Capital Area Chapter NorEast: R32 - Capital Idea

In the Southern Virginia countryside near the border of North Carolina sits one of the finest 3.27-mile stretches of pavement on the East Coast, and possibly the entire country. This pavement is Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in its "Full Course" configuration.

Mk5 and Mk4 R32s together at last

Last November, the facility hosted the first annual Capital Area Chapter of the NorEast: R32 for its High Performance Driving Event. The cool and cloudy fall day saw a full turnout of first-time track enthusiasts, as well as experienced drivers eager to get one more track day before winter set in and snow started to fall.

The brainchild of organizers Eric Campbell and Jeremy Jens, successfully brought the experience and exhilaration of a track day to VW enthusiasts. With official sponsorships from EIP Tuning, Volkswagen of America, HPA Motorsport and Induktion Motorsports, the event proved to be a European car enthusiast's wet dream.

EIP displayed many of its products. The tuner also offered participants the chance to ride in its stage 1 R32 turbo, equipped with the latest Race File software. Also on hand was its tuned Mk5 GTI, showcasing the latest software and performance parts. Throughout the day, both vehicles, along with Eric Campbell's Series B R32 turbo, continued to showcase the performance and reliability of EIP products under the grueling conditions of many hours on the track.

Unfortunately, logistical problems prevented HPA from attending, but the company was well represented by Jeremy Jens' FT450 Race R32, a vehicle that demonstrates the outstanding ability of the HPA FT-series turbo kits on and off the track.

VW made an exciting appearance, bringing a white 2008 Mk5 R32, which to date was the only North American public showing of the vehicle in this color. While there's no official word on the color's availability, the fact it was shown may be a sign of things to come.

As if its attendance and vehicle display wasn't enough, VW stepped up, providing all attendees with custom-designed long-sleeved t-shirts to celebrate the event.

Although late in the season and organized in less than three months, the event was an overwhelming success, as shown in the attendance numbers. Official figures showed a total of 134 vehicles at the event, with over 60 Audis and VWs including 23 Mk4 R32s and several Mk5 GTIs. Also in attendance were 22 BMWs and several Porsches, rounding out the European contingent.

The line for the toilets was unexpectedly long

With this impressive mix of vehicles, and run groups averaging around 30 vehicles on the track, there was plenty of opportunity for good-natured passing and high-speed driving. Big horsepower cars like the EIP and HPA turbo R32s, M3s and Porsches easily reached 140mph on VIR's long straights.

Other than a few small glitches, the day ran smoothly thanks to careful planning and the experience of NASA Mid-Atlantic officials, who were on hand to run the day.

With a successful event safely tucked under their belts, Jeremy and Eric have planned the next one for May 19/20, so mark your calendars. For more information on CAC-NorEast: R32, visit capital.noreastr32.org.