motoring April, 2013 | 3
auTobahn counTRy club membeR gaRage
Continued from the cover The facility includes a configurable main track with a 1.5-mile (2.41 km) north track and a 2.06-mile (3.32 km) south track, There is also a full track of 3.56 miles (5.73 km), skid pad, and a 0.8-mile (1.3 km) kart track. The kart track comes with its own fleet and is the scene of races. Racing is a key component of the Autobahn lifestyle. Basso says the Spec Miata is a popular choice for those wishing to pursue the club’s checkered flag. Designed to be an affordable race vehicle, the Spec Miata can be found at Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA) events. Spec Miatas use a specific Bilstein shock with an adjustable coil-over suspension with Eibach springs and adjustable front and rear sway bars and steel braided brake lines. Models with 1.6 liter engines have a race weight of 2300 pounds (1057kg) and first generation cars with a 1.8 liter displacement engine have a minimum race weight of 2350 pounds. “Second generation Miatas”(1999-05) have a minimum weight of 2,400 pounds. The club also has a Performance fleet of Audi’s, BMW’s, Cadillacs, Lexus cars, AMG Mercedes cars, Porsche 911, Nismo Nissan 370Z,
and a Ferrari California. The club requires a $35,000 membership fee to use the tracks and club house, which features a bar, banquet hall and dining facilities with a private chef. There is also a racing school and a defensive driving school for teenagers. The membership includes noted professional drivers like Bobby Rahal and Tom Bagley. The club is home to just about any type of car you can imagine such as Ferrari Dino, a Ford Mustang Boss 302, a Nash Healey, a Ferrari Challenge Stradale, an Allard K2, an Alfa Romeo Zagato, among others. There is a difference, of note, between the Autobahn Country Club and the more stereotypical clubs with the golf courses, tennis courts and often anal dress and conduct codes. When it comes gaining acceptance to the latter, one must often bring wealth, connections...and a pedigree. Basso says the Autobahn member is driven (pardon the pun) by a love of cars and driving, not the pursuit of status and mingling with the right people. “It’s a very low key atmosphere. The members tend to be entrepreneurial professionals. But, most of all, they are car guys. They like to race and they like to drive fast.” n Written by Dan Pelton
Full View oF TRack aT auTobahn counTRy club
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show your vehicle some
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he winter season is coming to an end (hopefully), and it’s time to show your vehicle some love. Auto Detailing is an ideal way to show your love. Typically recommended after winter has passed, detailing your vehicle is not only a sure fire way to retain the value of your investment, but also ensures a sanitary and aesthetically pleasing travel experience for yourself and your family. There are many benefits to having your vehicle professionally detailed;
Resale Value: If you have plans to sell your vehicle, a professional detailing can boost the value to potential buyers. A proper detailing will not only make the vehicle look clean, a deep clean and shampooing will also help remove any odors that could otherwise be offensive to the new buyer. When a potential buyer sees a clean, fresh vehicle, they put a higher value on the sale.
alleRgies/asThma: A professional detailing includes a thorough cleaning of the air vents that bring heat and air conditioning into the vehicle. With time, dust forms in these vents, and blow into the vehicle. A good cleaning will reduce allergy symptoms, and can also benefit drivers and passengers who may suffer from Asthma. geRm RemoVal: Eating, smoking and even drinking in your vehicle can cause your vehicle’s interior to harbor dirt, germs and odor. Professional cleanings not only vacuum the floors and seats of the vehicle, but special tools will be used to get into hard to reach areas of the vehicle. Special tools will also remove any sticky materials that may be in the vehicle’s inner compartments, ensuring all areas are thoroughly cleaned, and all surfaces are disinfected.