Audi Club of Florida Newsletter September 2022

September Specials at our Prestige Partner, Audi Clearwater

If you are in the market for a New or Pre-Owned Audi or plan to order a 2023 bespoke Audi, contact George Rangelov at 727-906-1101 directly and he will get you set up, he is aware of the ACNA club discounts and is our ACFL Audi Brand Specialist at Crown Audi.

Take advantage of Audi Clearwater’s offer of a 15% discount to all readers of this newsletter on Parts and Services for your Audi. You need not have purchased your Audi at Audi Clearwater to receive this discount. If you are traveling to the Sunshine State and are a reader of the ACFL Newsletter you can also use this discount should you need service for your Audi while you are on the road.

Unfortunately, the above discount cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers but is available and all that is required is that when you are writing up your service order that you mention the ACFL newsletter discount and the code 2209 for September to Mandy. It is all that simple to start saving money on needed parts and services.

Audi Clearwater is located at 18940 US Highway 19 N; Clearwater FL. 33764, The main number is 727 312 1220, and ask for Mandy Walter to schedule your service. Tell her the ACFL newsletter has sent you.

Down the Road

Cars and Coffee Will be held on the First Saturday in September on the 6th, located at Morgan Import Motor Cars 11333 N Florida Ave, Tampa. Activities start at 7:00 but I recommend getting there starting at 6:45 for good parking spots up front. Free hot coffee and beignets are served. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it.

A Gathering of the Rings

at

Legends of the Autobahn East

The two-month countdown has started and little more than one month left to register for a gathering of all of our different Florida regions early Friday afternoon north of Jax at the first “Easy-Off Easy-On” in the Peach State Georgia Exit 3 on the Interstate. Here folks can top off, sign the ACNA waivers, have our important Drivers Safety Meeting, and be on our way to the visitors center in Savanah as our first pit stop.

Full Events Schedule – Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival (hhiconcours.com)

The run to Savanah will include a slight detour to view the old waterfront after a pitstop at the Visitors Center, perhaps another quick stop for some chocolates at one of those famous sweet shops off to the right facing the river, then loop around and take the suspension bridge over the Savanah River and the “Old Road” to Bluffton. Looking forward to the drive on the “Old Road” to the plantations in Bluffton where those who could, fled hot malaria-infested Savannah during the summer. Along the way, we will drive under numerous centuries-old live oaks bedecked with Spanish Moss and pass Cahill’s Market where we will be meeting for supper.

All should be already aware that we have a block of reservations for 20 Doubles at the Comfort Suites for $119 plus taxes per night in Bluffton Friday and Saturday evenings. Rooms will be on the lower levels (quick egress in case of fire) and I have specifically requested that they be away from the ice machines and elevators so that they are quiet. The phone number specifically for our reservations is (843) 277-9165 and the password is ACFL. I suggest that you call to make your reservations ASAP. You can confirm the cancellation policy at that time. By the time some of you are reading this, the reduced rates may have run out. You will have waited too long. That date is Sept 4th. The rooms were opened up to the Georgia and Carolinas Chapters so one must act quickly. I believe single king beds may even be less. All will make their own reservations and there is a complimentary breakfast. The hotel is back from the main drag and there are a number of good food establishments within walking distance of the hotel plus a Kroger’s supermarket.

Comfort Suites Bluffton – Hilton Head Island

https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/DB22Z9

The Friday evening meal will be at Cahill’s Market early at 4:20. Unfortunately, they do not take reservations and we need to beat the Friday evening rush which often starts prior to 5:00 PM with wait times approaching an hour. We should be able to get everyone in and seated together at this great Low County establishment with that occasional free-range chicken running around outside. The ACFL had been there previously when we took a trip to Savannah, with terrific fried chicken, sweet potato souffle (brown sugar and pecans), and of course that great staple, a fried bologna sandwich with either raw onions or fresh tomatoes on toast.

On Saturday morning we will be gathering at Cracker Barrel, which affords excellent staging logistics and is actually safer than the first planned venue for our Cars and Coffee. There is a traffic light when exiting onto the main thoroughfare. We hope that the other two chapters, Georgia and the Carolinas can execute the pincer from their respective regions and join us at Cracker Barrel plus local Audi enthusiasts and owners for a good cup of Joe and camaraderie. This should commence at approximately 7:45 AM. If a RS 3, an iteration of the national club raffle car could lead the caravan, that would be fantastic. The caravan route turns left out of the staging area north of Cracker Barrel and, will drive through Bluffton then over the bridge to Hilton Head Island, and will head to the venue site for Legends of the Autobahn East.

The ticketing is per person and for those who do not wish to compete with their Audis.

Legends of the Autobahn East (hhiconcours.com)

The ACFL is still awaiting word from national regarding the status of an Audi Corral parking. We will let all know when and if we hear something positive on this action point. It would make it very easy for the planned police escorted caravan to just drive right to the venue site and into the prearranged “Audi Corral” The other “Boys from Bavaria” had corral parking last year, we deserve the same but that is not the chapter’s call.

What a sight and a statement, to present and prospective Audi owners, the same holds true for chapter members, as they see the caravan drive the 12 miles from Cracker Barrel in Bluffton to the venue site, Port Royal Gulf and Racquet Club.

We all look forward to an exciting 24 Hours of ACFL planned activities and events leading up to the Legends of the Autobahn East as we continue to try to coordinate with two other regional chapters in driving attendance to the ACNA participation in this big event with the other big boys from Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen. and Munich. Do they let the guys from Wolfsburg in? Hopefully, the ACNA is planning some big surprises, they of course are invited to participate in the Cars and Coffee and caravan with a possible iteration of the RS 3 raffle car.

Chapter registration is now open for the event.

Cost:  $30 per vehicle with a check made out to the Audi Club of Florida. Do not send cash. Yes, we do it the old fashion way and do not waste your money or ours on third-party’s fees. Registration checks will be deposited as we get closer to the event,

Registration to include:  Include a note with your first and last name. E-Mail address, you will receive an e-mailed confirmation of receipt. I check the P.O. Box twice weekly. Phone number, Year, Model and Color of Audi. Be sure to include your ACNA membership number.

Number in your party:  Also include the number of kids, names and their ages as we will be having a special Kinder Rally being held simultaneously during the caravan up from Jax to Bluffton. We need to procure prizes ahead of time for the expected winning teams. So far no kids have been signed up.

Registration checks and information needs to be mailed to the following address:

Audi Club of Florida

C/O R.S. Greving

Post Office Box 66156

St Pete Beach, Florida

33706

If you have any questions, please give me a shout at [email protected]

One Last Thing

Regarding the below, we received a few very poignant responses on the open question 5, but would like additional information, consequently, we will keep this open for one more month prior to reporting on. All responses will be logged then destroyed and remain anonymous.

Once upon a time, the chapter members had some input in the car choice. That was when the raffle was simple, probably not 100% totally cricket from some of the comments made over the last few years and the club seemed to purchase the cars from AoA and not in partnerships, which possibly seems to be the case going forward.

The last raffle car was stunning but did not draw like the RS 6, unfortunately as it goes it may have been a bridge too far, too much of a niche car, the fourth car for those who already have three and no space, no clue. In doing the most superficial due diligence as next time we the chapter would like to sell more tickets in support of the ACNA and that we do not go down that niche path twice, perhaps a little survey is certainly warranted.

Please copy and paste the below and send to me at [email protected]. We will put together a summary and report back to our chapter membership and the ACNA.

Please let me know the following

1. Did you purchase raffle tickets for the RS 6?
2. If yes, approximately how much did you spend
3. Did you purchase raffle tickets for the Quattro Coupe?
4. If yes, approximately how much did you spend?
5. If you only had $50 to spend on raffle tickets and had a choice of what car raffle tickets to spend them on, (Chances of winning are the same in each raffle) Would it be for a RS 3 or RS 6.
6. If you did not purchase tickets for the Quattro Coup, why not? Just a few bullets.

A.

B.

C.

D.

Thanks in advance for your participation.

Bob Greving: [email protected]

Frank T. Oliver

It was a spring Saturday morning almost 20 years ago when I first met Frank, along with Ion Bolin Regional Director of AoA, Andreas Baench, Head of the Tampa Audi AG Test Center, five other Audi owners, and the GM of Crown Audi. We were attempting to get things going on the Gulf Coast for the Audi Club of Florida. Frank along with Andreas was to become two of the first Board of Directors of a newly reconstituted Audi Club of Florida. Little did anyone know who was in attendance that morning that some great things were to develop with Frank’s help and guidance. Frank’s sharp wit, dry humor, and uncanny ability to make everyone feel at home were present at every meeting he attended. All that mattered is that you attended. He was the first to recognize a new face, introduce himself and introduce you to someone who was driving a similar Audi. He and his charming wife Mary Sue made sure you were never left out and he would even sit with new members to ensure they felt welcomed, comfortable, and accepted. A most gracious gentleman and ambassador for the club and the brand.

Now Frank was also a numbers guy, being a financial planner, CPA, and private entrepreneur so of course as our treasure made sure our books balanced to a T and our annual IRS taxes were submitted to the ACNA not only on time but actually early. As many may know his son from Houston often joined us at Sebring, in fact, surprised him once by being at one of the tables when we had a meeting on Frank’s Birthday. Frank loved the numerous MPG Rallyes, attended the ACNA Nationals in Austin riding shotgun in his son’s R8, and did the “Tail” with Mary Sue and the boys from the old Cherokee and now Georgia chapter on occasion. The photo above is of Frank and Mary Sue in a TTS Cabrio on the Seven Mile Bridge east of Marathon, following a police escort of three TT’s, Black, Red and Yellow, driving the Red one. The photo was taken by fellow Board member Andreas Baensch hanging out of a chartered helicopter. Just one of the many events that Frank helped plan and execute.

Frank was clearly a car guy, owned a number of Audis including an A6 allroad, A6, S8, A7, and the last an S4. When EV’s came out he was intrigued and probably would have bought an e-tron but Tesla was significantly more advanced at the time. In fact, while owning the A7 and S4 he was also driving Tesla’s. Though retired from the club a couple of years ago, he dutifully continued delivering 20 Quattro magazines every quarter to his client’s businesses in support of the ACNA. In fact, ten days prior to his passing when we had our last breakfast together I gave him 20 of the latest issues. He also had just picked up a brand-new Tesla model X I believe, his third, just subtly and very tastefully pinstriped. Frank’s cars were not only detailed but always pinstriped, nevertheless, one had to look hard. It went back to his youthful High School days working in a gas station and body shop in Oil City Pa.   As we sat over breakfast that morning, he related blowing Raybestos brake dust off of wheel assemblies in the shop and how his pulmonary doctor just told him his lungs had a lining of asbestoses. “Of course, we never thought of it at the time. Sprayed that dust all over the place and then some” and then he chuckled.  I retorted, “My God Frank, that stuff is terminal, did you ever smoke?” His reply was “Never, “Not a cough in a car load”” referring to the Old Gold cigarette’s ad at the time and unfortunately a little gallows humor.

Frank’s hard work in building the ACFL over the years has helped to make the club to what it is today. Those who were along for the ride with him in those early years are going to miss his presence, engaging smile, and constant good cheer.

Cheers and Safe Motoring

Bob Greving

[email protected]

Emerald Coast Region – Panhandle

“If it wasn’t a drizzle, it was a downpour” can pretty much sum up the weather here in the month of August on the Emerald Coast of Florida. Even so, the steady rain could not deter some of our most dedicated ACNA members from gathering for Cars & Coffee of Mobile Bay and Pensacola C&C. Many thanks to Michael Chang, Bud Dannemiller and Sean Sweet for leading the way to these events while I recover from recent foot surgery.

Under the cover of clouds and in cahoots with Audi Pensacola, ECR brought a majority of its long-supporting members together for a special private photoshoot that highlighted our ever-growing region and our very supportive dealership, Audi Pensacola. Be on the lookout for some amazing photos from Andy Hudson with Vinciety Media. They should be coming your way soon. Make sure to show your appreciation for Andy and his incredible photography work. Thanks again, Andy! Looking forward to collaborating with you on many projects in the near future.

We are currently on the hunt for more leaders, especially to the east of Destin and west of Mobile, that are interested in getting Audi enthusiasts together. Please reach out to me, Melisa Wilcox (contact info below) if you fit that bill.

September 2022 Events:

9/10 – Detail Garage presents a private event for ECR @ 6 pm, 5007 N. Davis Hwy, Pensacola, Fl. Product demos, general car care education & social. Food will be provided.

9/17 – Destin Show & Shine 8 – 10 am, Hooters 15015 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, Fl.

9/24 – Pensacola C&C 9-11 am at Detail Garage, 5007 N. Davis Hwy, Pensacola, Fl.

Down the road…The next Audi Pensacola Car Care Clinic will be held Saturday, December 3, 2022, in conjunction with our Annual Holiday Charity Fundraising Event.

All events are posted on our Facebook page: Emerald Coast Region – Audi Club Florida. Keep checking in for updates.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram @emeraldcoastaudiclub.

We are looking for new content and help with our IG presence. Please reach out to me if you are interested in becoming a part of ECR’s IG contributor group. As always, we appreciate Jeremy Chavez’s contributions and assistance as well as all the ACNA Groups that have continued to tag and support us!

Looking forward to the next AudiFam adventure!

Melisa Wilcox

Audi Club North America – Secretary

Audi Club Florida – Director

Emerald Coast Region – ACFL – Region Lead

[email protected]

Platinum Coast Region (Sarasota to Naples)

Platinum Coast Audi Club September 2022

We had a very successful outing on Saturday, August 20th, to the Pop Stroke putting course in Fort Myers. We ended up playing a group scramble (new term for a new configuration of team pairing and large group interaction). This is a Tiger Woods designed course with two types of difficulty. We played the tougher “Tiger” course as opposed to the “Cub” course. And there were challenges! It’s a beautiful facility and we are planning to revisit it when the beastly south Florida sun isn’t so unforgiving during the winter season. During the follow-up luncheon in their well-appointed and all-inclusive menu restaurant, we awarded the lowest score prize (a very cool Audi bicycle lock donated from the collection of Audi toys of Roc Linkov—thanks Roc!) to Aaron Laine; and the booby prize for most strokes over par to our 3-year-old participant, Hiro Dyrek who was thrilled with the miniature TT (also from Roc) just like his Daddy’s race car. Everyone agreed it was very fun—albeit it is very hot!!

Our next event is our variety of a Poker Run which we will run on Saturday, September 17th. If you live in the SWFL area and are reading this newsletter, be sure to drop us an email (address below) to find out more details about this fun adventure. Of course, our endpoint will involve lunch. Saturday, October 8th, will find us on a mystery drive guided by mile-markers and local landmarks. Will there be lunch? —of course! On Saturday, October 29th we will be enjoying a private tour at the Revs Institute in Naples with our own Roc Linkov as our docent extraordinaire.

This is a reservation-only event, and there are just a few spots left, so if you are interested, be sure to email us asap. Our premier event of the year will be our caravan drive up to Hilton Head, SC, to participate in the Concours d’Elegance and the Legends of the Autobahn East car shows. Need more details or information? Go to www.hhiconcours.com or email us for the details. We look forward to meeting up with all the other four regions of the ACNA/FL and then on Saturday to join the Georgia and Carolinas clubs for the cruise into Hilton Head. As always, go out and have some fun with your rings. Be safe and stay healthy!

 

Barb and Rudy Lohff, Leads

Platinum Coast Audi Club NA/FL

[email protected]

facebook.com/groups/platinumcoastaudiclub

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Space Coast Region (Titusville to Fort Pierce/St. Lucie)

No official activity is scheduled this month.

Matthew Guerra Region Lead

Gold Coast Region (Key West to WPB)

Cars and Coffee Miami –September 4^th, 10 am -1 pm Location: 8300 NW 36th Street, Doral, FL.

We are not allowed banners or signs so please look for the group of Audi’s that I will try and hold spots for our members.

Andreas Regalado Region Lead and BoD Member

Gator Region – Gainesville

The Oktoberfest fundraiser will return this year, along with the band from Germany. Brew, brats, football, games, and more will be on tap for this event to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House starting at 10 am. Limited on-site parking – Valet Parking. Attendees are strongly urged to use Uber.