1993Joel Sanders 1993Jose-Maria Castro 1993Michael Glantz 1993Don Watters 1993

Paul Shoen 1994Aidan McLeer

Tod Brannan 1995Timothy Calvert 1995Rod Cornell 1995Mike Shirley 1995Ben Bauer 1996

1994Tomas Kasan 1994Eddie Delgado 1995

Joe Petersack 1996Dean Larson 1996

Dean Treadway 1996Keith McMahan 1996

Perry Eyges 1996Lowell Nickel 1996

Joe Hafkenschiel 1996Doug Pumphrey 1996Eric Gunderson 1997

Gregory Hyde 1997

Richard Luscher 1997Don Brawner 1997

David Brady 1997David Baertschiger 1997

Masaru Kagami 1997Richard Greenwold 1997

Edric Alunan 1997Finn Rinne 1997

Toshio Ozeki 1997Annette Mirviss 1997

DTM News

Member’s Corner’s

New Golden Gate Members!

Scott and Michele Cable 2009 Q7 / 2003 RS6Benjamin Chui and Jenny Lui 2003 A3

Ben Travis 2004 A4John Carvelas 2007 A4Yulia Tarasova 2008 A4

Garth Falk 2001 S4Rob Montgomery 2008 S4

Sashi Cousins 2009 A3David Ortega and Sharon Walters 2006 A4

Marc Kohlman 2006 TT CoupeMartin Lauber 2004 S4 Avant

Len and Kate Farace 2009 TTS CoupeRon Southern 2000 TT Coupe

Merle Ensign 2004 A4Samuel Huang 2009 R8

Brian Lewis 2009 A4 AvantRichard Burg 2005 Allroad

Jaime Garcia 2002 TT RoadsterMarcel Velazquez 2009 A4 Avant

Kathrine Ringgold 2009 A5Paul Curtin 2003 RS6

Charles and Vicki Bassing 2008 Rs4 Christian Bryndum 2009 A4

Matthew Lyle 2008 A5Laurent Moll Associate

Thibault Pelloux-Gervais AssociateJulienne Reed Associate

Partha Pinisetti Associate


Without that fortuitous occurrence, and Terry's forthright expression of sincerity, our official participation may have never made the light. What can I say? He twisted my arm. “You live over there, help us out; get together with Cliff and make this happen.” Thank you Terry, you did make this happen. You did gather in the support and encouragement of Audi of America and the Best Buddies organization. Thanks, again!

Like the bicycle riders – a pack of one, became a pack of 973 for this year's Hearst Castle event. Anthony Schriver and his sister Maria Schriver have already nailed down the anchors of next year's 2010 Hearst Castle Best Buddies event. Likewise, Terry has already secured the support of AoA for our Chapter to enjoy another year as Volunteer Guides, Friendship Fleet Guides, and registration participants. This year we enjoyed the inspired company of two Club members as 100-mile riders in that pack: Richard Burg and Michael Elderkin! Their stories and those of every contributor will move you. I am certain that our pack of volunteers and riders will grow substantially by event time 2010; WE will be fielding a TEAM.

So it's true, our Audi Car Club is more than just a group of avid track enthusiasts. We do go forward and spread the word about safe, high-performance driving. We do enjoy the value and benefits of AUDI ownership. AND we do go forth into the community of our friends and neighbors and offer our time and energies to good causes. The following sets of photos speak about the experiences our group

thshared from the 10 of September, through to the final drop-offs on Sunday the th13 . We soaked in the enthusiasm of the riders, empathized with the struggles

and triumphs of the intellectually challenged, and brought a patient, friendly and welcoming smile to our duties as volunteers. I know that I am not speaking for myself when I commit to saying, “That I will be back next year!”

DTM News

Best Buddies Challenge by Larry Whitney

ruth be told, we had it easy. 973 others were pedaling 100 T

miles from Carmel to San Simeon; or 65 miles from Big

Sur to San Simeon; or 35 miles – 15 miles – even 5 miles to the finish line at

San Simeon. 973 others braved the morning fog, rode the narrow white line along

the ragged edge of the west coast, and then CELEBRATED the finish with each other at one

astounding set of parties. At our earliest moments of consideration, the Board Members of the Golden Gate

Chapter of the Audi Club of America faced the reality that our participation would include very early mornings, late nights, and

LOTS of miles behind the wheel of a BRAND NEW Q7. So, how tough can that be ?!? And there were these vague stories about the after-race

party called the “Big Show”. Well, the fun IS in the details.

But what is the connection ??? Why is our car club getting involved with a charity bicycle ride ??? Why dedicate four days to do this ?? The answer will come from those that did read between the lines. AND there were lots of lines, lots of emails, and plenty of talk to make some sort of credible appeal to generate participation. Terry Geiser – our own Instructor Emeritus – provided the introduction via his experience as a member of the 2008 Hearst Castle Friendship Fleet. Has our barest beginning just come from a chance response to a random email?


Without that fortuitous occurrence, and Terry's forthright expression of sincerity, our official participation may have never made the light. What can I say? He twisted my arm. “You live over there, help us out; get together with Cliff and make this happen.” Thank you Terry, you did make this happen. You did gather in the support and encouragement of Audi of America and the Best Buddies organization. Thanks, again!

Like the bicycle riders – a pack of one, became a pack of 973 for this year's Hearst Castle event. Anthony Schriver and his sister Maria Schriver have already nailed down the anchors of next year's 2010 Hearst Castle Best Buddies event. Likewise, Terry has already secured the support of AoA for our Chapter to enjoy another year as Volunteer Guides, Friendship Fleet Guides, and registration participants. This year we enjoyed the inspired company of two Club members as 100-mile riders in that pack: Richard Burg and Michael Elderkin! Their stories and those of every contributor will move you. I am certain that our pack of volunteers and riders will grow substantially by event time 2010; WE will be fielding a TEAM.

So it's true, our Audi Car Club is more than just a group of avid track enthusiasts. We do go forward and spread the word about safe, high-performance driving. We do enjoy the value and benefits of AUDI ownership. AND we do go forth into the community of our friends and neighbors and offer our time and energies to good causes. The following sets of photos speak about the experiences our group

thshared from the 10 of September, through to the final drop-offs on Sunday the th13 . We soaked in the enthusiasm of the riders, empathized with the struggles

and triumphs of the intellectually challenged, and brought a patient, friendly and welcoming smile to our duties as volunteers. I know that I am not speaking for myself when I commit to saying, “That I will be back next year!”

DTM News

Best Buddies Challenge by Larry Whitney

ruth be told, we had it easy. 973 others were pedaling 100 T

miles from Carmel to San Simeon; or 65 miles from Big

Sur to San Simeon; or 35 miles – 15 miles – even 5 miles to the finish line at

San Simeon. 973 others braved the morning fog, rode the narrow white line along

the ragged edge of the west coast, and then CELEBRATED the finish with each other at one

astounding set of parties. At our earliest moments of consideration, the Board Members of the Golden Gate

Chapter of the Audi Club of America faced the reality that our participation would include very early mornings, late nights, and

LOTS of miles behind the wheel of a BRAND NEW Q7. So, how tough can that be ?!? And there were these vague stories about the after-race

party called the “Big Show”. Well, the fun IS in the details.

But what is the connection ??? Why is our car club getting involved with a charity bicycle ride ??? Why dedicate four days to do this ?? The answer will come from those that did read between the lines. AND there were lots of lines, lots of emails, and plenty of talk to make some sort of credible appeal to generate participation. Terry Geiser – our own Instructor Emeritus – provided the introduction via his experience as a member of the 2008 Hearst Castle Friendship Fleet. Has our barest beginning just come from a chance response to a random email?


Some of them were very nice rides! I wander back to registration and connect with Larry to get my official club identity - an embroidered cap - now I belong!

There was enormous enthusiasm from all the club members. Like a minor league star, I am introduced to every rider who says they are doing the 100 miles. For me, I was just one of three hundred! But for the club, I was one of two!After a couple of hours hanging out at registration, which was going to be open until 7PM, it is clear that I need to eat and get some sleep. My ride to the start from Monterey is a volunteer and needs to be at registration by 5:00 am.

I'm just hoping I can stay warm and find some breakfast in the two hours before the 7 am start. It turns out that breakfast isn't ready, and once again, there is a surplus of volunteers. And being cold is not a problem, it is so warm I have to pull a chair in the dining area out from under the heaters. Soon coffee, fruit, sweet

rolls, and juices, are all laid out. I eat a little and then take some time to put my saddle bag on my bike, fill my water bottles and put them on the bike. I also attach some sticky back vinyl that said “Golden Gate Audi Club” on my left thigh and put 4 rings on my right. These stay on until the start at 7:00, and one by one they disappear before mile 10!

editor’s note: Here’s a first hand recap of the event by

our very own Golden Gate Rider, Richard Burg. He went the distance and

really showed what our members are all about

- never follow!

By Richard Burg

n arriving the day before the event I was anxious to find the other Golden Gate Audi OClub members. While I was one of two riders,

I really didn't know any of the other volunteers and was hoping to get a cap with the club logo, just so all my antics could be credited

to the club. At noon things were just getting organized at registration, which is where I expected to find a few GGAC members. So I wandered off to

check out the layout and see where bike parking might be. There were already too many helpers and not enough managers, so it felt like volunteering at that moment was not helpful.

I returned to registration later in the afternoon, and things were really quiet. Several club members had taken charge of the "jersey swap!" This wasn't a new dance derived from the jersey bounce, but the way that riders could exchange a jersey size they requested for one that actually fit! Every rider got a package at registration filled with id tags for bike, helmet and a great bah, a Best Buddies jersey, and for those who achieved an early fund raising goal, an incentive t-shirt commemorating their success. Most of those were so large, they were clear anticipations of the celebration barbeque at the end of the day … but I get ahead of myself.

Once registered I attach my rider number to my bike and take it to a secured corral near the start. I discovered that Best Buddies brought rental bikes for riders coming distances.


Some of them were very nice rides! I wander back to registration and connect with Larry to get my official club identity - an embroidered cap - now I belong!

There was enormous enthusiasm from all the club members. Like a minor league star, I am introduced to every rider who says they are doing the 100 miles. For me, I was just one of three hundred! But for the club, I was one of two!After a couple of hours hanging out at registration, which was going to be open until 7PM, it is clear that I need to eat and get some sleep. My ride to the start from Monterey is a volunteer and needs to be at registration by 5:00 am.

I'm just hoping I can stay warm and find some breakfast in the two hours before the 7 am start. It turns out that breakfast isn't ready, and once again, there is a surplus of volunteers. And being cold is not a problem, it is so warm I have to pull a chair in the dining area out from under the heaters. Soon coffee, fruit, sweet

rolls, and juices, are all laid out. I eat a little and then take some time to put my saddle bag on my bike, fill my water bottles and put them on the bike. I also attach some sticky back vinyl that said “Golden Gate Audi Club” on my left thigh and put 4 rings on my right. These stay on until the start at 7:00, and one by one they disappear before mile 10!

editor’s note: Here’s a first hand recap of the event by

our very own Golden Gate Rider, Richard Burg. He went the distance and

really showed what our members are all about

- never follow!

By Richard Burg

n arriving the day before the event I was anxious to find the other Golden Gate Audi OClub members. While I was one of two riders,

I really didn't know any of the other volunteers and was hoping to get a cap with the club logo, just so all my antics could be credited

to the club. At noon things were just getting organized at registration, which is where I expected to find a few GGAC members. So I wandered off to

check out the layout and see where bike parking might be. There were already too many helpers and not enough managers, so it felt like volunteering at that moment was not helpful.

I returned to registration later in the afternoon, and things were really quiet. Several club members had taken charge of the "jersey swap!" This wasn't a new dance derived from the jersey bounce, but the way that riders could exchange a jersey size they requested for one that actually fit! Every rider got a package at registration filled with id tags for bike, helmet and a great bah, a Best Buddies jersey, and for those who achieved an early fund raising goal, an incentive t-shirt commemorating their success. Most of those were so large, they were clear anticipations of the celebration barbeque at the end of the day … but I get ahead of myself.

Once registered I attach my rider number to my bike and take it to a secured corral near the start. I discovered that Best Buddies brought rental bikes for riders coming distances.


Rest stop two was in Big Sur Station at mile 44. This is where the folks doing the metric century (100 kilometers - 62 miles) had started. Here I had a cliff bar, more water, and another banana. This rest stop was in the middle of an uphill grade that felt like it was never going to end. And of course, those painful miles are rewarded by swooping descents. The worst problem on a one lane descent could be getting stuck behind an RV that wants to go 10 miles an hour, when gravity is offering the cyclist an opportunity to hit 35 or 40 miles an hour, with modest effort!

The thirst rest stop was at the San Dollar was at mile 65. There was a group of cyclists that started here and did a 35 mile ride. Rest stop four was at mile 83, Ragged Point. From here it was 15 miles of gentle rollers, open coastal plateau. There was one place where the tide was in and the breakers were spraying the road pretty heavily. A CHP officer was standing there and warning riders about the condition. Gave him a big thank you!

Finally, at about 4:20, I rode into the finish, pretty tired, and desirous of a shower. Because I had a motel room in San Simeon, I grabbed a beer, looked for my friend, and didn't even notice the food or tequila or massage until I returned later. The food at the barbeque was wonderful and plentiful and was a well deserved reward for a very eventful day!

I am drinking a lot of water, because it is very warm, and

dry and the sky was clear. Finally riders gather at the start behind the

friendship fleet - there are some encouraging words and

thanks from many people on the stage, including the State's first lady,

Maria Shriver. I was way in the back and could only hear a word now and then. Finally the

gun goes off and the peleton starts to move. I have to make a pit stop - so while I never expected to be in the

lead, I had hopes of being in the middle - this stop put me at the very, very end of the pack. It was a little disconcerting to

being trying to catch up, before we'd gone a mile! It was confusing because we went east before heading west to catch Highway 1, but this

was apparently a strategy to insure the ride was a full century – 100 miles!

Near mile 18, the first rest stop was at a house once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright's son. It was a great site with white water views and some beautiful cypress – I only saw the choclate chip cookies, water, bananas, and another porta-potty! Having ridden distances I always try to remember the mantra "drink before you're thirsty, eat before you're hungry." It is easy, on a long ride, especially in a group, to forget and find oneself depleted and dehydrated. Especially if the weather turns hot. I did leave rest stop one with many riders behind me. The volunteer at the end of the driveway cautioned that the CHP escort was no longer on the road.

From that point on it was just pedaling down the coast. According to the postcards there are spectacular views - but it was grey and overcast, and occasionally in fog, so it was easy to pay attention to the road, cars, and other cyclists. There were occasional views across a canyon where a creek spilled into the Pacific, but none of the Carmel shots that draw tourists. That would have to wait until early Sunday morning, when there was no fog and hardly a cloud in the sky!


Rest stop two was in Big Sur Station at mile 44. This is where the folks doing the metric century (100 kilometers - 62 miles) had started. Here I had a cliff bar, more water, and another banana. This rest stop was in the middle of an uphill grade that felt like it was never going to end. And of course, those painful miles are rewarded by swooping descents. The worst problem on a one lane descent could be getting stuck behind an RV that wants to go 10 miles an hour, when gravity is offering the cyclist an opportunity to hit 35 or 40 miles an hour, with modest effort!

The thirst rest stop was at the San Dollar was at mile 65. There was a group of cyclists that started here and did a 35 mile ride. Rest stop four was at mile 83, Ragged Point. From here it was 15 miles of gentle rollers, open coastal plateau. There was one place where the tide was in and the breakers were spraying the road pretty heavily. A CHP officer was standing there and warning riders about the condition. Gave him a big thank you!

Finally, at about 4:20, I rode into the finish, pretty tired, and desirous of a shower. Because I had a motel room in San Simeon, I grabbed a beer, looked for my friend, and didn't even notice the food or tequila or massage until I returned later. The food at the barbeque was wonderful and plentiful and was a well deserved reward for a very eventful day!

I am drinking a lot of water, because it is very warm, and

dry and the sky was clear. Finally riders gather at the start behind the

friendship fleet - there are some encouraging words and

thanks from many people on the stage, including the State's first lady,

Maria Shriver. I was way in the back and could only hear a word now and then. Finally the

gun goes off and the peleton starts to move. I have to make a pit stop - so while I never expected to be in the

lead, I had hopes of being in the middle - this stop put me at the very, very end of the pack. It was a little disconcerting to

being trying to catch up, before we'd gone a mile! It was confusing because we went east before heading west to catch Highway 1, but this

was apparently a strategy to insure the ride was a full century – 100 miles!

Near mile 18, the first rest stop was at a house once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright's son. It was a great site with white water views and some beautiful cypress – I only saw the choclate chip cookies, water, bananas, and another porta-potty! Having ridden distances I always try to remember the mantra "drink before you're thirsty, eat before you're hungry." It is easy, on a long ride, especially in a group, to forget and find oneself depleted and dehydrated. Especially if the weather turns hot. I did leave rest stop one with many riders behind me. The volunteer at the end of the driveway cautioned that the CHP escort was no longer on the road.

From that point on it was just pedaling down the coast. According to the postcards there are spectacular views - but it was grey and overcast, and occasionally in fog, so it was easy to pay attention to the road, cars, and other cyclists. There were occasional views across a canyon where a creek spilled into the Pacific, but none of the Carmel shots that draw tourists. That would have to wait until early Sunday morning, when there was no fog and hardly a cloud in the sky!


Legendary Race CarsWritten by Basem Wasef ● Foreword by Sir Stirling Moss

Author: Basem WasefRetail: $35 US, $43.99 CAN; £22.50Page count: 176Illustrations: 3124 color & 57 b/w photosPublication Date: October 2009

About the Book:More than any other sporting pursuit, racing is a test of both human and machine. This beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of that unique union of sweat and grease, blood and gasoline, courage and fear, elation and terror, triumph

and tragedy. Through vivid, human detail, writer and photographer Basem Wasef brings to life more than two dozen racing legends, including the story of Mario Andretti and the Lotus 79 that he drove to the 1978 Formula 1 world championship—a triumph trumped by the tragic loss of his teammate, Ronnie Peterson. We ride along with the incomparable Stirling Moss as he pilots his Mercedes-Benz SLR to an improbable victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia. And we feel our teeth rattling and our bones shaking as we race for nearly seven grueling hours with Ray Harroun in his Marmon Wasp, en route to a controversial win at the very first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Filled with fascinating stories of humanity and machinery, this book is a must for all race fans.

The Cars, The Men, The Events:

Ford's GT40s: The Ford-Ferrari Wars The Aston Martin DBR1: A Singular Victory

Carroll Shelby's Cobra Daytona Coupe The Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows: A Legend Is Born

Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/4: Ambition Unleashed The 1911 Marmon Wasp: Igniting an Indy Tradition

The Lotus 49: Anglo-American Synergy The Porsche 917: From Undriveable to Unbeatable

The “Million-Franc” Delahaye: The French Retort Richard Petty's Plymouth SuperBird: The Aero Car

The Greer-Black-Prudhomme Dragster: A Slingshot in the Sun Ecurie Ecosse's Jaguars: The Goliath-Slayers

Juan Manuel Fangio's Maserati 250F: The Maestro's Finest Drive Lotus 79: The Ground Effects Car

The Thomas Flyer: The Great Race 'round the World Michael Schumacher's Ferraris: Reinventing the Legend

Parnelli Jones' Big Oly: Baja-conquering Beast Maserati 8CM Number 3011: The Relentless Racer

Auto Union Grand Prix Cars: The Underfunded Overachievers Colin McRae's “555” Subaru Impreza

Walter Röhrl's Audi Sport Quattro S1: The Race to the Clouds The STP Turbine Cars: The Future Was Then

The Ferrari 156: The Shark-nose Contender

The Porsche 962C: Conquest at Le Mans

The Mercedes-Benz 300SLR #722: The Unbreakable Mille Miglia Record

About the Author, Basem WasefBasem Wasef's interest in racing was sparked when he first encountered a TYCO slot car track as a tyke. His experience as a writer, photographer, and journalist has since taken him inside the world of professional racing, and Legendary Race Cars continues the thread initiated by his first book, Legendary Motorcycles. Basem also contributes to About.com, Popular Mechanics, and American Motorcyclist. Though he enjoys chasing significant and unusual vehicles across the globe, Basem calls Los Angeles home. You can visit his website at http://www.basemwasef.com.

photos by: Audi Tradition

DTM News

Audi In Print

One of the many perks of being the editor of any publication, online or print, is that you are continually inundated with freebies - offers of demos cars, track events, performance parts, tires and wheels, electronics and more seeking unbiased reviews; have never come my way (although it can start anytime – email me!).

One item that has though is the book “Legendary Race Cars” by Basem Wasef. It covers all aspects of four wheeled motorsports, from early Grand Prix efforts –read Auto Union, to dragsters, Baja, Formula 1, Pikes Peak – read S1 quattro, World Rally and Le Mans. It really is the “who's who” of race cars from day one to now with a definite bias to what we as Audi Club members enjoy –

turning left and right! This is a very high quality book, great for the coffee table, it has a dust jacket that can be used as a poster and the actual cover of the book also sports the same hi-gloss photo as well – really a nice touch.

The reason I'm including this in the magazine is that the publisher is offering our members a significant discount off the cover price when we put together a group purchase of 10 or more – $ 20 bucks plus shipping - a pretty good deal off the $35 cover price. So if you'd like a copy, email and we'll get a group buy started!

[email protected]


Legendary Race CarsWritten by Basem Wasef ● Foreword by Sir Stirling Moss

Author: Basem WasefRetail: $35 US, $43.99 CAN; £22.50Page count: 176Illustrations: 3124 color & 57 b/w photosPublication Date: October 2009

About the Book:More than any other sporting pursuit, racing is a test of both human and machine. This beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of that unique union of sweat and grease, blood and gasoline, courage and fear, elation and terror, triumph

and tragedy. Through vivid, human detail, writer and photographer Basem Wasef brings to life more than two dozen racing legends, including the story of Mario Andretti and the Lotus 79 that he drove to the 1978 Formula 1 world championship—a triumph trumped by the tragic loss of his teammate, Ronnie Peterson. We ride along with the incomparable Stirling Moss as he pilots his Mercedes-Benz SLR to an improbable victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia. And we feel our teeth rattling and our bones shaking as we race for nearly seven grueling hours with Ray Harroun in his Marmon Wasp, en route to a controversial win at the very first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Filled with fascinating stories of humanity and machinery, this book is a must for all race fans.

The Cars, The Men, The Events:

Ford's GT40s: The Ford-Ferrari Wars The Aston Martin DBR1: A Singular Victory

Carroll Shelby's Cobra Daytona Coupe The Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows: A Legend Is Born

Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/4: Ambition Unleashed The 1911 Marmon Wasp: Igniting an Indy Tradition

The Lotus 49: Anglo-American Synergy The Porsche 917: From Undriveable to Unbeatable

The “Million-Franc” Delahaye: The French Retort Richard Petty's Plymouth SuperBird: The Aero Car

The Greer-Black-Prudhomme Dragster: A Slingshot in the Sun Ecurie Ecosse's Jaguars: The Goliath-Slayers

Juan Manuel Fangio's Maserati 250F: The Maestro's Finest Drive Lotus 79: The Ground Effects Car

The Thomas Flyer: The Great Race 'round the World Michael Schumacher's Ferraris: Reinventing the Legend

Parnelli Jones' Big Oly: Baja-conquering Beast Maserati 8CM Number 3011: The Relentless Racer

Auto Union Grand Prix Cars: The Underfunded Overachievers Colin McRae's “555” Subaru Impreza

Walter Röhrl's Audi Sport Quattro S1: The Race to the Clouds The STP Turbine Cars: The Future Was Then

The Ferrari 156: The Shark-nose Contender

The Porsche 962C: Conquest at Le Mans

The Mercedes-Benz 300SLR #722: The Unbreakable Mille Miglia Record

About the Author, Basem WasefBasem Wasef's interest in racing was sparked when he first encountered a TYCO slot car track as a tyke. His experience as a writer, photographer, and journalist has since taken him inside the world of professional racing, and Legendary Race Cars continues the thread initiated by his first book, Legendary Motorcycles. Basem also contributes to About.com, Popular Mechanics, and American Motorcyclist. Though he enjoys chasing significant and unusual vehicles across the globe, Basem calls Los Angeles home. You can visit his website at http://www.basemwasef.com.

photos by: Audi Tradition

DTM News

Audi In Print

One of the many perks of being the editor of any publication, online or print, is that you are continually inundated with freebies - offers of demos cars, track events, performance parts, tires and wheels, electronics and more seeking unbiased reviews; have never come my way (although it can start anytime – email me!).

One item that has though is the book “Legendary Race Cars” by Basem Wasef. It covers all aspects of four wheeled motorsports, from early Grand Prix efforts –read Auto Union, to dragsters, Baja, Formula 1, Pikes Peak – read S1 quattro, World Rally and Le Mans. It really is the “who's who” of race cars from day one to now with a definite bias to what we as Audi Club members enjoy –

turning left and right! This is a very high quality book, great for the coffee table, it has a dust jacket that can be used as a poster and the actual cover of the book also sports the same hi-gloss photo as well – really a nice touch.

The reason I'm including this in the magazine is that the publisher is offering our members a significant discount off the cover price when we put together a group purchase of 10 or more – $ 20 bucks plus shipping - a pretty good deal off the $35 cover price. So if you'd like a copy, email and we'll get a group buy started!

[email protected]


2009

From Audi Corporate Design:

“This year we are celebrating the centennial of Audi – an ideal time to continue the successful development of the brand and to take the next steps with the Audi brand logo in order to convincingly position Audi in total as a truly progressive premium brand.

In the ongoing development of Audi Corporate Design we are focusing on the rings as the core of our logo and are strengthening “Vorsprung durch Technik” as our message for superior products.”

And so we evolve …………….

DTM News

Audi News

1909 1932 1978 1995

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

George Bernard ShawstWell it's here and official, a new Audi Logo for the 21 century! You're going to

start seeing the new logo appear in different places as the rollout continues – brochures, print media, television and electronic media and as new models are introduced, the cars themselves.

The new logo has some interesting new ideas, the 'Truth in Engineering” tagline we all know is now an integral part of the logo. The “Audi” font or typeface has also changed to a more standard traditional look with the stylized “A” and “D” removed to the archives. The geometry of the rings has been changed to provide a bolder look, more sophisticated, striking and progressive.


2009

From Audi Corporate Design:

“This year we are celebrating the centennial of Audi – an ideal time to continue the successful development of the brand and to take the next steps with the Audi brand logo in order to convincingly position Audi in total as a truly progressive premium brand.

In the ongoing development of Audi Corporate Design we are focusing on the rings as the core of our logo and are strengthening “Vorsprung durch Technik” as our message for superior products.”

And so we evolve …………….

DTM News

Audi News

1909 1932 1978 1995

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

George Bernard ShawstWell it's here and official, a new Audi Logo for the 21 century! You're going to

start seeing the new logo appear in different places as the rollout continues – brochures, print media, television and electronic media and as new models are introduced, the cars themselves.

The new logo has some interesting new ideas, the 'Truth in Engineering” tagline we all know is now an integral part of the logo. The “Audi” font or typeface has also changed to a more standard traditional look with the stylized “A” and “D” removed to the archives. The geometry of the rings has been changed to provide a bolder look, more sophisticated, striking and progressive.


DTM News

Audi News cont’d

Audi of America takes 1st place on worldwide stage in the Audi Twin Cup Challenge- Annual event tests the world's best Audi service and technical experts- Some 3,000 Audi teams participated this year with 61 teams in finals

INGOLSTADT/NECKARSULM, Germany, Sep 24, 2009 - Audi of America took 1st place in the international 2009 Audi Twin Cup Challenge, an annual event designed to rigorously test service and technical experts on their know-how of Audi vehicles and customer care.

The Audi of America team competed against 61 teams from 35 countries, at final rounds held in Neckarsulm, Germany. The Audi of America team of three service consultants and three technicians were tested on their combined skill set in vehicle diagnostics, best service practices and product knowledge. The testing and scoring evaluated teams as cohesive units emphasizing the working relationship between the service consultants and technicians to achieve Audi Top Service standards.

The individuals who made up the Audi of America team that achieved this pinnacle award were: John Czernenko, technician from Audi of Charlotte (N.C.); Edward Furness, technician from Maplewood Audi in Maplewood, Minn.; Jeff Massey, service consultant from Gossett Audi in Memphis, Tenn.; Jason Nye, service consultant from Carousel Audi in Minneapolis, Minn.; Jason Turner, service consultant from Owasco Audi in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, and Noah Zibung, technician from Sunnyside Audi in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.Their teamwork allowed the Audi of America team to finish ahead of the second-place team from Germany and the third-place finishing team from the Czech Republic." Audi of America is pleased to participate in this program, providing the opportunity to recognize and reward the individuals within the dealership that have one of the greatest impacts on customer satisfaction," said Marc Trahan, Audi of America Director of Product Quality and Technical Service.

This was the 5th annual Audi Twin Cup. Including the national competitions, the Cup lasts around six months. All Audi dealerships in possession of a service contract with AUDI AG may participate. The respective victors of each participating country's championship qualify to compete in the international Audi Twin Cup Practical Final.


DTM News

Audi News cont’d

Audi of America takes 1st place on worldwide stage in the Audi Twin Cup Challenge- Annual event tests the world's best Audi service and technical experts- Some 3,000 Audi teams participated this year with 61 teams in finals

INGOLSTADT/NECKARSULM, Germany, Sep 24, 2009 - Audi of America took 1st place in the international 2009 Audi Twin Cup Challenge, an annual event designed to rigorously test service and technical experts on their know-how of Audi vehicles and customer care.

The Audi of America team competed against 61 teams from 35 countries, at final rounds held in Neckarsulm, Germany. The Audi of America team of three service consultants and three technicians were tested on their combined skill set in vehicle diagnostics, best service practices and product knowledge. The testing and scoring evaluated teams as cohesive units emphasizing the working relationship between the service consultants and technicians to achieve Audi Top Service standards.

The individuals who made up the Audi of America team that achieved this pinnacle award were: John Czernenko, technician from Audi of Charlotte (N.C.); Edward Furness, technician from Maplewood Audi in Maplewood, Minn.; Jeff Massey, service consultant from Gossett Audi in Memphis, Tenn.; Jason Nye, service consultant from Carousel Audi in Minneapolis, Minn.; Jason Turner, service consultant from Owasco Audi in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, and Noah Zibung, technician from Sunnyside Audi in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.Their teamwork allowed the Audi of America team to finish ahead of the second-place team from Germany and the third-place finishing team from the Czech Republic." Audi of America is pleased to participate in this program, providing the opportunity to recognize and reward the individuals within the dealership that have one of the greatest impacts on customer satisfaction," said Marc Trahan, Audi of America Director of Product Quality and Technical Service.

This was the 5th annual Audi Twin Cup. Including the national competitions, the Cup lasts around six months. All Audi dealerships in possession of a service contract with AUDI AG may participate. The respective victors of each participating country's championship qualify to compete in the international Audi Twin Cup Practical Final.


3350 Stevens Creek Blvd San Jose, CA Sales: 408.244.5400 www.sanjoseaudi.com

S a n R a f a e l 4 1 5 . 4 5 9 . 3 3 5 6 S o n o m a 7 0 7 . 9 9 6 . 4 1 4 9w w w . k o v a c s m o t o r s . c o m


3350 Stevens Creek Blvd San Jose, CA Sales: 408.244.5400 www.sanjoseaudi.com

S a n R a f a e l 4 1 5 . 4 5 9 . 3 3 5 6 S o n o m a 7 0 7 . 9 9 6 . 4 1 4 9w w w . k o v a c s m o t o r s . c o m


rdn July the club hosted its 3 Annual Poker Rally Run on the Monterey Peninsula and it came with a different twist than what we've done in years past – a rally portion. The most often asked question I received when putting Ithis event together is “what is a poker run?” Poker Runs are really something

that's a very popular event with the two-wheeled crowd, motorcycles, as a lifetime member of the AMA I have had chance to partake and organize a few of these events over the last 30 years or so – they are a real blast on a bike, and I thought that with the exceptional handling the Audi exhibits, it would be a natural fit for both our members and our beloved marque! A typical Poker Run has a defined route of 100 miles or so mapped out that is handed out at the starting point and everyone (up to 500 on bikes) will start at the same time from the same location. Hidden along the route there will be four or five “Card Stops” that are not marked on the map, you stop at the card stops, pick a playing card at random and head out to the next one and so on until the end – miss a stop and it's one less card for your hand at the end – best hands win at the end of the day. Our version differed from the typical format by adding a Rally factor to the day. Everyone received a suggested route to take, but the card stops were local area businesses along the route, hint sheets were provided, but no names or locations were spelled out – this allowed everyone to not only enjoy the Monterey Peninsula and the amazing views, but also required the members to visit some interesting small towns and piece together the clues to get their poker cards.

DTM News

Monterey Poker Rally Run Dave Ruddock

rd Annual Monterey Poker 3Run


rdn July the club hosted its 3 Annual Poker Rally Run on the Monterey Peninsula and it came with a different twist than what we've done in years past – a rally portion. The most often asked question I received when putting Ithis event together is “what is a poker run?” Poker Runs are really something

that's a very popular event with the two-wheeled crowd, motorcycles, as a lifetime member of the AMA I have had chance to partake and organize a few of these events over the last 30 years or so – they are a real blast on a bike, and I thought that with the exceptional handling the Audi exhibits, it would be a natural fit for both our members and our beloved marque! A typical Poker Run has a defined route of 100 miles or so mapped out that is handed out at the starting point and everyone (up to 500 on bikes) will start at the same time from the same location. Hidden along the route there will be four or five “Card Stops” that are not marked on the map, you stop at the card stops, pick a playing card at random and head out to the next one and so on until the end – miss a stop and it's one less card for your hand at the end – best hands win at the end of the day. Our version differed from the typical format by adding a Rally factor to the day. Everyone received a suggested route to take, but the card stops were local area businesses along the route, hint sheets were provided, but no names or locations were spelled out – this allowed everyone to not only enjoy the Monterey Peninsula and the amazing views, but also required the members to visit some interesting small towns and piece together the clues to get their poker cards.

DTM News

Monterey Poker Rally Run Dave Ruddock

rd Annual Monterey Poker 3Run


The candy store seemed to be a pretty popular store with the ladies as well (at least my wife, Colleen managed to stock up a bit) as it was wall to wall with handmade chocolates, truffles and packaged candy that I remember from when I was just a wee lad – I didn't think they made half that stuff anymore (I checked the exp dates –all good!).

The last stop at the winery was really a good place to sit down and catch your breath, they provided complimentary tasting for everyone and had a fantastic garden patio area with some comfortable

seating so you could kick your feet up and unwind before the last leg to dinner. The last driving segment to dinner was a great little drive to let the Audi's do a bit of running on their own as well! We took the mountain pass between Carmel Valley Road and Highway 68 which provided some great elevation, switchback turns and enough banking to have a small bit of exhilaration behind the wheel. The added bonus of having a full view of Laguna Seca all the way down was great as well, I know my Audi wanted to continue on to the track, but we had dinner plans!

Even though everyone was on their own and taking the day to explore the areas both in Audi and on foot, we all ran into each other and was a great way to share some information, stop and chat a bit and then head out to the next stop, it really made for a casual atmosphere and allowed us all to get to know everyone a little bit at a time, by the time we got to dinner it was like meeting up with long time friends! We all arrived on time at Tarpy's Roadhouse for dinner (everyone's on time to win stuff!); we set up at the outdoor patio and started to put together everyone's best hands for the final poker showdown. There can be only one best hand, but we awarded the top

three hands with some cool hard cash, gave away some Piloti driving shoes from Griffin Motorwerkes to the first couple in with all their cards and answer sheets unopened, worst hand award, long distance award and a few others were also given. Tarpy's is our official caterer at our ALMS event each October, we use them because their food and service is great, at the restaurant their food (drinks too) is fantastic!

rdThis is the 3 year for the Monterey Poker Rally Run and judging from the amount of participation, fun and high spirits from the membership it won't be the last! This event is really gaining a good following and getting bigger and better each year, this format was great success and I think we can look to apply similar point to point, couple and family activities to some of our other drives and tours throughout the year as well.

Hope to see you at the next one!!

So on a somewhat clear and crisp Saturday morning, 30 plus club members arrived at a small little coffee shop in Aptos to start the run. We had a diverse group - two couples from our sister chapter in Southern California drove up for the event and also a new couple to the Golden Gate Chapter from Australia, along with whole families kids and all, came out for the run. The Audi's present were diverse as well, TT's, A4's, Avant's, A6's, S4's, Cabriolet's and even an R8 made the trip, over 20 Audi's made up a great looking caravan! At check in everyone was greeted with a swag bag full of some great stuff, the suggest route map, the card stop hint sheets and a “fail-safe” sealed envelope for those that just couldn't piece together the clues. Since there was no time limit other than dinner at 5:30, everyone set their own pace to enjoy the day and experience the beautiful California Coast.

The first card stop was in a little know town call Moss Landing – it's known for one very, very tall smoke stack at the power plant, but it's also home of a pretty good sized harbor for commercial fisherman, pleasure boaters and also has a quaint (and I do mean quaint!) downtown area that has a plethora of Antique Shops. It's a picturesque little area; the shops all seem to be from the era of the cannery row heydays and were full to overflowing with all sorts of interesting wares. At first I was a bit worried that the clues were a bit too difficult as we passed a couple of Poker Runners heading the opposite direction on our way there, turns out that both of them were from the SoCal Chapter – they probably weren't use to seeing actual “open” road and were just out stretching the leg's of their Audi's, we did manage to catch up with them as we were heading out of Moss Landing, so it turned out ok for them!

The rest of the route hit more of the classic Monterey area, a cigar shop right on Cannery Row, a cruise along the rugged Highway 1 Coast via Pacific Grove and all the way thru the world renown 17 Mile Drive, a sweet candy store in downtown Carmel and a great little winery along the Carmel Valley. I must say that all of the shops we visited we very gracious and really happy to see the members, I think most did a bit commerce with just about everyone, I recall seeing one member hauling out a pretty good sized vintage suitcase, her “find” of the day, and also watching her fiancé trying to make it fit in the trunk of their S4 cab with small success!


The candy store seemed to be a pretty popular store with the ladies as well (at least my wife, Colleen managed to stock up a bit) as it was wall to wall with handmade chocolates, truffles and packaged candy that I remember from when I was just a wee lad – I didn't think they made half that stuff anymore (I checked the exp dates –all good!).

The last stop at the winery was really a good place to sit down and catch your breath, they provided complimentary tasting for everyone and had a fantastic garden patio area with some comfortable

seating so you could kick your feet up and unwind before the last leg to dinner. The last driving segment to dinner was a great little drive to let the Audi's do a bit of running on their own as well! We took the mountain pass between Carmel Valley Road and Highway 68 which provided some great elevation, switchback turns and enough banking to have a small bit of exhilaration behind the wheel. The added bonus of having a full view of Laguna Seca all the way down was great as well, I know my Audi wanted to continue on to the track, but we had dinner plans!

Even though everyone was on their own and taking the day to explore the areas both in Audi and on foot, we all ran into each other and was a great way to share some information, stop and chat a bit and then head out to the next stop, it really made for a casual atmosphere and allowed us all to get to know everyone a little bit at a time, by the time we got to dinner it was like meeting up with long time friends! We all arrived on time at Tarpy's Roadhouse for dinner (everyone's on time to win stuff!); we set up at the outdoor patio and started to put together everyone's best hands for the final poker showdown. There can be only one best hand, but we awarded the top

three hands with some cool hard cash, gave away some Piloti driving shoes from Griffin Motorwerkes to the first couple in with all their cards and answer sheets unopened, worst hand award, long distance award and a few others were also given. Tarpy's is our official caterer at our ALMS event each October, we use them because their food and service is great, at the restaurant their food (drinks too) is fantastic!

rdThis is the 3 year for the Monterey Poker Rally Run and judging from the amount of participation, fun and high spirits from the membership it won't be the last! This event is really gaining a good following and getting bigger and better each year, this format was great success and I think we can look to apply similar point to point, couple and family activities to some of our other drives and tours throughout the year as well.

Hope to see you at the next one!!

So on a somewhat clear and crisp Saturday morning, 30 plus club members arrived at a small little coffee shop in Aptos to start the run. We had a diverse group - two couples from our sister chapter in Southern California drove up for the event and also a new couple to the Golden Gate Chapter from Australia, along with whole families kids and all, came out for the run. The Audi's present were diverse as well, TT's, A4's, Avant's, A6's, S4's, Cabriolet's and even an R8 made the trip, over 20 Audi's made up a great looking caravan! At check in everyone was greeted with a swag bag full of some great stuff, the suggest route map, the card stop hint sheets and a “fail-safe” sealed envelope for those that just couldn't piece together the clues. Since there was no time limit other than dinner at 5:30, everyone set their own pace to enjoy the day and experience the beautiful California Coast.

The first card stop was in a little know town call Moss Landing – it's known for one very, very tall smoke stack at the power plant, but it's also home of a pretty good sized harbor for commercial fisherman, pleasure boaters and also has a quaint (and I do mean quaint!) downtown area that has a plethora of Antique Shops. It's a picturesque little area; the shops all seem to be from the era of the cannery row heydays and were full to overflowing with all sorts of interesting wares. At first I was a bit worried that the clues were a bit too difficult as we passed a couple of Poker Runners heading the opposite direction on our way there, turns out that both of them were from the SoCal Chapter – they probably weren't use to seeing actual “open” road and were just out stretching the leg's of their Audi's, we did manage to catch up with them as we were heading out of Moss Landing, so it turned out ok for them!

The rest of the route hit more of the classic Monterey area, a cigar shop right on Cannery Row, a cruise along the rugged Highway 1 Coast via Pacific Grove and all the way thru the world renown 17 Mile Drive, a sweet candy store in downtown Carmel and a great little winery along the Carmel Valley. I must say that all of the shops we visited we very gracious and really happy to see the members, I think most did a bit commerce with just about everyone, I recall seeing one member hauling out a pretty good sized vintage suitcase, her “find” of the day, and also watching her fiancé trying to make it fit in the trunk of their S4 cab with small success!




South Bay Wine Drive?

DTM News

2009 South Bay Wine Drive Dave Ruddock


South Bay Wine Drive?

DTM News

2009 South Bay Wine Drive Dave Ruddock


Breakfast went as planned, we drove down some twisty road and saw an old tunnel, there was a winery involved somewhere, whether or not we actually stopped or not I really can't recall – I guess we did as I do have some photos of some wine bottles, glasses, ribbons and the usual accoutrements that go along with boutique wineries. But then we arrived at Canepa Design, met our host and proceeded on an exclusive tour of what may be the best collection of racing history on the west coast! The famed Blackhawk Museum actually featured in our last issue, has some amazing cars and atmosphere, Canepa Design has amazing RACE CARS that are displayed in a world class fashion as well. Then there is the fab shop, where they rebuild these cars and others to concours condition – it's a virtual Mecca of exotic cars, both one off race cars and very very prestigious production cars being restored. If you happen to have a chance to get to Scotts Valley you must drop by and tour the facility, in fact you should out of your way and plan a trip to Canepa Design. If you want to add in a winery or two and some twisty back roads great, but they will definitely pale in comparison – I'll let the photo's take care of the rest.

ere's how this Annual Wine Drive was supposed to go down – we all meet at the Summit Roadhouse on Highway 17 early in the morning, grab a quick Hbreakfast and then hit the back roads and explore some historical sites of

the Santa Cruz mountains (some sort of trains and tunnels if I recall). Then off to more twisty backs roads that would lead us to some very exclusive small lot wineries where we would sample the local vintages, have some lunch and move on to the next one. This very well thought out drive was put together by Larry Whitney and promised to be a nice day with friends and family, a little food, a little wine and our Audi's – piece of cake!

A day of so before the event Mr. Whitney sends out a notice that one of the thwineries had canceled our visit due to the owners 25 wedding anniversary being

more important than hosting the Audi Club or some such nonsense. Larry's fallback plan was to take us to a race car fabricator in Scott's Valley, a place named Canepa Design that's “one of the world's leading fabrication and race preparation shops” – In Scott's Valley – a town synonymous with racing due to all the race tracks both there and in Santa Cruz – if you say so!


Breakfast went as planned, we drove down some twisty road and saw an old tunnel, there was a winery involved somewhere, whether or not we actually stopped or not I really can't recall – I guess we did as I do have some photos of some wine bottles, glasses, ribbons and the usual accoutrements that go along with boutique wineries. But then we arrived at Canepa Design, met our host and proceeded on an exclusive tour of what may be the best collection of racing history on the west coast! The famed Blackhawk Museum actually featured in our last issue, has some amazing cars and atmosphere, Canepa Design has amazing RACE CARS that are displayed in a world class fashion as well. Then there is the fab shop, where they rebuild these cars and others to concours condition – it's a virtual Mecca of exotic cars, both one off race cars and very very prestigious production cars being restored. If you happen to have a chance to get to Scotts Valley you must drop by and tour the facility, in fact you should out of your way and plan a trip to Canepa Design. If you want to add in a winery or two and some twisty back roads great, but they will definitely pale in comparison – I'll let the photo's take care of the rest.

ere's how this Annual Wine Drive was supposed to go down – we all meet at the Summit Roadhouse on Highway 17 early in the morning, grab a quick Hbreakfast and then hit the back roads and explore some historical sites of

the Santa Cruz mountains (some sort of trains and tunnels if I recall). Then off to more twisty backs roads that would lead us to some very exclusive small lot wineries where we would sample the local vintages, have some lunch and move on to the next one. This very well thought out drive was put together by Larry Whitney and promised to be a nice day with friends and family, a little food, a little wine and our Audi's – piece of cake!

A day of so before the event Mr. Whitney sends out a notice that one of the thwineries had canceled our visit due to the owners 25 wedding anniversary being

more important than hosting the Audi Club or some such nonsense. Larry's fallback plan was to take us to a race car fabricator in Scott's Valley, a place named Canepa Design that's “one of the world's leading fabrication and race preparation shops” – In Scott's Valley – a town synonymous with racing due to all the race tracks both there and in Santa Cruz – if you say so!




Premier SponsorAudi Club North AmericaTeen Driving Clinics

You, The Track, The TruthAudi Sportscar Experience

Sonoma, CA800.466.5792707.939.4600

Rector Audi

1010 Cadillac WayBurlingame, CA

800.690.4737650.348.0111

In The Next Issue

and anexclusive interview with

on Petit LeMans, Audi Sport 2010 and the Stig.....

AudiFest 2009 at Infineon Raceway

Alan McNish

American Le Mans at Laguna Seca


Premier SponsorAudi Club North AmericaTeen Driving Clinics

You, The Track, The TruthAudi Sportscar Experience

Sonoma, CA800.466.5792707.939.4600

Rector Audi

1010 Cadillac WayBurlingame, CA

800.690.4737650.348.0111

In The Next Issue

and anexclusive interview with

on Petit LeMans, Audi Sport 2010 and the Stig.....

AudiFest 2009 at Infineon Raceway

Alan McNish

American Le Mans at Laguna Seca


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