To all Viper owners interested in tracking their cars;
The Pantera Club is holding their annual fall track event at Willow Springs on November 3 and 4, 2007. I have attended this event the last two years and it is very well run with safety and fun being the top priorities. It is organized much like Viper days with runs groups based upon driving experience and skill level. Run groups are organized from Green (novice) to Yellow (some track experience) to Blue (driving school, passing experience) to Red (this is really a race group).
Tech requirements are very basic and passengers over 18 are allowed to ride with you on the track with basic safety equipment (helmet, cotton pants, shirt and closed shoes).
See attached flyer for complete details and registration forms.
"In car" instructors are available for those of us that would like them and are highly recommended for Green group participants. I believe our own Ray McIntyre will be instructing at this event.
There is also a race on Saturday afternoon that is fun to watch.
Most of the cars running are Panteras, Ferraris, Porsches, BMW's, Corvettes and perhaps a Mustang, Evo or Subaru. It's fun passing them. Last year Cathy blew by a guy driving a Ferrari in the front straight, embarrassed him in front of his buddies and we're still talking about it.
One of the best parts of this event is the price, it's only $225.00 for the entire weekend for one driver if you sign up before October 16th, you can add another driver for only $25.00. Cathy and I will both be attending and driving this one.
If you are interested in going, sign up early as this event has sold out early the last two years.
If we get enough Viper folks to commit to this event early, we'll rent a garage and get some drinks and snacks together for the group. We could also set up a group dinner on Saturday night.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Dan <2
HOTEL INFORMATION
Best Western Antelope Valley Inn - WSRaceway rate $79 per night (other rates begin at $109)
44055 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534-4412
Phone: 661-948-4651 - tell them you're going to Willow Springs Raceway
Included in rate, raceway guests receive:
Free buffet breakfast
Two free happy-hour drinks
Click here for LINK to Hotel. (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=44055+Sierra+Highway,+Lancaster,+California,+93534-4412,+United+States&daddr=3500+75th+Street+West,++Rosamond,+CA+93560&sll=34.78453,-118.206355&sspn=0.206685,0.32135&ie=UTF8&ll=34.730045,-118.183365&spn=0.206822,0.32135&z=12&om=1)
Click here for MAP from Hotel to Track. (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=44055+Sierra+Highway,+Lancaster,+California,+93534-4412,+United+States&daddr=3500+75th+Street+West,++Rosamond,+CA+93560&sll=34.78453,-118.206355&sspn=0.206685,0.32135&ie=UTF8&ll=34.730045,-118.183365&spn=0.206822,0.32135&z=12&om=1)
I'm in and I already have a garage :)
Hey Carl,
Glad you can make this one.
See you there, unless you can make the TCRA Event Sept 22 & 23.
I picked up new, stiffer sway bars from Archer and a vented hood for my GTS.
New, bigger catch can coming from Dave C.
Anxious to try the car out.
Haven't been to the track in 3 months due to the heat and heat related issues. After trying eveything reasonable including a new radiator, I found out that the water pump bearing had failed at only 8,000 miles and had to replace it.
Hopefully no more issues with the car.
Dan <2
I can't make the TCRA event, very sad. But i will be going Oct 10th to ACRA. I'm probably not going to do anything else to my car for now except for tires although I still need to get up to A&C and get the front bushings replaced. Paul and his wife will be going also with his new <cough> vette.
Hey Carl,
Do you mean your buddy Paul? I ran into him at Fudruckers one Tuesday afternoon in his new copper vette.
Is Paul going to the TCRA or the Pantera Event?
Did you notice that those anti-toe brackets stiffened up the rear suspension of your GTS? They did on my car.
Dan
yeah..that Paul. He's going to the Pantera event. We are also planning on doing the ACRA event Oct 10th. That will be the first time out this season.
I haven't felt a difference on the street yet with the brackets. The Roe fascia kit seems to make more differenct on the freeway than I expected. I think it will be dramatic on the track.
Hey Dan,
Yes I have signed up for the event and I am instructing. Sounds like lots of fun, hopefully we will have a big group of vipers...
ray
Hey Ray,
I bought the Tire Pressure Montoring Tool that you and DC recommended. I'll try it at the TCRA Event. It looks like it will do everything we need.
Too bad you can't make TCRA.
See you soon,
Dan
Dan,
Great, it will be good to use it and see where our temps are as we all come off the track.
Ray
I'm in for this one. The registration form says we need a fire extinguisher. Does anyone know where I can get one? <1
Hey Brent,
I got my fire extenguisher from Roe Racing. It comes with a bracket that mounts to the passenger seat's front two bolts. Simple install and very effective.
I'm guessing that Parts Rack (one of our sponsors) also sells these. I'd give JonB a call.
Dan
PS This is one of those things that all of us should have in our cars.
Thanks Dan. I'll contact JonB. The website does not list it.
Brent
I'm not saying I really did this but once in a rental that couldn't show evidence of being at a track a fire extenguisher from costco was zip tied to a mounting point.
Tech was not an issue at this event.
I bought the one for my viper from Roe with the brackets.
When it comes to a car, zip ties are right up there with duct tape ..... very handy to have.
I just ordered the Roe...
Heres the link
http://www.roeracing.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=14&idproduct=310#details
I plan on going to this event. See you guys there.
Ben
Hey Ben and All,
Make sure and sign up early as they usually sell out. We are already signed up.
Dan 8)
Dan, Looks like a good event and anxious to take my coupe out. Also look at a learning session before Viper Days next year. Few questions, haven't ever been there, how long a drive to track from S OC? I'm thinking Friday night through LA will be a long time, considering Sat AM, should I reconsider? Any local recommendations on geting tech'd in advance? Might not be able to stay Sunday, how many sessions do you think on Saturday? thanks for the help! Mike
Hey Mike,
We plan to trailer my GTS up on Friday, leave mid day and get there before the track closes at 5PM on Friday. It's about a 2 hour ride from OC, traffic permitting of course. If you cannot leave before 1pm Friday from south OC, you should probably leave after 7pm. We normally stay at the Best Western Antelope Valley Inn as it gives a good price break if you mention that you are running at Willow Springs.
These folks are pretty liberal on tech for the entry level run groups and your car is new, i.e. you should not have any problems. Make sure your fluid levels and tire pressures are correct. I complete the self tech form, fax it to DC and have DC sign it and attach a (copy of a) business card per their instructions. You will get to run four sessions on each day, which will be plenty. I can give you a ride in my GTS and show you the driving line if you'd like. As a first timer, you should run in the beginner group and have an instructor. I think club member Ray McIntrye will be there. He's a very good driver and instructor.
You should stay Sunday if you can as Saturday is pretty busy with lots of cars (it's fun to pass them!).Many folks don't drive Sunday and you will get more and better track time.
Make sure to get a helmet rated Snell 2000 or newer and wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and pants with closed shoes as a minimum.
Dan <2
I've got a garage rented, the one next to Saxton's, so stop by and say hi.
Carl
Dan,
thanks for the hotel info, not sure if I can get out of work Friday. Thanks for the tip w/Dan, he went over my car the week after the dyno day. Appreciate your offer on the ride, never been there and except for a couple of SRT events, and VOI it's been about 4 years since I tracked in Phoenix. I signed for the lowest group so I'd get an instructor to show the lines. I'm hopeful if this group is slow I can move up after a session or two. Would like to stay Sunday but have a dealer show in Vegas starting Monday night, not sure? Ordered an extingushier today from Roe, JonB has PS2's and 6 points in the mail. Found a nice set of sidewinders locally. Looking forward to this event and Viper days. Thanks for all the help!
Mike
Mike...have you tracked this car before or driven Willowsprings at all? I suspect you'll have one of the faster cars in your group. It will be good practice for Viperdays when they run there next spring. If you can stay part of Sunday I strongly suggest it. You might, big might, be able to move up a group if you're doing well depending on room.
Hey Mike,
Sounds good. You never know how fast or slow the run groups will be. I'd be careful with moving up in run groups if you haven't run there before. I've been there more than a few times and am still learning this track and exploring the car's limits (which I keep changing with mods!). Saturday is usually very well attended. It can be a very good day to learn passing, learn the line and patience. Sunday is usually faster with fewer cars.
Will you be joining us on Saturday at the Coronado Speed Festival? See the post for more info.
Carl,
We tried to get a garage for the group, but all had been reserved long ago.
See you Saturday.
Dan
Once you rent a garage it stays yours by default which is cool. Paul and I are sharing it but you all feel free to stop by. Bring a chair if you want to sit in the shade.
Carl
Carl, Haven't tracked the '06, not been at Willow. Had my ACR @ VOI, did run it in Phoenix 4 plus years ago. Got out of track days after move here to SCA. Phoenix had 3 tracks within 45 minutes and Eddie Martin was always on hand for tech support, Rich Muzzy, Frank P, Tony Estes and others were great for track advice. Miss that group and looking to find new friends and support out here.
Dan, definately there to learn and not set the track record. Not sure what to expect in the low group, hoping that they'll keep moderate pace since I assume no or limited passing.
You guys both have me convinced to stay for Sunday. Thanks for the support!
Hoping to go to Coronado Saturday, let you guys know
If they have passing it will be point by and only on the straight. I think the slow group starts off with practice passing on the front straight and by sunday goes to point bys. I have some friends and the wife going up and the passenger seat probably won't be empty or else I'd offer you a ride in one of the sessions. There will be a lot of cars on the track as compared to other events like next wednesday's deal.
Carl
Hey Mike,
Carl is right. This group usually lets you pass only in the straights with a point by, which is usually OK when first starting at a new track. Sunday is the better day though, glad you are planning to stay. You'll be glad you did.
We are developing a small group of guys who like to track their Vipers, so keep looking at this board. I'll likely go to the track once or twice a month, weather permitting, through the end of April or mid May, too hot after that for me.
I've had very good success running with TCRA. Viper guys with some experince can run in their "open" group and pass anywhere on the track and the price is really good too. I will likely run with the Alfa Romeo group on October 13 & 14 at Willow to check them out for our group.
Viper Days will be here next year, likely three times. Viper Days is the best of these events with great support and organization compared to others.
Let me know if you'd like to do parade laps at Coronado so I can put you on our list.
Dan
I'm getting an oil change and tech. inspection at DC Performance on Fri., 10/26. I ended up getting the fire extinguisher from Roe Racing. Parts Rack has a contact person for these, but it was easier to see and order online with Roe. I also ordered tow hooks from Parts Rack. I am planning on driving out Sat. morning and then staying Sat. night at the Inn of Lancaster where the registration form said everyone was staying.
See you out there!
Brent ^2
I know a few of us are staying over here.
http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=05050
Not sure of the place though but it's the new "Track" hotel as the previous place became a retirement home. I think the price is $79 per night.
Hey Carl,
This is the new "track hotel". We stayed there a couple of weeks ago. It's "OK" for Lancaster. A bit better than the Essex House in my opinion. Older but clean. Food in the restaurant was good, breakfast is included each morning and was above average. The bar had live music on Saturday night and we got a couple of free cocktails with our room.
We plan to stay there again.
Dan 8)
Anyone else planning to attend? So far I have:
Dan E
Ben K
Carl A
Ray M
Mike B
Brent K
Lee W
OGO, are you coming?
Hey Gang,
We had a very good turn out at the track this weekend. We also met a couple of Viper owners that aren't in our club. 12 Vipers showed up and ran the track. I have to admit, we really kicked some Corvette, Porsche (and other car's) butts this weekend. Our guys are becoming better drivers.
We also had several members show up to watch - which is always more fun when you know the folks driving the cars. I convinced Steve Borecki to take ride around the track with me in my GTS . He seemed to enjoy the ride and likely won't forget it for a while. His wife Carol later took a ride around the track with Lee Walters. I think she's recovered by now!
The Pantera group is runining again next March. I'll keep you posted on this. As long as it doens't compete with Viper days, I'll likely go.
See you at the Christmas Party.
Dan <2
We had a blast even with all the traffic. There was only one car that ever passed me and I repassed him later.
I should have some video up in a couple of days.
Carl
Hi Viper Gang, Yes I did get a ride from Dan and it was the greatest and one I won't soon forget. Now I know what the Viper will do. Everyone should try it at least once if you own a viper. Carol enjoyed her ride with Lee and won't soon forget. It was the quitest 20 minutes from her that Lee should have enjoyed. She is known here as the TALKALATTE. HA HA Thanks to all our viper friends our son came Sunday and also got a few rides from the viper group.
Hey guys I just wanted to say I had a great time at the track with the Viper crew. Cathy,Dan,Steve,Carol,Lee,Mike,Brent,Omar and DeJuan. It was good to meet you all and it was a weekend that I will not soon forget. The first attempt to have my 2000 GTS on the track was a very fun and educational experience. It left me wanting more! I can't wait to do it again. For anyone that missed it here are the photos of my fantastic spin in turn 3-4 also take note the skid marks coming into turn 3 from my rear tires. I think I may have had a bit too much throttle input? Anyway no harm done just had to change my shorts :o
Scott
http://speedtactics.com/trackday/index.html
Great shots!
I like this one ^5
(http://speedtactics.com/trackday/Images/12.jpg)
Wow....GREAT sequence of pictures!!!
Hey Scott,
Nice meeting you at Willow. Hope all is well. There are a couple of track events coming up including an Autocross at Fontana - check the track section of the forum for more details.
Cool pics. If you look closely at the Spin 3 photo, you'll see the front wheels turned in - indicating a slight over correction, and then the car regains traction and goes right where it's pointed. These cars really require gentle, progressive inputs.
Dan <2
Oh now you tell me. I'll try to keep that in mind, but I think it best to just not spin again ;D