Audi Partners With Comedian Stephen Colbert for 2011 Charleston Bermuda Race

Steven Colbert Audi Sailor

Audi Buyers Guide

NEW YORK April 20, 2011; Comedian Stephen Colbert joined Johan de Nysschen, President of  Audi of America, at the 2011 New York Auto Show to announce the formation of Team Audi in the biennial 2011 Charleston Bermuda Race.

"If you're going to win a race, you want to be in an Audi," exclaimed Colbert.  "I tried bolting a mast and sail to an S5 cabriolet and took her for spin on the harbor, and the results were, well...moist!  So I decided if I couldn't sail an Audi, I would ask them to sponsor my boat."  

Taking lead as "Morale Officer," Colbert and crew will set sail this May 21st on a 65-foot ocean-racing yacht dubbed, 'The Audi.'  The spinnaker sail will feature the recognizable Audi rings.  This year will mark Colbert's second time competing in the 777-mile racing event and his first year as Honorary Captain of the Fleet.

"Audi's partnership with Stephen furthers our standing commitment to sports," stated de Nysschen.  "We're proud to support winning teams in this arena and are expecting nothing less than greatness from Stephen and Team Audi.  Not to put too much pressure on them, but we're looking forward to watching the team cross the finish line first this time around."  

"Audi's support in this race is the next best thing to putting a sail on my own Audi and sailing to victory," Colbert stated.  "'The Audi' is a shoe-in to win!"

Traveling around the infamous Bermuda Triangle, the Charleston Bermuda Race has been named one of the most challenging races in the Western hemisphere.  The biennial event kicks off in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, and will commence at the fleets' arrival in Bermuda with a three-day celebration.  

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2010 Audi was the top performing luxury brand in Europe, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Over the next few years, AUDI AG will invest nearly $16 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.co for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.