The Southern California Viper Club is renting garage #4 - We'll plan to see all you drivers here!

The "host" hotel information:

Four Points by Sheraton Bakersfield
VIPER DAYS GROUP RATE $84.00
1-800-325-3535 Central Reservation
5101 California Avenue · Bakersfield, California 93309
Phone: (661) 325-9700

LINK TO VIPER DAYS HOME PAGE:
http://www.viperdays.com/home.html

HOTEL LINK:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=822


Pricing and application information now posted on the Viper Days website: http://www.viperdays.com/page.htm?id=68

Please see the attached details for Viper Days.

 8)

I've got my room ;D ???  Goodnight Inn 10 mins from the track 661-764-5121

Guess I'm first again ??? Lance :P

Dave

This looks very interesting to me. From reading the viperdays webpage it looks like I would need to add a hardtop or a rollbar to my SRT10. Is this correct? I would also need to run in the unlimited class due to my extensive motor upgrades, is there a big difference between the classes besides speeds? This would be my first time ever on a track, so I am thinking it may be better to go to a driving school where I can use their car before taking my car onto a track. Also I currently run drag radials and stock pilots, so I would assume I either change the rears to a stock pilots or change all 4 tires to sport cups? What tires are recommended? I put down approx. 800rwhp/720rwtq via a paxton.

Hey James,
You need to get in contact with Dan Everts (ViperX)...
I gaurantee he will have all your answers.



Dave.....I've been busy getting ready for the upgrade....that's my excuse  ;)
Thanks for the hotel #.

Lance

James,

You will love Viper Days.  Cathy and I will be there, both driving our Vipers.  We are planning to go up Friday for a test and tune day with several other Viper owners. 

First, though your car will be classified "unlimited", you will run in the beginner's (green) group.  You won't have much choice on this as you are a newbie with no track experience.  You will also get an instructor, attend classes and you will be glad that you did both.  I started this way two years ago in my supercharged car and had a blast.  I wasted them in the straights - and then they caught me in the turns!

I have done a few driving schools and I always learned something from them, but there is nothing like driving and learning in your own car.

We'll have a garage rented for the so cal group and there should be a pretty good turn out considereing that it's a superbowl weekend.  The dinner on Saturday night is always fun.  Stay at the host hotel if you can.  There are some pretty good rookie discounts too.

As for tires, your drag radials won't make it on the track.  Just run a set of Michelin Pilots Sports, OE tires and wheels work best for your first few times at the track.  Don't mix tires.  They should be the same brand, type and about the same age.  If you are currently running 18's, you can get Pilot Sports in those sizes.  275 / 35 / 18 front and 335 / 30 / 18 rear.  Call JonB at Parts Rack.  He may have some deals on tire / wheel take offs that you can use at the track and save you some $$$.

I don't recommend PS Cups for a supercharged car - I tried them.  The rears can get hot and very greasy with your power level.

Buttonwillow is a great place to learn to drive your car and Viper Days is the best venue.  Archer Racing is onsite if you should have car related issues.  They can fix most anything.

If you act quickly, they have a few hartops that they loan to SRT-10 owners at no charge.  You will need one to run if you don't have a roll bar. 

Remember that you are there to learn and you will be very slow compared to other experienced drivers.  If you like driving your car fast (I saw your video), you should give this a try.  You will likely get hooked like I have.

PM me at [email protected] for more info.

Dan

PS  Again, your in CA now.  Don't get caught running those BFG's on the street by the local police or you may get a ticket.

I have stock pilot run flats on the front currently on my SSR's. Would it be better to run my 18" SSR's all around with a new set of pilots or is there a better tire I can get in 18's?

So its either a hardtop or rollbar. If I go rollbar, do I get to drive with the top down?

How long is each session and do you think I will have overheating issues? I can currently sit in traffic and my temp never goes above 200. Even in my roll on races when I am really beating the hell out of it, it never goes over 200-205. But that is just for short bursts.

Quote from: ViperX on December 22, 2006, 05:39:13 PM


PS  Again, your in CA now.  Don't get caught running those BFG's on the street by the local police or you may get a ticket.

Really.  They are street legal I thought?

James,

18-inch SSR's make good track wheels.  Not sure how wide your SSR's are.  If I were you, I'd likely run regular non-run flat Michelin Pilot Sports front and rear.  275 or 285 / 18 fronts and 335 / 18 rears.  The other option is Michelin PS2's.  They are the newer version of the Pilots but may not hold up too well on the rear of your high horsepower Viper.  Also, I think you could buy just two rear rims and keep your BFG's on the other set for the street / drags.

I would strongly recommend that you get a roll bar for your car.  We have many sections of roads here that are twisty and a bit mountainous.  DC can help with the roll bar either custom or Autoform.  Viper days has a few hard tops and will loan you one if you register early.

You can drive with your top down with a roll bar but you'll need five or six point harnesses and arm restraints (no big deal).  It is fun to drive topelss at Buttonwillow.

The sessions are about 20 minutes.  You should have no overheating issues at that time of the year as it will be cool and if you have a problem, you can quit running any time you would like during a session.  You won't be at full throttle much of the time at your power level. 

I don't have any overheating issues with my Paxton SRT as long as I'm moving.

Hope to see you there.

Dan

James,

The BFG's are dot tires.  They come with only 5/32nds tread depth when new, aren't conventionally rated and wear very quickly.  They look bald almost immediately.  You likely won't have any problems, but if you get a cop with nothing else to do one day, you could get harrassed - it happens.  We also get harassed some times for having no front license plate.  I keep mine in the trunk with a "stick on" plastic front bracket (from Parts Rack) just in case.

I normally run the Nitto drag radials on the street in my SRT.  They aren't quite as sticky as the BFG's but do last longer and are Z speed rated.  No issues with them and the cops yet .....

Dan

sheraton booked, coming friday afternoon. anthony matranga

Normally, the Viper Days group puts a hold on a bunch of rooms.  Did you check this out Anthony?

Dan 8)

I will see you all there, I signed up for Saturday only.
I have booked a room with Four Points Sheraton Bakersfield with the Viper Days group rate.

Dan, i left you a message on your phone, give me a call.

Ray McIntyre

Does anyone know whether or not "spectating" is allowed at the track? I am new to the club and would love to come up and watch... but not interested just yet in racing. I would like to come up and watch as well as meet some of the members. Anyone know if I could come up and watch???

Absolutely OK.  Spectators are always welcome.  FYI: The race group will be qualifying on Saturday and will race on Sunday.  This is a lot of fun to watch.  If you're interested, you can get a room at the host hotel, come up Saturday, join the Viper Days group for dinner Saturday evening and hang out for the race on Sunday.  I have a feeling you won't be a spectator for long... ;D

Sounds great. I will check into a room tonight when I get home from work. I am also very interested in participating sometime in this. I just got the car 5 weeks ago so I am still getting used to it. Being that it would be my first time, it also makes me a litle nervous, so I will check it out and see what I am getting into first... then jump in. Thanks for the info and looking forward to seing you guys soon.

Thom

Here's the link to Viper Days site   http://www.viperdays.com/
If you check their schedule, you will see that they will be back at ButtonWillow Mar 16 - 18.

Lance

Cindy Lux of Naykid Racing may bring her T-1 Viper Coupe race car to Buttonwillow.  It is for sale if anyone is interested.  I asked her to stop by our garage if she makes it.  She is one fast driver. 8)

Anybody heading up to Buttonwillow Friday Late morning?  Anthony Matranga is leaving from Rancho Mirage around 9AM - looking for caravan...

Lance & Bruce will be leaving EARLY Friday morning.  We will meet at Spaghettini's right off the 405 and Seal Beach Blvd.  Leaving at 5:oo am sharp  :o  We will head up the 605 to the 5 frwy and stop off at Roxford Chevron: 12881 Encinitas Ave Sylmar, CA 91342    PH 818-833-1964.  We will be meeting Dave C. there and then head out to ButtonWillow around 6:15 am.  So if anyone from the LA / Valley area wants to meet up with us, that's where we will be.

Lance   

Hey Thom,

If you're  coming to Buttonwillow, be sure and call Courtney at Viper Days to reserve a spot for dinner with us.  It's usually fun.

Dan

I will be driving up Sat. morning for the day and coming back that night if anyone else wants to follow.

Well got my knee healed up so I can get in and out of the car. I will be coming up Saturday morning but will only be there for the day. I have to get back that night for a dinner. I am looking forward to meeting you all and seeing everyone tear up the track. Have a safe drive up and see eyou there bright and early on Saturday.

Quote from: Texas_Venom on February 01, 2007, 08:01:24 PM
Well got my knee healed up so I can get in and out of the car. I will be coming up Saturday morning but will only be there for the day. I have to get back that night for a dinner. I am looking forward to meeting you all and seeing everyone tear up the track. Have a safe drive up and see eyou there bright and early on Saturday.

If you want to drive up with us, you can meet us at the Roxford exit on the 5 at the Chevron gas station at 6:15am. We are also just going for the day and will be leaving right after the race. Be back by 5ish or so.

I would love to follow someone up but I am up in Lompoc (Vandenberg AFB) so I will be taking the backroads over through Maricopa. I am not sure of the exit you are referring to. Do you know approximately what time you will be passing through the 5 and 99 splitoff? I could meet you there and then follow you to the track.
I will check back tonight and if you want can send you my phone number. Thanks and see you tomorrow.

Thom

I don't know where the track is, but my passenger does. :D The exit I was referring to is by the 405/5 interchange. We will be leaving that area at 6am. From there the track is approx. 111 miles. Figure that divided by me driving approx 85mph+++ :D and that is what time I will be at the 5/99 interhchange.

Actually it will be close to where I am coming in. I will meet you guys there around 0800. Have a safe trip and watch out for the CHP.

Well I had fun even though I didnt meet anyone from the club. Next time...

I am so disappointed i didn't get to meet you.  I asked where you where, and was told that you already left... What's up with that????

There were several SoCal members there, a lot of them rookies busy with class, but we always have time - and look forward to - meeting a new member!

Next time Thom, find us! The member's you'll meet are really great people!

Oh it wasnt a problem.  I had a great time walking around and looking at the cars. I knew everyone was busy with the class/driving. So it was nobig deal. I really did have a good time though. I loved the sound of the cars roaring by... especially that white GTS that came around later in the morning. That thing was sooo loud!!!!
I took off at noon to get back. It took me a little longer to get there than I planned and I needed to get back for a concert that night. Plus watching all of those cars really made me want to get out and drive.
I will be down for the Saleen tour so count me in. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Thom ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: Texas_Venom on February 04, 2007, 11:16:51 AM
Oh it wasnt a problem.  I had a great time walking around and looking at the cars. I knew everyone was busy with the class/driving. So it was nobig deal. I really did have a good time though. I loved the sound of the cars roaring by... especially that white GTS that came around later in the morning. That thing was sooo loud!!!!
I took off at noon to get back. It took me a little longer to get there than I planned and I needed to get back for a concert that night. Plus watching all of those cars really made me want to get out and drive.
I will be down for the Saleen tour so count me in. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Thom ;D ;D ;D

Sorry we missed you Thom. We were by the 99 interchange way before 7:30am even with the fog. I saw your car parked in front of mine. I assume you have TX plates. I was the red SRT with NV plates and black wheels. 

Hi guys,

I hope you had a good time at Viper Days and that all made it home safely.  It was great having you SoCal members there to share the event with!

I hope to see you again at our Polar Bear run...

Cathy

 ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

Dan and Cathy....... I can't thank you enough for all that you guys did to make the past 3 days as great as it was.

Having a garage to hang out in, having Terry Rossi there to "coach" us through, and making sure that we were taken care of......
I know that having the added load of the So Cal Members easily added 10 seconds to your lap times.

For those who "thought " about going but didn't........SIGN UP NOW for March.   I cannot say enough about Skip Thomas and this event.   It was the best driving experience I have ever had and I learned so much....It was an absolutely phenomenal.

Thanks again Dan and Cathy!

I echo everything Lance just said.

Dan and Cathy did great as usual.  The SoCal garage was the place to be.

Viper Days is very special.  The instruction is both classroom (6 sessions of 30-45 min's each), covering everything you need.  He hands out a book that you can take with you and refer in the future.

Each track time, you are accompanied with the same instructor.  They help pick lines, when to brake, etc.  Our times went down dramatically each session, as we learned the braking points, turn in points, apexes and car positioning. 

I can't recommend this enough to all those who haven't much track time in a Viper.  I learned the hard way, a year ago, what 500 HP means.  It is very different from anything you might have driven in the past.

The next event is at Buttonwillow in the middle of March.  I am going back.  Lets get a great turn out.

Glad to hear everybody had a great time, learned and practiced a lot.

Happy to hear that everybody is home safe as well.

Too bad I missed this event but sneezing and coughing in my helmet while driving at the limit (probably my own, not the car's), would have been, to paraphrase Ralph Nader "unsafe at any speed"!

Hope to be "up to speed" for Willow Springs and partake in the fun next month.

Hey Phil,

Shoot me a private email if you are planning on going in March.  I might have something for you.

Good weekend.  I got a chance to drive the new coupe and get it sorted out.  This car really performed well.

I had fun even though I was coughing in my helment part of the time - haven't shaken this nasty cold / cough yet.

I took Albert Fattal for a ride on my last run Saturday and he seemed to be "all smiles".

Thanks for the compliments guys.  Next time should be fun too.

Hope to get a good turn out in March.

Dan

 8)

Yo! Oh Great One will be there ;D

To all the So Cal Viper guys I met,

Thank you all for welcoming me at my first Viper event. I had a super great time and enjoyed meeting such a nice and fun bunch of people. I'm a newbie to the Viper club and I'm looking forward to attending more upcoming events. Special thanks to Dan and Cathy for making me feel comfortable and welcomed.

See you all soon.

Ben

Hey Ben,

Glad you could make this.  I know you'll enjoy our group.  I look forward to seeing you and your wife at some of our non-track events.

The only bad news is that you're faster than me!  Just kidding - gives me something to shoot for.

Welcome,

Dan