Audi owners enjoy track time

Southern Nevada businessman Matthew Wratten bought a 2009 Audi S5 from Audi Henderson about a year ago, and the 25-year-old received an added bonus in that he was able to test the vehicle at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump.

The private motor sports club is the ultimate experience for Audi Henderson clients who can now take advantage of the corporate partnership. The club features a 3.5-mile road course, an elegant clubhouse, a trackside viewing tower, garage rentals, pool, workout facility and massage center, to mention a few of its many amenities.

On a recent weekday morning at the track, situated south of Pahrump just east of Highway 160, Wratten tested his Audi.

"It's absolutely amazing," said Wratten, after climbing out of his 400-horsepower Audi. "It was so interesting to be able to open up the car and see what it has the capability of doing."

Audi Henderson General Manager Jim DiGuilio first visited the private track while sponsoring a race series with client and friend Jim Navarro, and then participated in an Audi Club North America weekend in April.

"I realized that the Audi racing heritage is evident in our street cars, and that very few of our clients ever get to truly enjoy their cars," DiGuilio said. "We are hoping to change that."

As a car enthusiast, Diguilio appreciates the partnership and learning opportunities. "The relationship we have with Spring Mountain is fantastic. We are proud to partner with this exclusive club and allow our clients to enjoy their cars in a safe environment. It is a benefit of buying from Audi Henderson."

Another Audi Henderson customer who capitalized on the agreement with Spring Mountain is recent high school graduate Sarah Bonn, who will be driving a certified preowned A3, purchased from the dealership, when she leaves for Brigham Young University--Idaho next month.

"I had a great time out there," Bonn said. "It was so much fun and I learned a lot about my car. It snows in Rexburg (Idaho) and I learned how to regain control of the car at the course. What a great partnership."

Spring Moutain Motorsports Ranch owner John Morris, who is in the process of adding a hotel and condominiums to the facility, lauded the agreement.

"It's excellent for everyone," said Morris, who purchased the club about 51/2 years ago. "We are foreseeing a long working relationship with Audi Henderson."

Spring Mountain Motor sports Ranch, located about 45 minutes from Las Vegas, provides a year-round location to hone driving skills or treat family, family or business associates to an unforgettable motor sports experience. The motor sports ranch also added a world-class go-kart track, flying club and shooting range.

Audi Henderson, which is currently situated at 310 S. Gibson Road in the Valley Automall, will move into a 30,000-square-foot dealership east of U.S. Highway 95 this fall.

The dealership is part of the Findlay Automotive Group, which was founded in 1961 by the late Pete Findlay, whose son, Cliff, now oversees 21 dealerships in Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Idaho.