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From YourSITE.com Miscellaneous Features Editor’s Note: Fourtitude contributor Melissa Knight is one of many active members of the Audi Club North America. This club, instrumental in the organization of Audi enthusiasts for so long, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this coming weekend at its national event in Minnesota. With that in mind, Knight has submitted an interview she recently conducted with ACNA Executive Director Karen Chadwick.
“Nice Audi. You in the club?” is a question I sometimes ask as I approach other quattro owners. If you think you’re in the club just because you own an Audi, we have news: There is an official Audi Club North America (http://www.audiclubna.org/) with nearly 10,000 members ranging in age from 18-85. Founded in 1984 by Frank Beddor Jr., the Club was originally named Quattro Club USA but in 2001 changed to Audi Club North America (ACNA) to encourage all Audi owners to join. Originating as a small group of enthusiasts in Minnesota, ACNA now has 30 chapters including two in Canada. The club has regional, national and international activities that feature High Performance Driving Events (educational clinics, better known as track time); international driving schools in Seefeld, Finland, and Barcelona; tech sessions, teen-driver schools sponsored by Shell; social activities; museum visits, new model roll-outs at dealers — and scenic and challenging drives. You got the picture that there is something for everyone. Based in Wisconsin, Karen Chadwick is the executive director of ACNA and editor-in-chief of its magazine, Quattro Quarterly. While on deadline for the Fall issue, she took a break for a telephone interview. Frank Beddor Jr. was an entrepreneur before he started ACNA. He built and ran more than 20 businesses, and was inducted into the Printing Hall of Fame. As one would expect of someone who founded an Audi Club, he was also an adventurer. Best known stints included his 1950 motorcycle trip from Minneapolis to South America with his Great Dane "Rowdy" on board; his 1953 record- setting water-ski trip down the Mississippi River from Minneapolis to New Orleans (1,800 miles); and hang gliding in Rio at age 79. That said, what can you tell us about Frank’s interest in Audis? Frank owned A8s, S4s and was a firm believer in the quattro system. His passion for Audis did not go unnoticed at AoA in 1984 when an order for FIVE sport quattros came in—think of that…FIVE sport quattros. I can only imagine what the execs at Audi of America were saying, Who IS Frank Beddor? Executive Russ Hill from Audi of America soon approached Frank on the daunting task of forming a club for Audi owners. Like everything Frank took on in life, the formation of the club became a challenge. And of course, he will forever hold the club’s membership number one.
Frank passed away in November 2007 but I think it’s fair to say his mission will always be the foundation for club activities. Yes, his goal was to organize a club for owners of Audi models equipped with quattro, all-wheel drive. By organizing driver schools, Audi owners had the opportunity to experience the benefits of all-wheel drive under high performance driving conditions, learn safety and car control skills, and share their passion for driving Audis. In 1986, Frank organized the first Driver School held at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota. He invited friends and family, and they could bring any car they wanted. He asked the local dealership to provide some Audis for the drivers to compare cars. Many attendees were sold on the quattro system at these first events, and ultimately purchased Audis. To add excitement, Frank invited professional race drivers Bobby Unser, Derek Bell, Michael Galati, John Buffum to appear at ACNA Driving Schools. They would incite some track action. When were you hired as Executive Director? I was first hired as Executive Director in 1995, and I have never met anyone quite like Frank…his energy was endless, his drive was relentless and his passion for Audis unsurpassed. The Club is deeply grateful to Frank and the Beddor Family for all their support through the years. On a personal level, I miss how Frank and I discussed ways to improve and grow the club. I can remember grocery shopping one evening, and my cell phone rang…it was Frank, and he was excited about the new brochure we were creating… So how many Audi clubs around the world are there? There are hundreds of clubs, I don’t really know which was the first, but ACNA is the largest. How does ACNA differ from the slew of car enthusiast clubs, other than the four rings? I think members are independent, take the road less traveled so to speak…they have a crazy zest for the brand and enjoy driving their Audis at events, socials, or just going to the grocery store…they look for excuses to get in their cars and drive! Members are definitely independent. I love the diversity, and the camaraderie among people with such different careers, interests and backgrounds. At the ACNA, there are also lifetime members — what are these people thinking? The lifetime members embody the ultimate zeal, they are Audi brand warriors for life, believe Audi’s technology is the best in the world, the safety of the automobile, quality, and just the sheer enjoyment of driving an Audi.
I can relate to that. What makes Audi Club unique? It’s the passion and volunteer spirit of club members…there was Canadian Peter Draycott, retired RAF officer, at Brainerd International Raceway in his red driver suit and matching leather shoes eager to teach students. At that time Peter was 74 or 75, and he’s still a member ten years later! And then there’s Michigan club member and French chef, Francois Faloppa, who was the first event master for Waterford Hill… I remember early in the morning on the first day of that event Francois unveiled a tray of beautiful pastries—unlike any donuts at the track I had ever seen. I said, “Francois…where did you get these?” His response: I was up at 3:30 in the morning baking! He was event master AND he was baking for club members before the event! It’s the dedication and volunteer spirit of members like Peter and Francois, and the list goes on and on, that have made Audi Club North America the club it is today. “United by passion, defined by spirit” as our slogan goes. We do have some members who do not own Audi's but enjoy track events. Do you encourage other brand-owners to join? I actually coined that phrase for our membership brochure. The Audi automobile is the core reason for the Club’s existence, but it goes beyond the cars, it’s not just a club, it’s a community of spirited and passionate owners that share an enthusiasm for the brand. Everyone is welcome in the Audi Club, other brand owners often become Audi owners, particularly if they have the opportunity to drive an Audi. Even at the ice schools in Austria there are BMW owners that attend. After two days of car control exercise on ice in the Audis, more often than not, their next purchase is an Audi. I’d like to clarify a common misperception--ACNA is not part of AoA or AUDI AG, although it does collaborate in some ways. ACNA is the only Audi club that is officially recognized by Audi of America. AoA President Johan de Nysschen supports Audi Club North America and has encouraged Audi Dealerships to develop relationships with local chapters. We liaise with Audi of America to discuss and develop club programs during the course of the year. Audi of America and AUDI AG have been strong supporters of ACNA for over 15 years. Audi places club membership applications in the owner kits, includes ACNA announcements when they broadcast emails to owners, there’s a link on Audi’s website, some financial support, dealer support, and more. AUDI AG sponsors the club’s membership drive contest and donates eight places in the AG winter driving school each year in Seefeld, Austria. Walter Röhrl has made guest appearances at these events.
Tell us about more the Winter Driver School where people can make their cars do something along the lines of ice skating. The Seefeld venue is a cow pasture in summertime, but in winter it is specially prepared, flooded and smoothed for the ice driving exercises. Under expert supervision, participants can explore the full performance potential of Audi’s A4 quattro. Items covered include driving theory, ABS braking, variable traction, cornering, oversteer-understeer, a timed slalom competition, and more. AUDI AG’s world-class instructors offer first-class instruction, teaching skills that may save a life. Members stay at a five-star hotel in the popular ski resort village of Seefeld, Austria. Combine the experience with skiing or sightseeing and it is the adventure of a lifetime! The itinerary includes a visit to the Audi factory in Ingolstadt. For the non-driver there is plenty to do. Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany’s top alpine resort, which has the charm of an ancient village; ride the Eibsee cable car to the Zugspitz summit for a spectacular view of the Bavarian and Tyrolean Alps; or discover Mad Ludwig’s castle, Neuschwanstein. Test your skiing skills in the Alps or cross-country ski through exhilarating forests. What’s happening at the upcoming 25th Anniversary event on Oct 10 and 11? The Silver Rings anniversary event takes place at Brainerd, MN, and will honor Frank Beddor. The resort is beautiful Maddens on the lake in “north country”. There will be activities for the entire “Audi” family…golfing, float plane rides, bonfire, fall drive, and more. An AUDI AG driving instructor will offer additional training for some of the club instructors, a “train the trainer” of sorts. The driver school will he held at Brainerd International Raceway. Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America will be the guest speaker at the banquet on Saturday night. Other AoA reps include Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer; Jeff Kuhlman, Chief Communications Officer; Younghee Wong, Dept Manager Experiential Marketing; and Phil Satterfield, After Sales Marketing Specialist. Uwe Fricker from AUDI AG and Kevin Thiel from Audi tradition will also be present.
Surely an event not to be missed. After reading only good things about ACNA some people will still want to know how we can rationalize being members of a car club when gas prices are high, there’s concern about CO2 emissions and the economy. I think people who are members of car clubs tend to be more aware of issues relating to the automotive industry…they are the ones that read the car mags, keep up to date on the latest vehicles, improvements, etc and make more informed choices. Car companies’ products are evolving and continually do so…more efficient and economical vehicles are designed…diesel, electric. Gas prices in the US are still relatively low compared to other countries. Although a gallon in the UK is equivalent to 1.2 US gallons, the cost is still substantially higher in the UK, over $6.70+ gallon…in the Netherlands $7.50+ per gallon. American fuel costs are definitively inexpensive compared to what motorists pay elsewhere. You’ll have to look far and wide universally to find less expensive gas, unless it’s subsidized by a foreign government. Car clubs are a means of enjoyment for individuals that are passionate about the cars they own. Many of Audi Club North America’s activities such as socials, picnics, tech sessions, etc. are at relatively low or no cost to the individual. The club’s focus is on driver education, and the club provides avenues for members to learn car control techniques at driver schools, or for their teens to practice car control skills. Worthwhile activities, that could in fact, save a life someday. So, in that respect alone, certainly valuable. And the end, people still need to have some sort of recreation in their daily lives, and if they are car fanatics, clubs provide a means of enjoying and learning at the same time. Speaking of value, we should let people know about the member loyalty program which grants a $500 cash incentive to members who purchase or lease a new or Certified Pre-Owned Audi. It’s well worth the $44 annual membership fee. Be sure to join the club at least six months prior to the date of vehicle purchase or lease in order to take advantage of this offer. How do you see the Club developing in the next 25 years? And in relation to the Audi brand over the same period? The Club, as the Audi brand, needs to continue to evolve. Chapters are continually offering a variety of experiences to members, and a means to share those experiences with each other—whether it’s at events, through pictures on the web, videos. ACNA needs to expand club benefits that are not offered elsewhere, and that’s where the Club has always excelled…through its chapters, members and volunteers providing a means to enjoy their Audis. The members are the heart and soul of the Club. Frank didn’t just create a car club, he created a community. It’s the spirit of the members and volunteers that offers an experience that goes beyond owning an Audi. Experiences that last a lifetime. Having met one of my best buddies through the Club, I’ll add friends that will last a lifetime. Thanks very much, Karen. I’ll let you get back to work, and I’ll look forward to receiving the next issue of Quattro Quarterly.
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