Audi decided to build a car to compete in the 1989 IMSA GTO series based on their 90 sedan, which seemed at the time like an unlikely choice for a race car. Once it was unveiled, it made a little more (less?) sense. With a tubular space frame, 720hp, Quattro all-wheel drive and super-wide carbon fiber bodywork that kind of resembled the 90 sedan, it was obvious Audi wasn't messing around with this one. Working with extremely tight deadlines to build, test and sort a car that was purpose-built from the ground up, they dealt with their fair share of issues. Once the car was sorted though, it was a complete monster. It was unable to compete in several rounds that year, including the Daytona and Sebring endurance races, but still won 7 times and narrowly lost the manufacturer's championship to Ford.

I have fond memories of seeing Hans Stuck driving like a complete lunatic on his way to earning the car's first victory at the Summit Point Grand Prix that year. As I recall, they lapped most of the field on the way to an easy victory. I was only 9-years old, but the sights and sounds of that day with my dad and grandfather played no small part in the eventual creation of 8380.

Check out this recap video of Audi's one and only year in IMSA GTO, a very worthwhile watch.

Considering myself highly inspired by the subject matter, we've just released the Grip Advantage design today, available for purchase in the Shop.