RS5's first outing - The Ridge Motorsports Park

A5/S5/RS5
#1

So today, I had a track day with the Audi Club NW at the Ridge Motorsports Park.

I haven’t been on the race track prior to this for a year. So my first session, was super rusty LOL! At least the first four laps. Towards the end of the day, I was driving as hard as I used to. My laptimes were decreasing as the day progressed. From the second session to the last session, I shaved around 7 seconds off of my lap time

The RS5 did superbly! So much grip! The handling is different than the B8 S4. The DSG definitely feels different on the race track. Shifts are nice and quick. The V8 is uber responsive and eager in it’s screaming glory.

The pop up rear wing actually does make a difference. It adds grip in the rear (which in turn, allows for much more aggressive throttle steering). I had it down for a few laps and the car was noticeably looser in the rear.

I ran all but the last session in Auto (though Dynamic mode). Sadly, no video of my last session. I forgot to put the GoPro HD back on my helmet. That and I also ran out of gas LOL. Braking from 140mph to around 80-90mph for the first turn and the fuel warning comes on…

I’ll post a video sometime tomorrow of me coming in the hot lane and my brakes were smoking (I came in super hot). I took it out for a cool down, then hopped back in the hot lane. My buddy used a IR Thermometer and my rotors (after a cool down) was at 350F. Not sure what that would translate to at it’s hottest. I really need my rotor paint… No visible damage on the rotors or caliper though. Plenty of pad life still too on the RP2.

Mods that will happen after this (some perhaps not immediately):

  • Stainless steel brake lines. I’m going to have to see what’s out there.
  • Might see if I can tweak the brake ducts to cool it even more. I couldn’t find my temperature paint lol.
    • will see how the brakes look - they cooled really quickly
  • Bigger rotors. Brembo has a 380mm 2 piece rotor with caliper bracket for the RS5. The price point is rather painful though. Will see what other options are out there.
  • GoPro Hero 3+ Black (LOL). My GoPro ate concrete ramp at a gas station once (track day with the B8 S4 - forgot I still had it under the splitter. Broke the case and mount and the GoPro has been a little fuzzy since.

Here’s the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jdDIVssAhg

Also, please turn up the volume. I only had the solid back with me (sigh).

A couple of my friends also said that the car was really quiet on the track. Needs exhaust.

Next month: Oregon Raceway Park

#2

Another video from the session after the past video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMy5RiRQl8A

I was getting a faster with every session.

In all, it was a good shakedown run with the RS5. I will build more confidence and push it harder as I continue to explore the limits on the track! ;D

That urS4 is really fast. On the B8 S4, I would have had to ‘fight’ hard to overtake. The RS5 however, is much more capable.

#3

Cool vids.

So what’s 6k in 5th then?

#4

You’re very smooth…I’d rather see your laps that were more hairy…lol. Want to see that e-diff magic happening…

That DSG programming…damned near perfect in the second session. How come they never let the B8 S4 hold a gear like that in s-mode? I always drove the B8 S4 in M mode on the track but this may make me consider, if DSG programming can fix this S-mode.

Watching this makes me angry still that they never brought the B8 RS4 here. Having a proper V8 with the latest B8 chassis and a wide track RS stance must be truly perfect.

#5

Thanks man. It was so much fun!

6k rpm in 5th gear is ~125mph.

#6

Haha! Thanks! There were a couple of moments when I was pushing the limit but by large, this first track day was ‘getting to know’ the car more than anything. I’m sure I’ll be pushing it more.

I compared the video from the last time I was at the track. The RS5 was faster by more than 10 seconds a lap around this track than my S4. The pace that I have in the corners and coming out of corners is amazing.

I’m absolutely in love with this car on the race track.

The DSG programming was definitely spot on. It’s night and day over the one on the B8 S4. So much better.

#7

Everyone who reviews the rs5 loves the sport auto mode. Says it gets it just right. I think it holds on turns of a certain g as well.

#8

Yeah, I was quite surprised as well as I would come out of corners and the car would be in the right gear (and not need to downshift).

#9

Great stuff, PsYk! Car sounds awesome in those straights.

#10

Thanks man! A lot of people commented that it was rather ‘quiet’ (stock exhaust FTL). But it does have an intoxicating beautiful growl.

#11

Pic that my friend took:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/13565163483_a12e66a16c_b.jpg

#12

I missed this. Good stuff.

Overall good lines.

You should come out to my buddies Black Tar driving sessions put on by Metropolitan Detail… Open lapping and much more run time.

Here is there post on FB:
“Black Tar Addiction has set the dates at The Ridge Motorsports Park for 2014. Join us for the best track days of the year. We are limiting cars, and want to break even for our events. This year pricing will be $400 for the day and include a delicious lunch. The dates are as follows:
May 27th
June 24th
July 8th
August 5th
September 2nd.
If you want to join us please give us a call for payment as soon as possible as slots will fill quickly, and we want to ensure that every day is filled.
Experienced drivers ONLY and NO DOUCHEBAGGERY!!!
Metropolitan Detail
425.233.6068”

#13

Thanks man! Are you planning on going to any of those dates?

#14

Psyk - just have to say that the color of your RS5 is awesome. Probably the best color in full sunlight.

#15

Thanks man! I do love the color!

#16

Every one of them except the July date.

This is an invite only event, so its kept small for a reason. Basically the best track day for the ridge, you can burn through a lot of gas when its open run groups and you trust everyone.

let me know if you want in, and I will give them a heads up that you are okay to play.

#17

At Oregon Raceway Park for the weekend. Super friendly track staff and had the best on track lunch ever lol.

Also, had to bleed my brakes as I lost braking into a tight corner and was about to just take the car off. Pumped the brake pedal a few times and got enough to complete the corner. I had built a big enough gap that I could limp it back to the paddocks.

When I bled the brakes, quite a bit of bubbles and dark fluid (660 fluid too).

I don’t ride the brakes. In fact, it’s quite compressed braking. I do late brake/trail brake quite a bit. Going to look at increased cooling options. That has just gone up on the priority list.

And I need seats and harness badly. ORP has lots of sharp turns. Probably the next thing I get (after brake cooling).

#18

I love that place.

I will be there April 28/29 with Porsche Train. Wanna come?

#19

Man, I’d love to… I can’t take off work for a while unfortunately… :frowning: