I rolled to the Nascar race on Sunday in our long-term 2009 Audi S5. Last week, we posted on Straightline that Ford will introduce a Nascar version of their Mustang.
Huh. I wonder if Audi would like to enter the series with the S5. That's because due to its excellent suspension and Quattro all-wheel-drive grip, the production version at least is utterly stable and composed at speeds over 100 mph. (I mean, a professional driver on a closed course told me.)
Albert Austria, Senior Engineer @ 10,500 miles
dougtheeng says:
10:43 AM, 10/13/09
maybe its the Canadian in me, but i definitely don't get the appeal of nascar.
ssaxsma says:
11:16 AM, 10/13/09
I'm from the States and I don't either, but I think it's because I'm not white trash enough. Plastic cups full of Miller Lite and fat people wearing embroidered hats and faux leather jackets don't much thrill me
fuhteng says:
11:16 AM, 10/13/09
I don't think a European company would be caught dead with a car in NASCAR. I'm sure it would do fine, especially on the courses were you turn left AND RIGHT, but no, it is not going to happen.
misterfusion says:
11:35 AM, 10/13/09
Presumably Audi would at least turn out a better-looking vehicle. That NASCAR Mustang is about the dorkiest thing I've ever seen -- and I *LIKE* the 2010 Mustang.
bankerdanny says:
12:37 PM, 10/13/09
misterfuion, Nope.
All NASCAR vehicles use identical bodyshells, chassis, and engines. A "Mustang" differs from a "Camry" only in the paint job that attempts to mimic the appearance of the referenced vehicle.
clarkma5 says:
01:16 PM, 10/13/09
What's the point? As bankerdanny says, the cars have nothing to do with their production counterparts.
And yeah, the new NASCAR Mustang is a disgusting pile, despite the 2010 Mustang being one of the best-looking sub-exotic cars on the market today. I can't watch NASCAR, but I'd love to see it become like an American version of V8 Supercars: production-based american V8 coupes and sedans racing on all the road courses our country has to offer! Or at the very least something more like DTM.
misterfusion says:
03:33 PM, 10/13/09
bankerdanny: You're right of course (-1 for me). But some vehicles fit the proportions of the bodyshell at least somewhat adequately. And others are Mustangs.
I wish WRC was more popular in this country. Hell, I'd even watch a televised "LeMons" race (especially if it had funny commentary). Just about any race that included right turns would get my attention...
alman08 says:
08:43 PM, 10/13/09
As I read somewhere before, NASCAR is so old school and low tech, only __________ would still be racing it. Why would and should Audi be interested?
ace47 says:
11:29 PM, 10/13/09
"maybe its the Canadian in me, but i definitely don't get the appeal of nascar."
I'd say its the common sense in you, something a lot of Americans lack. Drifting, Rally racing and F1 have a lot more going on then just going round and round. Even tuner Import DVDs for that matter are a better way to use up your time.
NASCAR is about as exciting as watching proffesional drag racing, common sense doesn't have to play a role. But then, I suppose you need something to entertain simpletons....
johnnyr3 says:
03:06 AM, 10/14/09
The Audi exec that even suggests they get involved in NASCAR will be the same one that will be emptying their desk the very same day.
I tried. I watched one race for an hour and a half. Couldn't take it. I watched Ben-Hur instead. At least I get a bit of theater with my Circus Maximus.