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22nd
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There are countless car companies out there that offer driver training and performance driving schools and I've been privileged enough to take part in many of them. I can therefore vouch for their worth and necessity, especially if you own a sports coupe or sedan (or wagon, for that matter).
What most of these schools have in common is a very structured programme dedicated to teaching and introducing driving skills and techniques. The presentation promotes a good driving position, explains the role and limitations of the car's tires and, in this case, the advantages of Audi's renowned Quattro AWD system.
The principal difference with Audi's Driving Experience (ADE) is how the half- or full-day sessions unfold. Audi's approach puts the emphasis on "fun." The laid-back atmosphere puts all the participants immediately at ease thanks, in part, to the impressive setup complete with gourmet hospitality and a driver's lounge.
The team of instructors is in large part responsible for the comfortable and pleasant ambiance at an Audi Driving Experience event. All those charged with the partakers' education and safety are seasoned pros who all have experience as racers with international and national championship titles -- multiples in some cases. Plus, they're all a bunch of really nice guys who love what they do.
My day with the Audi Driving Experience was a condensed, full-day curriculum. Condensed because the peeps from Audi Canada brought with them a not-so-small surprise in the form of the great Frank Sprongl, a five-time Canadian and three-time North American Rally Champion, as well as his monumentally make-me-weak-in-the-knees, super hot and loud UR Quattro Rally Car.
The bulk of the day was spent exploring the revised 2013 Audi S4's abilities and pitting them against my own. We began by covering the 1/8th mile drag strip, then moved on to a slalom, some understeer exercises, and emergency avoidance manoeuvres.
After lunch, we pulled out as a group on the rain-soaked shorter course of the ICAR circuit with the 2013 Audi S4s. Unfortunately, we couldn't nail it, but the exercise was nonetheless fun, as it was meant to be.
The real party took place when I was given a first set of hot laps in the UR by Frank. The standing water on the track made for tricky conditions -- there was too much traction to be found on the cement for maximum slideways action! Despite that, the builder-fabricator-racer and owner-operator of Four Star Motorsports still showed me a great time without even having to buy me dinner.
In fact, so good was the time spent onboard the Audi that I went back for a second run. This time, Mr Sprongl served me my favourite dish: A big, fat plate of doughnuts!
Although the champ doesn't bring his sweet car to regular events, he's still one of the regulars on the Audi Driving Experience panel of decorated instructors.
There's still some time left to sign up for the event. Check out all the necessary details on the ADE's website.
 |
| Photo: Audi |
What most of these schools have in common is a very structured programme dedicated to teaching and introducing driving skills and techniques. The presentation promotes a good driving position, explains the role and limitations of the car's tires and, in this case, the advantages of Audi's renowned Quattro AWD system.
The principal difference with Audi's Driving Experience (ADE) is how the half- or full-day sessions unfold. Audi's approach puts the emphasis on "fun." The laid-back atmosphere puts all the participants immediately at ease thanks, in part, to the impressive setup complete with gourmet hospitality and a driver's lounge.
The team of instructors is in large part responsible for the comfortable and pleasant ambiance at an Audi Driving Experience event. All those charged with the partakers' education and safety are seasoned pros who all have experience as racers with international and national championship titles -- multiples in some cases. Plus, they're all a bunch of really nice guys who love what they do.
My day with the Audi Driving Experience was a condensed, full-day curriculum. Condensed because the peeps from Audi Canada brought with them a not-so-small surprise in the form of the great Frank Sprongl, a five-time Canadian and three-time North American Rally Champion, as well as his monumentally make-me-weak-in-the-knees, super hot and loud UR Quattro Rally Car.
The bulk of the day was spent exploring the revised 2013 Audi S4's abilities and pitting them against my own. We began by covering the 1/8th mile drag strip, then moved on to a slalom, some understeer exercises, and emergency avoidance manoeuvres.
After lunch, we pulled out as a group on the rain-soaked shorter course of the ICAR circuit with the 2013 Audi S4s. Unfortunately, we couldn't nail it, but the exercise was nonetheless fun, as it was meant to be.
The real party took place when I was given a first set of hot laps in the UR by Frank. The standing water on the track made for tricky conditions -- there was too much traction to be found on the cement for maximum slideways action! Despite that, the builder-fabricator-racer and owner-operator of Four Star Motorsports still showed me a great time without even having to buy me dinner.
In fact, so good was the time spent onboard the Audi that I went back for a second run. This time, Mr Sprongl served me my favourite dish: A big, fat plate of doughnuts!
Although the champ doesn't bring his sweet car to regular events, he's still one of the regulars on the Audi Driving Experience panel of decorated instructors.
There's still some time left to sign up for the event. Check out all the necessary details on the ADE's website.
 |
| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |