just got back from Lime Rock Park (Limerock, CT) where i took my 99 A4 1.8TQM to the CT Valley BMW CCA driver's school. i opted to bring the audi for two reason...it was predicted to rain, and i've never done LRP in the audi.

i'm an intermediate driver and have done about 10 schools, all in BMWs. i've driven everything from a track prepared E30 M3, 325is, and 318ti (with M3 motor and suspension). i've only experienced tracks with RWD cars...never AWD before.

to preface this, i've got the factory sport suspension, a TAP2 chip, custom exhaust, and 17" IFG wheels with Michelin Pilot MXX3s (225/45).

impressions? around big bend (180 degree RH sweeper), it's interesting for sure. i've never had the steering wheel fight in a turn so much...the quattro trying to put power down in the turns i guess. ever do a 70mph 4-wheel drift in your A4? pretty fun.

car leans too much, but that's expected.

there were few cars that were faster, some slower. an acura integra type-R can't keep up in the corners or straight away. i even passed an E36 M3 as well. i'm sure the driver wasn't that comfortable because he should have walked away from me.

brakes aren't that great, but everybody knew that already.

for LRP, engine doesn't rev high enough. i usually stay in 3rd and run it to redline in the BMWs. lower redline in the A4 make you a little slower everywhere.

even with the chip, there's no substitute for displacement.

anyhow, a very capable car at speed...i was surpised. plus, it didn't even rain.