The feel, the rush, the speed: these are just a few things that make this 2018 Audi R8 exceptional. It sports a V10 twin-turbo engine that pumps out 1600 HP, contributing to the thrilling speeds it can reach. Modifications give this notable addition to the local car scene a life of its own.
The owner, Shauna Morse, bought the Audi from Sheepey Race in California. Her good friend, Alex Soto, the owner and founder of Sheepey, built the car. The massive V10 motor is located in the back, and it runs on E85, the most common form of flex fuel. The Audi R8 was born in the early 2000s. Many consider it to be Audi’s first supercar–that is, their first street-legal, high performance sports car. It was based on the Audi Le Mans Quattro, a concept car shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show. The R8 was designed to dominate the track and thrive on the road. Shauna is proving that it is certainly capable of both.
Shauna, who also owns Kickin Wings in Wheat Ridge, still races her modified R8 at the Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, location of the Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals. Her current top speed is an impressive 187 MPH down straights and 150 MPH around turns. The Denver area’s bustling car scene makes it a great place for a vehicle like this. She comments, “It’s a huge car scene with many modified and non-modified cars, and everyone loves to see a rare vehicle that someone takes care of.” The scene has a love for cars that goes beyond the vehicles themselves. An entire culture and community is built around cars. In fact, there are regular car meets and active car clubs in Arvada.
Needless to say, the vehicle is eye-catching. Shauna gets approached about the vehicle nearly every time she takes it out. Fellow drivers on the road also tend to give the car looks of admiration. The lively local car scene ensures that there is always someone who will notice the vehicle, although it is not difficult to notice how exceptional it is.
The story of Shauna discovering her love for cars, and this car in particular, goes way back. She says, “I’ve always been a track and car girl.” She has always been captivated by the adrenaline and the roar of the engine. Her dad raced Top Fuel at Bandimere Speedway, the same track she races at now. Top Fuel cars are known for accelerating with astonishing quickness. Ever since her passion for cars was sparked, her favorite place to be is in the shop. Driving is her outlet, similar to many other car enthusiasts. She says, “It’s where I find my peace of mind. Just turn on some music and cruise, hear the sound of the car, and enjoy the open road and some soul searching.”
“It’s where I find my peace of mind. Just turn on some music and cruise, hear the sound of the car, and enjoy the open road and some soul searching.” --Shauna Morse