May 9, 2008

Gentlemen, Start Your Audis

Driving a great car on a great track is our idea of great fun, so we have to applaud the 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience. Based at the Audi Forum Sonoma at Infineon Raceway in Northern California, the events offer hands-on driving designed especially for performance-car enthusiasts. The Experience features a special half-day program allowing drivers to experience the true performance of Audi’s newest “S” models -- including the sporty S4, the new and powerful S5 coupe and the luxurious 450-horsepower S8. Additionally, participants will have access to highly-acclaimed, limited-volume new products from Audi.

“This program was developed on the pillars of the Audi brand -- performance and technology,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America. “The Audi Sportscar Experience allows participants to test and sharpen their driving skills and push our cars in a controlled environment. There is no better way to demonstrate the foundation of this company than behind the wheel and on the track.”

The 2008 version will operate year-round from the Audi Forum Sonoma, located trackside at Turn One of Infineon Raceway in Sonoma Valley, near San Francisco. Using a variety of vehicles from among the Audi R, RS and S model lines, it takes drivers through a rigorous, behind-the-wheel instructional driving program at one of the most exciting racing circuits in the world. With its 160-foot elevation changes, challenging corners and bucolic scenery, the 2.5-mile Infineon course has been aptly described as a small Nurburgring or a really big slot-car track. The Experience offers both one- and two-day programs, depending on how much fun you can stand.