The tenth year of Audi Australia’s local Audi Driving Experience programs will be the biggest yet
Ever wanted to drift an Audi RS 6, carve apexes in an Audi R8 or experience hot hatch heaven in an Audi RS 3?
Your chance to do so is back on the cards with the reinstatement of Audi Australia’s Audi Driving Experience program for 2021.
The global pandemic’s local effects saw the Audi racetrack program forced off-track in 2020. But the gradual opening up of Australian borders and its racetracks has seen the Audi Driving Experience (ADE) back in action for 2021, its tenth year of operation.
And the German prestige brand is promising a “bigger and better program than ever”.
Boasting its newest fleet ever, with 23 RS and R8 models worth over $5.5 million in total, in 2021 the ADE will visit Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
That’s the good news.
The challenge to anyone interested and not already on the list is to move quickly – over 90 per cent of the 2021 program is already sold out
In total, ADE will host 28 days at tracks this year, running a two-tiered program to suit drivers’ tastes and experience. The age of the fleet is in part a result of Audi’s unprecedented rollout of new RS models in 2020.
Stars of the programs will be a mix of Audi TT RS and Audi RS 3, 5 and 6 models plus the RS Q8 and mid-engined R8.
At this stage ADE has withdrawn the R8 LMS GT3 racer from its program but insiders suggest it may reinstate a racer-style top-level course using the next-generation RS 3 LMS TCR later in 2021 or 2022.
At base level the ADE Dynamic experience gives attendees “the opportunity to build their dynamic driving skills in a controlled environment, while tasting some of the finest Audi RS models in the range”.
Says Audi Australia: “The Audi Sport Pro driving experience takes the excitement to another level with a focus on the legendary R8 supercar, complete with one-on-one coaching to help attendees refine their track lapping skills.”
Chief instructor of the ADE is long-time specialist driver trainer and raconteur, Steve Pizzati. Pizzati has led the ADE program since day one. Instructors include a mix of Australia’s most accomplished racers including current Supercars stars.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the Audi driving experience in Australia for the last 10 years,” Pizzati told carsales.
“After 2020, I’m delighted that we’re back with a program that, in my opinion, is the best it’s ever been.
“It’s so heartening to see how strong the response in ticket sales has been right around the country, and we can’t wait to deliver an unforgettable experience for all of our participants throughout the year.”
Audi Australia has had a strong start to 2021 in terms of sales – especially with its expanded RS range – and many buyers of those vehicles will be on the list to sample the ADE’s racetrack programs in 2021.
“The return of the Audi Driving Experience is a real highlight for Audi Australia this year,” said Paul Sansom, managing director of Audi Australia.
“Our amazing new Audi RS and R8 vehicles are the showcase within a fully refreshed and COVIDsafe program. It’s clearly the kind of experience Australians have been craving during what was a very difficult year in 2020.”
The good news for carsales readers is you don’t have to buy an RS to graduate from an Audi Driving Experience Dynamic or Sport Pro program. Just follow the link and sign on the dotted line…
Keyword: Audi school’s back