Events Coverage
Event Coverage: VWoA R32 Enthusiasts' Day
By Anthony Garbis, Photos by Author
Jul 13, 2009, 09:48

Ever since the R32 came to our shores in 2004, there has been a friendly rivalry between east and west coast owners. Usually outdone by the west coast in terms of attendance, the east coast finally answered back with a little help from on high – Volkswagen of America. After moving its headquarters from Auburn Hills, Michigan, to Herndon, Virginia, Volkswagen has gotten involved with several local enthusiast events. Thanks to the company’s generosity, all east coast R32 owners were able to have a free driving day at New Jersey Motorsports Park on a recent Friday, the 19th of June.

Organized by TrackDaze in collaboration with VW Parts & Accessories and VWvortex, the 105-car event was the largest gathering of R32s east of the Rocky Mountains. While not as many cars as SoCal R32’s FASTIVUS, the fact that it was held on a Friday and people had to take off work to attend made the turnout exemplary. Best of all, even non-R32 owners came just to hang out and watch the event and socialize.


Other sponsors on hand included C2 Motorsports, who raffled off four ECU upgrades for the R32. HPA Motorsports raffled off a few prizes as well, such as 50% off VAD wireless, 50% off a Haldex controller for either the MkIV or MkV R32, and best of all, a $2000 voucher toward the purchase of one of a turbo kits. TrackDaze raffled off two GoPro Hero Motorsport WIDE cameras, and Induktion Motorsports provided one GIAC R32 ECU upgrade and two low temp cooling kits. Burlington Volkswagen was also on hand selling the latest VW gear out of a Routan’s rear hatch.

Volkswagen also brought a few toys to show off, including a MkV R32 Turbo and a MkV Jetta 2.0T “Cup Edition” with Audi R8 brakes and full coilovers, which was able to keep up with the R32s, although it was let down by less-than-ideal all-season tires which were left on in anticipation of rain that never showed up. Also on hand were the only MkVI GTI in the country and a MkVI Golf TDI, the latter of which was a total surprise for the event. Volkswagen provided ride-alongs all day in the TDI Golf, and it averaged 35 mpg after 90 miles on the track. Best of all, Volkswagen employees were in attendance to answer questions and interact with all of the attendees. Rarely do enthusiasts of other brands get this sort of direct face-to-face contact with the people who are responsible for the cars that are their passion.

All drivers were grouped into three different levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. The Beginner group was lead by a pace car and instructors were provided free of charge. Intermediate stepped it up a notch and ditched the pace car, and allowed point-by passing on the straightaway. In the advanced group the gloves were off and the experienced drivers with their R32s equipped with track tires showed the capabilities of the R32 platform.


At the end of the day, the event closed without a hitch. No accidents, no drama, and just great camaraderie between the owners and sponsors. It is in this respect that Volkswagen owners are in a league of their own. Hopefully for the 2010 event, more R32 owners will participate and finally the east coast can gain its rightful place at the top of the R32 enthusiast kingdom.

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