Tracking the SQ5

[SQive]

I had the opportunity this weekend to track the SQ5. It was freakin' phenomenal!
If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend it! None of these Audi events allow them on the track, but their performance is top-notch. The Quattro is a real peach, and the traction control doesn't bust your chops for getting crazy. The SQ impressed a lot of people, primarily me. Several people came up after my sessions to look and ask questions about it; some that I had passed, and others from the more advanced groups that were watching from the paddock. It was the only SUV in my group and it practically dominated the track against BMW's, Camaros, Corvettes, Mustangs, several Mazda MX5 racers, and even a Viper. Granted, some of them had more power and should have got me on the straight-aways, but the Quattro had me going faster in and out of the turns. If anyone was behind me going into a turn, I left them coming out of it. Many asked if I had a tune, but it's bone-stock, performance-wise. I think I may have sold a couple of them this weekend, so maybe I can get sponsorship from Audi? No...seriously.

The Sport-auto setting is perfect for the track, allowing amateur track drivers to focus on the important things: turn-in, apex, track-out, flags, mirrors, etc. MSR in Cresson, Texas is a fun but tough 3.1-mile track, and the SQ ate it up! If any of you SQ5'ers out there get the opportunity with an organization that allows sport SUV's on the track, DO IT!!! It was non-the-worse for wear, but the tires are another story. If you got the 20"s, go for it. If you have the 21"s like me, well, you gotta pay to play. I nearly melted these Pirellis. The SQ allows you to explore the limitations of your tires and I found them to be the weak link. I also have a new-found love, respect, & trust in this Quattro. I plan to get some 20x10 wheels to outfit with track tires and go back. I'm bragging about the car, not my driving when I say that I was promoted from green to blue in only one weekend event. I bow to the SQ5. I mean, if you want and can afford a good race car, then get it. If not, but you have one of the Audi S Quattro's, give it a shot. It will not disappoint, but impress.

I'm hoping they will post some videos later this week and I'll post some links. I did get a couple of pics though...



Some say, that his lead foot melts tires, and that in Texas he is a registered speed offender.
All we know is, it's NOT the Stig...it's the Stig's Texan cousin.

[SQive]

Oh...I also meant to add that the brakes were absolutely perfect. I never experienced any fade on any of my runs.
Clearly, this thing was meant for action like this.

[Dennis C]

Nice! Glad it worked out well. Taking a car to the track is a fantastic experience. I highly doubt that I'll take my SQ5 to the track since I have another more track oriented vehicle, but you've got me thinking now!

[SQive]

Nice! Glad it worked out well. Taking a car to the track is a fantastic experience. I highly doubt that I'll take my SQ5 to the track since I have another more track oriented vehicle, but you've got me thinking now!

I didn't have a 911 handy that weekend, but on this track, it would had to have been a "4". Otherwise, it would just spin out trying to keep up with a Quattro. There were a few times when I saw drivers in my rear-view that were hell-bent on catching that damn SUV. Some tried following me through those tight turns at my speed, only to spin coming out of it. The only issue I had was a half-spin when I dropped a tire off the track in what's known as the toilet bowl. I slid sideways for about 40 feet, then it hooked up and I kept going. I know that an SUV shouldn't be in the same class as most of those cars, but with the right driver, it is. I would love to try an RS Quattro, but there actually were some advantages to the SQ5: I was able to clip aprons that eat the oil pans of other vehicles. When I slid off the track, I just drove back on...no biggie...no drama. I didn't know this beast could drift...but it can. It was a truly exciting weekend and that SQ5 really impressed me.

[SQive]

Looks like I may be going to the track again next weekend.
I'm really looking forward to it, so I hope I get the spot.

Come on...Your SQ5 is begging to be taken to the track.
You'll reap much ego as it stomps those big-engined, rear-wheel drives through the turns.
Good times!