<< Prev Page 2 of 2 To run and develop the cars, Audi called in the help of Bob Tullius' experienced Group 44 team, who had previously campaigned Jaguars with great success in North America. Tullius brought along the highly experienced Hurley Haywood as the lead driver. The American was joined behind the wheel by Hans Joachim Stuck when his schedule permitted. In the races he missed, a worthy substitute was found in rally-ace Walter Rohrl.
Although this was Audi's first attempt at circuit racing, Haywood placed second at the opening round and took the German manufacturer's first win at the next. It was the start of a dominant season, which saw Haywood, Stuck and Rohrl score a combined eight wins in 13 attempts. Although in the end winning only two races, his very consistent run earned Haywood the driver's title and the fabulous team effort saw Audi also take the constructor's crown.
Audi's domination did not sit well with the seasoned competitors, and between races the SCCA tried to dial back the 200 Quattro's performance first by increasing the weight from 1,100 to 1,200 kg and later by mandating a tighter air restrictor. The measures proved ineffective as even in its most restricted form, Rohrl managed to drive the big Audi to victory in the final round, clocking the fastest lap in the process.
Succumbing to the pressure of the domestic manufacturers, the SCCA announced the ban of all wheel drive systems altogether from the start of the 1989 season. This left Audi no option but to switch to the rivalling IMSA GT Championship with the even more extreme Audi 90 Quattro IMSA-GTO. This also meant that Audi's first road racer was retired after just a single season. With eight victories in 13 attempts it more than proved Audi's point. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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To run and develop the cars, Audi called in the help of Bob Tullius' experienced Group 44 team, who had previously campaigned Jaguars with great success in North America. Tullius brought along the highly experienced Hurley Haywood as the lead driver. The American was joined behind the wheel by Hans Joachim Stuck when his schedule permitted. In the races he missed, a worthy substitute was found in rally-ace Walter Rohrl.