St. Louis Audi Club Newsletter
April
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Presidential Notes:

Even with the lousy weather we experienced here in St. Louis this winter, the Audi Club kept busy with many indoor events.  Everything from our regular social nights and meetings to mini golf, brewery tours, shooting, F1 preview and diecast collectior cars & coffee, we have offered a great variety of events for our members and all have been well attended by members and their guests. 

As the weather gets better, more outdoor and driving events are on the schedule including a Current River Float Trip on May 10th (RSVP now), several track events in St. Louis (PCA & SCCA) and Topeka and the first Cars & Coffee of the season.  All three local Audi dealers are also hosting launch events for the new 2015 A3 on April 3rd.

Be sure to join you fellow Audi enthusiasts for some of the great events we have planned this year.  I think you'll enjoy yourself and maybe find a new friend or two.

Steve Warren
President
St. Louis Audi Club
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Upcoming Events
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NEW EVENTS
2015 Audi A3 Launch Parties
Thur, April 3rd


All three St. Louis Audi Dealers

All three St. Louis Audi Dealers are hosting launch parties for the new 2015 Audi A3 on Thursday, April 3rd.  We ask that when you visit your favorite dealer for this event, be sure to let them know you are an Audi Club member and an Audi fan.  For details on each party see below (in alphabetical order).

Bommarito West County Audi Invites You To The Audi A3 Launch Event
Thur, April 3rd
6:30 to 10:00 pm


Forest Hills Country Club, 36 Forest Club Drive, Chesterfield


Join us on Thursday April 3rd from 6:30 to 10:00 pm for the exclusive launch of the all-new Audi A3 Sedan.

With a Special nighttime test drive.

Light hors d'oeuvres to be served.

Open bar, music, food and friends.  Includes live stream from New York City celebrating Ausi'd National A3 Launch Event with a special performance by M.I.A.  Test drives from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Please RSVP to abachesta@bommarito.net by Thursday March 27th.

2015 Audi A3 Lunch Party at Parktown Showroom
Thur, April 3rd
6:30 - 9:00 pm


Parktown Audi, 10230 Manchester Road, Kirkwood


Come test drive the New Audi A3

Join us for complimentary refreshmets and hors d'oeuvres.

Entertainment by former lead singer of the 4 Tops - Theo Peoples.

RSVP by March 31st to jnaughton@parktownimports.com.  314-965-7711

Plaza Audi Invites You To The Audi A3 Launch Event
Thur, April 3rd
6:00 - 8:00 pm


Plaza Audi, 11830 Olive Blvd,. Creve Coeur


Join us on Thursday April 3rd from 6pm to 8 pm for the exclusive launch of the all-new Audi A3 Sedan.

With a special nighttime test drive.

Light hors d'oeuvres to be served.

Please RSVP to jpoplawski@plazamotors.com by Tuesday April1, 2014.
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For you Track Junkies !!
Flat Out Classic

April 26 - 27th


Heartland Park Topeka, Topeka Kansas

If you are asking yourself, "Self, now that the April PCA Carerra Classic Driving School is full, what are my oprtions for track time this spring?", then you obviously haven't been checking the Audi Club calendar. At this time, our calendar is displaying two additional track events in April.

The next track event sponsored by a local car club (and listed on the St. Louis Audi Club Calendar) is the BMW Flat Out Classic at Heartland Park Topeka.  This event, hosted by the St. Louis, Kansas City, Sunbelt and Great Plains chapters of the BMW Club is now in it's third year and includes several great activities, including a High Performance Driving School, Car Show, Autocross Clinic and Competition, !/4 Mile solo runs on the Drag Strip and a BBQ Dinner.

Registration is currently open at Motorsportreg.com

You can also see a video with highlights of the 2013 Flat Out Classic on YouTube
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St. Louis European Auto Show
Sun, June 1st
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Frontenac Plaza, Lindbergh & Clayton Rds, Frontenac

Once again, The St. Louis Audi Club will particiapate in the St. Louis European Auto Show.  We encourage club members to display their cars alongside our club tent.  Early registration is $25 and benefits Shriner's Hospital - St. Louis.

For more information or to register, visit stleuropeanautoshow.com or on Facebook or Twitter.
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The New St. Louis Audi Club Business Cards Have Arrived

Help your club grow!  Carry a few of these business cards with you and, whenever you meet someone else with an Audi, give them a club card. 

With this card, club benefits, contact information and even a QR link to our website and membership information is at their fingertips. 

Contact Steve Warren to obtain a supply of cards.
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Download your next Audi

Interact with every model in the Audi lineup, and browse the entire stock of Audi Genuine Accessories, from virtually anywhere when you download the Audi Library app1 to your Apple® or Android™ tablet device. Whether you’re looking for a cargo carrier to stow your climbing gear or a set of sporty new wheels, you’ll find accessories to enhance every facet of your lifestyle and add an extra dash of distinction. Download the app and get customizing your Audi today.            

Download app for Apple® device  Download app for Android™ device
PCA Driver's Education
April 4-6th

Gateway Motorsports Park


The first local track event of 2014 at GMP will be the Porsche Club's annual Spring Carrera Classic sponsored by Parktown Imports. Registration is open now at Motorsportsreg.com.

Hurry, this event is filling up quickly!

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Audi Club Membership Meeting
Tues, April 8th
7:00 pm


Three Kings Public House, 6307 Delmar Blvd., University City

The April social night will be held at another great St. Louis Institution, Three Kings Public House on Delmar Blvd.

Three Kings Public House offers upscale pub food with a Mediterranean twist. Our bar features over 22 beers on tap, 40 micro beers by the bottle and a one-of-a-kind beer cellar list that you won’t find anywhere else in St. Louis. We have house made infused liquors featured on our diverse drink menu and an extensive wine and spirits list.

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St. Louis Metro Cars & Coffee
Sat, April 19th
8:15-10:15 am

Starbucks, 9616 Manchester Rd., Rock Hill

One of the most popular St. Louis reoccurring car events begins another season.  After averaging 168 cars and topping 200 twice last, year, we expect great things this year.

This year, our Car Show Committee Chairman, Ted Richardson, will be coordinating club efforts at Cars & Coffee.

When you arrive, look for the Audi Club flag or banner and park with the club when spots are available.

Check Cars & Coffee's Facebook page
for info and updates

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More for Track Junkies !
SCCA Dirver's School
April 25 - 27th


Gateway Motorsports Park

Registration is open for the April 25-27, 2014 Driver's School - Double Regional - Club Racing Experience -PDX at Gateway Motorsports Park. The Sunday PDX will have Novice, Intermediate and Advanced driver opportunities. Sunday we also have open the PDX Ride-Along. Sign up today as there are limited spots available!

CLUB RACING EXP. (CRE)

Experience Wheel to Wheel without all the fuss!  St. Louis Region was proud to pilot the first ever anywhere SCCA Club Racing Experience at Gateway Motorsports Park in April, and it's BACK. 

 Your CRE entry includes a qualifying session and a side by side rolling start "race" in a low pressure, just for fun, no contact environment.

You'll need

  • a GCR legal race car,  ITA/Spec Miata performance or lower  
  • an SCCA membership or weekend membership
  • driver's suit, helmet, gloves, shoes and socks.
  • the ability to drive within your limits and yield the corner

You WON'T need

  • a competition license
  • a current vehicle logbook
  • a physical (you will have to affirm that you are fit to race)
  • a head and neck restraint (but one is highly recommended)

 CRE is

  • A chance to go wheel-to-wheel in a controlled environment.
  • A chance to put a friend behind the wheel of your race car
  • A great way to see if wheel-to-wheel competition is for you

For all the details please visit
roadracing.stlscca.org

PDX - Sunday Only

Sunday's PDX for Novice - Intermediate - Advanced Drivers

With six on-track session in a single day, PDX participants will have the opportunity to really hone their driving skills and experience the thrill of high speed driving.  PDX is all about seat time and St. Louis Region instructors are among the best in the nation.  Check the St. Louis Region PDX Program website for the full 2014 season schedule.
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Make your Reservations NOW!
Audi Club Current River Float Trip
Sat, May 10th
7:00 am

Leaves from: Steak 'n Shake - 76 S Highway Dr, Valley Park


Celebrate Mothers Day weekend and enjoy a day of canoeing on the beautiful Current River with your Audi friends.  

We will leave from Steak 'n Shake at the intersection of I-44 & Hwy 141 promptly at 7:00 AM for a 3-hour drive through Salem to Akers, MO.  Our 10 mile float from Akers Ferry to Pulltite will take several hours but should be an easy float due to fast-moving water.  The Current River is part of the magnificent Ozark National Scenic Riverways and remains almost as wild and natural as the day Indians lightly trod the Ozark trails.  

We have arranged for a special 30% discount rate of $32.20 per canoe for Audi Club members.

Camping is available at National Park Services Pultite Campground, For more information and to reserve your campsite, visit http://www.recreation.gov.  If there is enough interest, we can also drive down together on Friday night.  Just let Jerry know if you are planning to camp.

RSVP to Jerry Hogan at jerry.hogan@stlaudiclub.com or (314) 878-2253 

We Need a Rough Head Count ASAP - If you think you might like to come, contact Jerry ASAP
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2014 Calendar

April
3 - Audi Dealers 2015 A3 Launch
4-6 - PCA Driving School

8 - Membership Meeting
19 - Cars & Coffee
25-26- SCCA Road Racing
25-27 - BMW Driving School


May
10 - Current River Float Trip
13 - Membership Meeting
17 - Cars & Coffee
21 - SCCA PDX

June
1 - St. Louis European Auto Show
7 - Tudor USSC Race - KC
8 - Fort des Chartes Tour
10 - Audi Club Social
14-15 - 24 Hrs of LeMans
18 - SCCA PDX
21 - Cars & Coffee
26 (est) - Minor League Baseball

July
8 - Audi Club Meeting
13 - Driving Tour - TBD
16 - SCCA PDX
19 - Cars & Coffee
25-27 - Audi Club Mid-Ohio Driving School

August
2-3 - SCCA Road Racing
2 - Chaffee Car Show & Dinner
12 - Audi Club Social
16 - Cars & Coffee
20 - SCCA PDX
24 - Kart Racing at Pole Position

September
6 - Trap Shooting
9 - Audi Club Meeting
17 - SCCA PDX
20 - Cars & Coffee
28 - Autos on Valhalla

October
10-12 - PCA Drivers School
14 - Audi Club Social
18 - Cars & Coffee
18 - Farm Heritage Festival
25-26 - SCCA Road Racing
26 - Augusta Winery Tour

November
11 - Audi Club Meeting
16 - Gimmick Rally
27 - Thanksgiving

December
1-20 - Board Election (online)
13 - Christmas Party
25 - Christmas

Note - All dates and events are subject to change.  Be sure to check our website for any updates
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1 of 25 Images

Inside Audi's Secret Racing Stash

Hanging from the fringes of an industrial estate at Audi’s Ingolstadt headquarters sits an unassuming, corrugated-clad building. There’s no address on the door, no doorbell, and one-way windows.

To get in you must use an American-style phone box. There you’ll speak to a man, who, once vetted, will buzz you in through three borderline-bulletproof doors.

This is Audi’s hush-hush hangar, something the German firm is very keen to keep a secret. It contains Audi’s entire back catalogue, with 600 rare, often priceless cars spread over many floors. Even Top Gear isn’t permitted to see everything, but thanks to a lot of arm-twisting we’ve been granted access to just one floor. Level 2.

Thankfully Level 2 contains the best stuff: motorsport. Some of the most legendary, revolutionary race cars to ever grace the planet, all wonderfully covered in crap from their last race and parked up as if in an NCP.

Silver Arrows, Alpine trials winners, Le Mans legends, rally revolutionaries, Pikes Peak punishers and touring car champs, they’re all here. And all have some pretty juicy stories behind them.

So click forward to discover how Audi has dominated or changed pretty much every single type of motorsport it’s ever entered. Oh, and some very pretty pictures.

For More Images; Click Here

Words and pictures: Rowan Horncastle - BBC TopGear
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Win a 2015 Audi S3 2.0T Misano Red Pearl Effect Sedan!

Unrelenting performance, light, agile, smart!

Forget raising the bar. Audi shifted the paradigm.
There’s nothing like losing over 100 lbs. to help make you quicker, more agile and remarkably more nimble at every turn. Audi’s engineers used ultra® lightweight technology to wield an estimated 290 hp, every S-specific element is engineered to perform. The quattro® all-wheel drive with six speed Audi S tronic® dual-clutch transmission lets you command the road!

It’s a game changer.
The S3 sedan with six-speed S-tronic should reach 0-60 from a stop in 4.7 seconds. Sharp, full LED headlights give an ultra dynamic look—it’s packed with technology, fun and nimble to drive. Standard Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights are an eye-catching design signature, and it’s the only car in its category with available full LED headlights.

It’s loaded!

  • Antitheft alarm system with immobilizer
  • Audi advanced key
  • Audi connect® with News, Weather, and Fuel Prices
  • Audi dynamic steering
  • Audi MMI® navigation plus with single CD player and MP3 playback capability
  • Audi MMI® touch with handwriting-recognition technology
  • Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors and rear view camera
  • Audi pre sense® basic
  • Audi quattro® all-wheel drive
  • Audi side assist
  • Auto-dimming interior rear view mirror with compass
  • Auto-dimming, power-folding, heated exterior side mirrors
  • Bang & Olufsen® Sound System with LED accent lighting
  • BLUETOOTH® phone interface with audio streaming
  • Brushed aluminum inlays
  • Color driver information system with trip computer
  • Cruise control with coast, resume and accelerate features
  • Dual zone automatic climate control
  • 18” 5-parallel-spoke-design wheels with 225/40 summer tires
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Multi-Collision Braking (MCB)
  • HD Radio™ Technology
  • Heated front seats
  • LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
  • LED interior lighting
  • LED taillights
  • Matte black brake calipers with S3 logo
  • Panoramic sunroof with retractable sunshade
  • Quad exhaust outlets with chrome finishers
  • Rain/light sensor for automatic windshield wipers and headlights
  • S3 embossed, 8-way power front sport seats with 4-way power lumbar adjustment
  • S3 flat-bottom, three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles
  • Six-speed S tronic® transmission

Only $25 to purchase your ticket to ride! Ticket purchase deadline December 15, 2014. The more tickets you buy, the more chances to win!

To purchase raffle tickets contact any board member or use the link below to download the raffle form.

Download Raffle Form »

Above & Left: More Photos from last month's AB brewerey tour

 

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March Wrap Up
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Audi & BMW Clubs Accessories Clinic - March 1st

More BMWs than Audis

After enjoying snacks, attendees learned about the process of installing high-end audio
Audi Club members joined with BMW Club members at JML Audio to learn about about accessories available for our German road-rockets.

Josh Landau explained the features and installation procedures for the current generation of high quality audio, radar and laser detection systems, navigation, backup camera integration, iPod and cellular phone and tablet integration, paint protection and heat reflecting window films.

Several cars were in the shop for upgrades, including a Porsche which had received an audio system tailored for this car and the customer's preference for concert hall sound with an emphasis from the stage.  The system in this car had been designed with provisions for it to be completely removable at the end of the lease term and yet provide the sound the customer desired.  An older Acura Integra was also being fitted with an iPad Mini (built into the console/dash) as the source for the audio and navigation systems. 

Everyone came away from this clinic wih many great ideas and much longer wish lists.  Thanks to Josh Landau and JML Audio.

Audi Club Family Day - Mini Golf - March 8th

  
Fun is required at Audi Club events!

In March the St. Louis Audi Club had our first family oriented event of the year.  The outing was held at SportsFusion located in Chesterfield, Missouri.  SportsFusion is a collection of activities including minigolf, laser tag, climbing walls, dodge ball and video games.

 

The Club participated in a spirited minigolf competition then moved to playing video games.  It was quite a sight to see folks competing in head to head driving games as well as some classic arcade games.

 

 After the minigolf outing The Club retired to The Fox & Hound for lunch and drinks.  A great time was had by all.

 
Formula 1 Season Preview - March 11th

Todd McCandless, aka. "Negative Camber" of F1b.com, North America's largest F1 blog, and famous world-wide, once again gave local Formula 1 fans his updates, skuttlebutt, rumors, and the general low-down on what promises to be a crazy season!

With many huge changes to the series, including 4-cylinder turbos, weird noses, double points, personal changes, new drivers, and even Bernie's legal problems, Todd didn't disappoint.  His take on the season - Look for Massa to do well in early races and never count Red Bull out.  If you are a fan of Formula 1, check out Todd's regular columns, along with a great source of F1 news, at Formula1blog.com.


Audi Club Indoor Shooting Event & Dinner - March 21st

The St. Louis Audi Club experienced a fun-filled evening of BBQ and target shooting at Sharpshooters Shooting Range located on Gravois Rd in Affton, Missouri.  The evening started with dinner in the attached Pit and Grill BBQ restaurant, where we satisfied our veracious appetites on shredded pork, grilled beef, and magnificent hot wings.  Afterwards, we were escorted downstairs to a classroom and given a 10 minute safety brief.  Safety, being as important as it is whether you’re driving a car and shooting a firearm, is paramount to success and entertainment of this kind.  We were then lead into the shooting range to let the fun begin.

 Sharpshooter Shooting Range is a relatively new facility with state-of-the-art target ranges.  About half of the range has programmable targets that allow one to program exactly how far you want the target to be.  Type in 21 feet, and the target immediately slides to 21 feet.  Type in 75 feet, and the target accelerates faster than a V10 R8 to the end of the range.  In addition, you can program the target to turn 90 deg off-axis, then have it cycle on-axis and off-axis for as long as you want, as many times as you want.  Some of the group had fun programming the targets on- and off-axis for 2 seconds, changing out magazines each time.  It proved quite the challenge getting back on target when you’re used to just shooting a stationary target.

If you ever get a chance to visit Sharpshooter Shooting Range for a little target practice, by all means do so.  It was entertaining, yet challenging.  Sort of like driving your Audi on the track.  After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?


 Membership has its rewards.  ACNA offers many additional benefits, including $500 Member Loyalty Bonus, Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card, Office Supply Savings at Office Depot  Additionally, some local dealers offer discounts on parts and service to members. Become a member today


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Coming Soon
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Audi Club Current River Float Trip
Sat, May 10th
7:00 am

Leaves from: Steak 'n Shake - 76 S Highway Dr, Valley Park


Celebrate Mothers Day weekend and enjoy a day of canoeing on the beautiful Current River with your Audi friends.  

We will leave from Steak 'n Shake at the intersection of I-44 & Hwy 141 promptly at 7:00 AM for a 3-hour drive through Salem to Akers, MO.  Our 10 mile float from Akers Ferry to Pulltite will take several hours but should be an easy float due to fast-moving water.  The Current River is part of the magnificent Ozark National Scenic Riverways and remains almost as wild and natural as the day Indians lightly trod the Ozark trails.  

We have arranged for a special 30% discount rate of $32.20 per canoe for Audi Club members.

Camping is available at National Park Services Pultite Campground, For more information and to reserve your campsite, visit http://www.recreation.gov.  If there is enough interest, we can also drive down together on Friday night.  Just let Jerry know if you are planning to camp.

RSVP to Jerry Hogan at jerry.hogan@stlaudiclub.com or (314) 878-2253 



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Audi Club Membership Meeting
Tues, May 13th
7:00 pm

Wildwood Pub & Grill, 17253 New College Avenue, Grover


The Audi Club regular meeting will be held at Wildwood Pub & Grille, 17253 New College Ave. in Grover, MO

Wildwood Pub & Grill offers a unique combination of casual dining and fun sports entertainment in a comfortable family atmosphere. It’s the perfect setting for dinner with family & friends, a business meeting, happy hour, or to catch the big game on one of our numerous flat screen TV’s.
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St. Louis SCCA PDX
Wed, May 21st
3:00 pm

Gateway Motosports Park

SCCA's popular afternoon track events begin a new season in May with the first of five Performance Driving Experiences (PDX).

Last year, after participating in PDXs, several Audi Club members reported that they got plenty of track time at a great price.

For registration and more information, vist stlpdx.com


St. Louis Metro Cars & Coffee
Sat, May 17th
8:15-10:15 am

Starbucks, 9616 Manchester Rd., Rock Hill

The second seasonal installment of this popular event will take place on Saturday May 17th.  No matter the weather, bring your sports car, collectible, classic car, hot rod or even your daily driver out to enjoy the camaraderie with your fellow car nuts.

This year, our Car Show Committee Chairman, Ted Richardson, will be coordinating club efforts at Cars & Coffee.

When you arrive, look for the Audi Club flag or banner and park with the club when spots are available.

Check Cars & Coffee's Facebook page
for info and updates

Following this Cars & Coffee, Clear Auto Bra and the St. Louis BMW Club will host a detailing clinic at Clear Auto Bra's nearby headquarters at
3220 South Brentwood Blvd., Webster Groves.

Above & Below:  More photos from last year's Warm Springs Ranch Tour
     ©2014 Audi Club North America St. Louis Chapter 

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