carguyrob

About two weeks ago, I attended the Audi Owner Driving Experience at the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, IL. It is a private race track that Audi commissioned for use for the day.

Audi did a great job at this event! They started off with a really great buffet and even had a RS7 in the background for us to walk around and sit in. We then had a little classroom time and an explanation of what we would be doing that day. We were then out to the track.

There were seven of us in attendance (S4s, S5s, a couple A6s and a RS5).

We got about an hour driving our cars around the timed autocross course (cones set up as a track on a parking lot). We then got about hour driving on the race track (1.4 miles around) in a lead/follow fashion behind a professional instructor in a 2013 S5. Finally, we got a two lap, 'dream drive' shot-gun ride in a 2013 R8 V10 Plus driven by a retired Indy 500 driver...and he drove the R8 like he stole the thing! That was scary and thrilling all at once. Sort of like being on a very scary roller coaster, but with a hint of fear that you might die!

It was an amazing event and totally worth it if you get an invitation in the future!

They had a professional photographer (Tom Musch Photography) onsite to take pictures of all the fun. Here are some of my pictures (more pictures of my red S4):

ZCD2.7T

Sounds like fun. I must not be on the right mailing list - I never get these invites.

Then again, I've driven Autobahn (and Road America and Blackhawk Farms and Gingerman and Grattan) in anger in the past, but it would be cool to try the different models to see how they feel/compare.

carguyrob

I usually miss on these invites too, but this one came because of my dealership.

I too was looking forward to driving a number of different models, but that isn't how it works. You get to drive your own car around the autocross and the race track! You don't get to drive any of the Audi provided vehicles. Those are driven by the professional drivers only!

MVR 155

I have gotten to do something similar with Lexus, when the LFA was first unveiled I got to go for a ride around the track in it with a pro driver, we then did a lead/follow session in a bunch of Lexus supplied IS-F models. Also did the BMW M Power tour event where we got to drive M3's on the track. Both events at Autobahn.

GRMick

Great post. Thank you. Looks like a blast.

MVR 155

Just noticed your in Streamwood, we're neighbors!!