Just seeing who's going since it's this coming weekend (July 21-23). For the longest time, I thought I wasn't going since I was placed on the waiting list. Last week, an opening happened from a few cancellations, so I was able to get in.

I'm nearly set too. I've just had my 75K maintenance done (oil change, new plugs, new filters, etc.) and just installed new front brake pads yesterday. All that's left to prepare is to charge the camcorder batteries, get some blank tape, and clean the inside of the windows (need a nice clear view for videos!).

I'm really curious to see how the track behaves with the new surface. Of course I'll need all new visual markers since the cement patches are now gone.

I thought you were at driving school with me on Saturday! How to avoid the sheriff in the twisties...

The handling is awesome. Nice and flat through the turns. Good use of the Bluetooth detector too.

The power is so smooth through the RPM range. It fools you as to how fast you're really going.

Being a passenger is ok... but it's much better to be the driver!

The thing that has really impressed me with the handling is the flat, stable feeling without apexing the turns. Just tracking through the lane - even in off-camber turns is just sick.

The power delivery is v-e-r-y smooth, and you're right, it fools you every time. The punch from a turbo isn't there, and you don't think you're building speed nearly as quickly as you are, but you ARE going fast in a hell of a hurry.

My only comparison comes from running against my wife's 95 Aero. Against the S4 she could keep it half way close from a stand still. Against the RS I pull 3-4 cars at the first-second shift and then just walk away...

I was talking to a guy with an M3 last night and he told me that he didn't want any part of the RS in a race after he heard me pull in.

Try as I might, he just wouldn't play. His comment was that he knew the outcome without the run, and didn't "want to hate his M in the morning."

Follow the link for a comparison of the RS4 against the M3 CS (not available in the US).

Next year, you need to sign up for the Audi Driving School at Mid-Ohio. That car was made for that track. You'll have a blast!<ul><li><a href="http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2006/05/bmw-m3-cs-vs-audi-rs4-video-from-5th.html">Fifth Gear - RS4 vs M3 CS</a></li></ul>

Prepping the avant and my dad's car this week for the track: this will be his first track event, he's only in for Saturday and Sunday. Why the crap does it have to be so hot?

It would be awful to run the track these past few days. The weather should be much nicer by this weekend.

This will be my 4th time back at Mid-Ohio, but I'm still at a novice/intermediary level as I only get to a track once or twice a year. Most of my time has been at Mid-Ohio, but I've also spent a day at Nelson Ledges and at GingerMan.

You can thank the track owners for that. Since the major construction work, they are now booking two events each day in an effort to recoup the costs spent. It would have been a little easier to handle if the price went down since we have less track time.

Like I said, I'm hoping to keep the tires on the blacktop. :)

It will still be a blast.

I'm planning on going anyways to watch. If I could get a session in, that would be sweet! Anyone know the schedule?

Feel free to come out and check the action.

I was gonna travel to Bellville tonight, but looks like I'll leave tomorrow morning instead. If anyone's in the area tonight, you may need to take cover.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/65238/forecast.jpg">

The new surface at the track was simply amazing. Even with the rain on Saturday, it was a perfect opportunity to understand how quattro helps you maintain control and move around the track.

Sunday morning was tricky with the slurry of water and cement dust on several turns (result of apex aprons getting shaved down overnight). The remainder of the day was absolutely great.

It was the first time I had my car on a track, although I had taken a class with the Mid-Ohio School in May. Having an instructor in the car with you while doing full laps was invaluable, and something the MOS didn't offer. I hope I can go again next year. The track was a lot wetter than I expected first thing Sunday morning, and that cement dust was pretty persistent.

Before the first run of the day:
<img src="http://images18.fotki.com/v328/photos/2/226513/3819062/IMG_0195-vi.jpg">

After the first session:
<img src="http://images1.fotki.com/v333/photos/2/226513/3819062/IMG_0201-vi.jpg">

Great video, BTW. :)