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From YourSITE.com Events Coverage One of the unique aspects of Audi ownership within luxury marque circles is the strong level of community. Whether it be the numerous driver schools held by the Audi Club of North America, or the many owner enthusiast events that are held throughout the summer – often in congruence with Volkswagen enthusiast events.
A show fitting the mould of the latter would definitely be H20 International. The event was originally held as an annual get-together for the then New York metro area based Club H20. H20 International (H20i) is today run by F Squared, an events company run by former Club H20 president Jay Shoup. The show has migrated to just outside of Ocean City, MD and evolved into one of the top East Coast enthusiast events to be found.
Unlike some of the other large East Coast events, H20 is all about the show and all about the party. There’s no dragstrip or autocross, and attendees don’t seem to mind that fact one bit. The vendor area isn’t as big, but the enthusiasm is off the charts.
Perhaps part of the appeal to younger attendees is the venue. Ocean City in September is off-season, so an affordable place to stay. Beach houses rented by clubs or groups of owners are a great way to keep the partying out of hotels, and the local constabulary are seemingly born for this beat. Ocean City’s finest are quite accustomed to Spring Breakers, Senior Weekers and Harley Bike Weekers. The intricacies of keeping a bunch of auto enthusiasts in check is no big deal to local police, making less headaches for attendees and show organizers alike.
Like some of the other “shared” events we cover, the number of Audis coming out to this VW and Audi show continues to be on the rise. In perhaps worse sales years for Audi, the number of four-ringed cars on the field were something more akin to an afterthought. This is clearly no longer the case, with hot new offerings showing in large numbers. No surprise, TTs, A4s, S4s and A3s are the most common. There’s also a rise in older Audis showing at the event, Ur S-cars, turbo-converted Coupe quattros and 80s are a nice addition for those searching for something a little bit more oldschool.
Another popular aspect of H20i is the burgeoning number of convoys to the event. New York’s DubAudiGruppe began the trend with their DAGBall Rally, and this year also saw the Long Ball Rally coming in from points west and raising money for charity. The popularity of these events grows stronger and stronger, and we hear the DAGBall in particular saw police escorts from both its gathering point and the New Jersey rest stop where the very large group made a quick pit stop. These convoys are a lot of fun, but not much for traveling incognito.
Like no other event, H20i is a relaxing way to put a close on the summer event season. Renting a beach house with friends and relaxing over a fine beer (yes, drinking is allowed at the Ocean Downs horse track venue) while ogling other enthusiast-owned cars is a fine way to spend an autumn weekend. As always, we’ll see you there next year.
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