Feature: First R8 Rally
February 1, 2008
The roar of our R8’s high-revving, 4.2-liter V-8 bellowed
through the hills, as I kept the tachometer above 6,000 rpm. Even the livestock
grazing in the field raised their ears in response to 420 of their mechanical
brethren calling from the Audi’s glass-covered engine bay. Navigating these
patchy roads is not as straightforward, though, when you are at the helm of a
classic.
"It’s not easy getting an old car around on some of these
roads," says Charles Goodman, owner and driver of a 1936 Auburn 852. "It
requires tact and a dedicated effort. In fact, some guys choose not to travel
certain routes because they fear it may be too taxing." A majority of the rally
cars run on skinny tires, with weak brakes and no power steering—many of the
classics tax their drivers as much as the roads tax the vehicles.
"Most of the people out here know their own limits, as well as
the limits of the car," says Swig. "It takes real skill and attentiveness to
drive one of these old crocks well, but you learn a lot about driving from
behind the wheel of an old car."
I, on the other hand, learned a lot about driving from the passenger seat of the R8 as Capello
drove on the fourth and final day. The gated shifter moved in sync with the
clutch, brake, and throttle at his feet, and like clockwork, he hit every apex
without the slightest misstep. "It’s too bad this is not a closed course," said
Capello, who holds 16 victories with the Audi’s Le Mans prototype, which bears
the same R8 appellation. "I could really drive it hard." As we swung around a
blind corner in the opposing lane I began to question his sanity, but never his
ability. I just hoped to make it to the end of the rally—for very different
reasons than the drivers of vintage entries.
Much like the first Mille Miglia in 1927—in which 54 of the 77
drivers returned to Brescia—only two-thirds of the original 67 cars that left
San Francisco actually crossed the finish line. Cheers from several
schoolchildren waving flags on the lawn of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and
Spa rewarded the vigorous and tireless driving. The celebration grew as each car
made its way down the final stretch, and their drivers joined in the party. "If
you spend four days traveling through northern California on the little country
roads that no one ever really drives on, you will witness the beauty of this
event and understand why we do it every year," says Swig. "It’s really quite
magical."
Audi, www.audiusa.com
California Mille, www.californiamille.com
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