Driven by Passion: James Oliver

By; Stephanie DiPilla

As the Audi Club Alaska group approaches its first anniversary, Co-Founder James Oliver (@Alaska_RS5) is helping lay the foundation for a thriving Audi community in the Last Frontier. Through his efforts, James has been instrumental in bringing local enthusiasts together, organizing charitable events, fostering connections within the broader car community, and promoting Audi’s rich heritage in Alaska. His enthusiasm and dedication have helped Audi Club Alaska grow quickly. As the first ACNA-supported group Audi Club Alaska is creating a unique path forward for future communities. We caught up with James to learn more about the group’s growth, the opportunities for Audi enthusiasts in Alaska, and his vision for the future.

What Audi(s) do you drive?

I own two beautiful twin turbo Audis, a 2001 Allroad 2.7T with a 6-speed manual in Brilliant Black and a 2021 RS 5 Sportback in Daytona Grey Pearl. It’s amazing what 20 years can change!

Why did you decide to start an Audi group in Alaska?

I wanted to find a way to help my local community in ways other than teaching people Jiujitsu. I wanted to make sure Alaskan Audis had a way to collectively present ourselves to the car community while also providing support to local non-profits.

What unique opportunities do you see for Audi enthusiasts in Alaska?

As a full chapter, we would have the opportunity to host safe ice/winter driving events for the entire community. We see a lot of accidents during the winter months here in Alaska. Being able to share our knowledge and skills with the local community would be a humble experience. I would also love to see some Audis out on Big Lake where local ice racing events are held. We are also slowly creating a group of enthusiasts that love to work on these cars and can provide some of our less mechanically inclined members with diagnosis or mechanical help.

What are some benefits of working with the National org?

Working with Audi Club NA has helped increase local participation by fostering a sense of greater community. It has also helped us form a better connection with the local Audi dealership.

What has the experience of building a community from the ground up been like so far?

The local community has been so welcoming and enthusiastic. I was stuck without a narrow wall, deep well 14mm socket to replace spark plugs on my RS 5 and was able to reach out to our Audi group and had one at my house in under an hour. This is why we started this – People helping each other grow through our passion for such beautifully made cars!

What are you most excited about for Alaska’s future, whether as a chapter, a group, or within the Audi community as a whole?

The thing I am most excited for is getting Audi Club Alaska involved in the organized motorsport community. We have seen a few terrible accidents lately involving illegal street racing, and my goal is to help bring drivers to a safe, controlled, track environment.

We have been able to slowly build a vibrant Audi community in under a year. I am met with eagerness and support from every car enthusiast in our community no matter their “allegiance.”

You can find Audi Club Alaska on both Instagram and Facebook @AudiClubAlaska or you can contact James directly via email at [email protected]

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