As a kid, I remember having a deep-seated passion for all things on wheels. It didn’t really stem from anything in particular; I didn’t grow up in a “car” family. By the time I came around, my parents no longer had cool cars or rode motorcycles…but lucky for me my dad taught me early on how to drive. He’d put me in his lap and let me steer down our long drive, and by the time I was eight, he’d let me cruise around the countryside (sshhhh). At nine, I stole my dad’s truck for the first time (again- shhhh). It was exhilarating. I couldn’t believe how amazing it could be to have control of a “powerful” hunk of machinery. I felt free. Dad made the mistake of telling me “only drive as fast as you’re comfortable. Never let anyone push you to drive too fast or be negligent.” Well- I listened to the first bit of advice (thanks, Dad).
I purchased my first car the moment I turned 16. I was told if I wanted to drive (oh- did I EVER!!), I’d have to buy it myself and pay for insurance, fuel, maintenance, etc. It was a 1992 Buick Skylark. White. Automatic (yuck). …but maaaan was it fast (or so I thought at the time). I took every opportunity to race my friends around town. My car got kicked off campus a few times because school faculty witnessed my “extracurricular activities.” Whoops!
Unfortunately, I was never really surrounded by anyone who was as passionate as I was with driving. At 25, I bought a Cobalt SS/TC. It was quick, but it needed a few minor adjustments, then a few more, and a few more, until it was a full on build and I was tearing up the racetrack as often as I possibly could. At that time, I knew how to do the basics: change a tire, the oil, some belts- minor maintenance stuff. By the time I sold the Cobalt, I could proudly say I was capable of taking apart an engine and put it back together properly.
About the time I bought my first RWD sports car (a 2013 Mustang GT), I also met some new friends. Most of them were Euro “elitists”. Many were members of the local Audi chapter, and I was invited to “crash” a happy hour. (See what I did there with the Mustang pun?) For some reason, I kept getting invited. I’d park my loud, obnoxious Mustang in the corner where he belonged.
Josh Flynt started to tell me “you’re going to get an Audi” and I’d play along- “maybe someday” but in all honesty I just didn’t see the real appeal. Sure- their cars were nice- but they were almost “too” nice. I wanted raw horsepower. Something I could work on myself and not pay “luxury tax” on when I needed parts. Here’s where the trouble began. My good friend Anita asked me to pick up her S4 from the dealership and deliver it to her. I got in and smiled. It was a manual. I seriously considered taking a detour on my way (she wouldn’t notice if I were a few hours late, would she?).
I decided to begin my search for a new vehicle. If an S4 popped up in a manual, I’d buy it- otherwise I’d still be happy with my Shelby. A few appeared here and there but none were up to my standards. Until one day, there it was – a B8.5 manual Stage 2. Only downside was its location (Chicago). Not that I’d ever let a little thing like 1200 miles stop me from the car I wanted (did someone say ROAD TRIP?!?!). Two days later, I flew out. The next day I was a proud Audi owner (cue Josh Flynt telling me “I told you so”).
I can’t say I’ll never turn back. I’ve never been the person to actively participate in brand loyalty. My garage as it sits has a 335i, GT500, Miata, Ninja 650, and now, my sweet S4. That being said, I can’t see wanting to get rid of my new toy anytime soon, unless of course I decide to upgrade to one of its big brothers. I really enjoy being surrounded by super knowledgeable enthusiasts to guide me along on my journey in Audi ownership. I am definitely pleased to no longer be the “honorary member of ACLS,” and I can’t wait for my first track event!
Big thanks to Josh Flynt for nagging me to buy my first Audi, and to Anita Tavakley for putting me behind the wheel of hers and making me fall in love!!
