bugzy
06-18-2004, 03:37 PM
June 18, 2004
Bryan Joslin, Brad Beardow & Jamie VonDruska
It takes a pretty special event to draw several hundred VW enthusiasts to the desert of central California, but DubWars 2004 offered something more than just a show. Now in its fourth year, DubWars has established itself as the premier West Coast happening for VW and Audi enthusiasts.
What sets DubWars apart from other gatherings is its full weekend of activities. VW enthusiasts of all persuasions can find something to do over the two days on which the event is held. Driving events included drag racing, autocrosss, track lapping and road racing. Audiophiles could check out the SPL and Sound Quality competitions. And of course, the main event was the car show, allowing owners to clean up and show off the latest modifications to their rides.
Saturday consisted primarily of hot lapping sessions on the Buttonwillow road course. Drivers were divided into run groups according to skill levels. The action was as much fun for spectators as it was for drivers. Perhaps the most spectacular sight of the day, as well as the most unfortunate, was the engine fire on the Audi A4 from Eurocode Tuning. An apparent fuel line failure caused the fire, which quickly engulfed the front half of the car. Luckily, no one was injured, and Eurocode will most likely use this mishap as an opportunity to do some more radical development on what is left of the car. We probably haven’t seen the last of this A4.
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/084__scaled_600_001.jpg
Keeping the momentum of the day alive, crowds gathered at the Willow Inn Suites parking lot for an official show pre-party on Saturday night. A DJ was on hand to get thing rocking. Several of the show cars lined the perimeter of the parking lot, giving a taste of what would follow on Sunday. DubWars’ organizers thoughtfully arranged for a mobile powerwashing service to be available as well.
The main attraction at the pre-party was the burnout contest. Half a dozen drivers pulled up to the wet spot in the parking lot to make some smoke. The crowd cheered as tires were mercilessly shredded and entire cars disappeared into the think haze of spent rubber. The hands-down favorite was the DCI Caddy with members performing a double keg stand in the bed of the truck, which was also filled with water to resemble a pool. Other notable entrants included a V6 Eurovan and an R32!
Back at the track on Sunday, there was a flurry of activities. Car show participants were positioned in the aisles created by the impressive array of vendor booths. Most of the cars shown displayed a very clean style, with an emphasis on European-spec modifications. An interesting trend, however, was the retro-street-rod look known as Rat Style, with several cars sporting flat black paint jobs and minimalistic styling enhancements. One stunning throwback even featured “Baby Moon†chrome hubcaps and whitewhall tires, looking more like a modified ’50 Mercury coupe at first glance.
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/118__scaled_600.jpg
At the same time the show was taking place, performance enthusiasts could take part in the drag racing or the track event. The highlight for many people was the opportunity to see the Dahlback Golf, the EIP R32 turbo, and the HPA R32 TT on the track together.
Sunday was definitely the best day to attend if you simply wanted to spectate, as there were numerous activities to watch at any given time. The balcony on the timing tower proved to be not only a great place to catch some shade, but also the best vantage point for most of the day’s happenings.
If you need a reason to travel west just once a year, DubWars could be it. It’s difficult to imagine a VW enthusiast not finding something to enjoy at this event. In addition to all the great cars on hand, the famous laid-back West Coast atmosphere meant that everyone seemed to be having a great time. The spirit of the VW family is alive and well at DubWars. See you there next year.
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/article_851.shtml
Bryan Joslin, Brad Beardow & Jamie VonDruska
It takes a pretty special event to draw several hundred VW enthusiasts to the desert of central California, but DubWars 2004 offered something more than just a show. Now in its fourth year, DubWars has established itself as the premier West Coast happening for VW and Audi enthusiasts.
What sets DubWars apart from other gatherings is its full weekend of activities. VW enthusiasts of all persuasions can find something to do over the two days on which the event is held. Driving events included drag racing, autocrosss, track lapping and road racing. Audiophiles could check out the SPL and Sound Quality competitions. And of course, the main event was the car show, allowing owners to clean up and show off the latest modifications to their rides.
Saturday consisted primarily of hot lapping sessions on the Buttonwillow road course. Drivers were divided into run groups according to skill levels. The action was as much fun for spectators as it was for drivers. Perhaps the most spectacular sight of the day, as well as the most unfortunate, was the engine fire on the Audi A4 from Eurocode Tuning. An apparent fuel line failure caused the fire, which quickly engulfed the front half of the car. Luckily, no one was injured, and Eurocode will most likely use this mishap as an opportunity to do some more radical development on what is left of the car. We probably haven’t seen the last of this A4.
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/084__scaled_600_001.jpg
Keeping the momentum of the day alive, crowds gathered at the Willow Inn Suites parking lot for an official show pre-party on Saturday night. A DJ was on hand to get thing rocking. Several of the show cars lined the perimeter of the parking lot, giving a taste of what would follow on Sunday. DubWars’ organizers thoughtfully arranged for a mobile powerwashing service to be available as well.
The main attraction at the pre-party was the burnout contest. Half a dozen drivers pulled up to the wet spot in the parking lot to make some smoke. The crowd cheered as tires were mercilessly shredded and entire cars disappeared into the think haze of spent rubber. The hands-down favorite was the DCI Caddy with members performing a double keg stand in the bed of the truck, which was also filled with water to resemble a pool. Other notable entrants included a V6 Eurovan and an R32!
Back at the track on Sunday, there was a flurry of activities. Car show participants were positioned in the aisles created by the impressive array of vendor booths. Most of the cars shown displayed a very clean style, with an emphasis on European-spec modifications. An interesting trend, however, was the retro-street-rod look known as Rat Style, with several cars sporting flat black paint jobs and minimalistic styling enhancements. One stunning throwback even featured “Baby Moon†chrome hubcaps and whitewhall tires, looking more like a modified ’50 Mercury coupe at first glance.
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/118__scaled_600.jpg
At the same time the show was taking place, performance enthusiasts could take part in the drag racing or the track event. The highlight for many people was the opportunity to see the Dahlback Golf, the EIP R32 turbo, and the HPA R32 TT on the track together.
Sunday was definitely the best day to attend if you simply wanted to spectate, as there were numerous activities to watch at any given time. The balcony on the timing tower proved to be not only a great place to catch some shade, but also the best vantage point for most of the day’s happenings.
If you need a reason to travel west just once a year, DubWars could be it. It’s difficult to imagine a VW enthusiast not finding something to enjoy at this event. In addition to all the great cars on hand, the famous laid-back West Coast atmosphere meant that everyone seemed to be having a great time. The spirit of the VW family is alive and well at DubWars. See you there next year.
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/article_851.shtml