VOI-12 will be in Charlotte NC and while it is a long distance from us here in So Cal, it will be the perfect opportunity to travel out and see/drive (hopefully) the new Gen 5 Viper !
The VCA chose Charlotte for its great track facilities as well as scenic cruise opportunities. There will be a nice road course, karting and the added plus of drag racing.  

The VOI-12 website is up and registration is OPEN !
www.voi12.com (http://www.voi12.com)

(http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/drag3.jpg)

If you are planning on going to VOI-12, do not wait to register !  Since there is no single hotel that could accommodate the entire Viper contingent, the VOI-12 Staff booked all the rooms at 5 different hotels.
The hotels are all VERY close in proximity to each other as seen in the map below.  The Host hotel is the Embassy Suites.
You MUST register for VOI-12 FIRST.  Part of the registration process is to choose your hotel.  Once you have completed VOI-12 registration, your name will be place on the room block for the hotel.  It will take 1 - 2 days for your name to appear on the Hotel's list and until it does, you will not be able to make your hotel reservation. Be sure to follow up with the Hotel to make your room reservations.  The Embassy Suites rate was $149.00/night.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-misc/hotels.jpg)

To take your Viper or not, that is the question.
It is entirely up to the individual.  This is a great driving venue and the chance to drive your car on Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Z-Max 4 lane Drag Strip don't come along very often.  I suggest that those that want to ship their car get together and coordinate a single pick up of 6 cars.  This will yield the best rate.

For those that will leave their car home, there will be a variety of SRT vehicles available.  Cross your fingers that the Gen V Viper is also there for us to drive.

I did some quick checking on Airline flights and found some very good rates flying from LAX ($350.00), or SNA ($274.00) into Douglas International Airport (CLT)  


Attending:
Lance
Eddie A
Art
Hirk
Cuz Mike
Ben
Eddie R
Nino/Ruth
Tom/Shawn
Dan/Cathy
Ron/Nora
Mikan
Gary/Melissa
Brent K
Randy B
David A
Kurt K
Paul H
Armen/Wendy
Tom G
Anthony/Wanda
Jay M
John W

VCA announced the dates today, but not the location. September 27-30

Charlotte, Here We Come!  >g

Planning on shipping the car there and driving back. Anybody else up for it?  <2

 >m

Cathy and I will be flying in, renting a car and taking it as easy as possible.

Hope to drive the new Viper.

Had more fun / less stress in Detroit than in Utah as I didn't have to deal with a truck, trailer and Viper.

Dan  <17

 >m

What's on your mind Glenn,  you seem to be doing a great deal of thinking  >m >v

Nino and Ruth will have to think a little while before we decide to go to VOI 12.  <11 That's enough time, we're going. >g  We will be taking the Dan and Cathy method of getting there.

See you there!

Cathy and I will be flying in and renting a car.

Hope to drive the new Viper.

Rob

I'm in too! Will fly also. >g

I'm driving...slicks in the car as per usual.

Only this time around, I don't want Ben wearing my girlfriend's fancy lingerie!!!

Ah memories!  Good times indeed!  Eddie was lucky not to get beat up on 2 separate occasions while trying to procure the underwear and bra!

 >w
That was a GREAT trip !
Looking forward to doing it all over again.

Hey Nation.....

Many of you may have heard but if not, VOI 12 is scheduled for the weekend of Sept.27th in Charlotte, N.C. Events will include drag racing, road course, auto cross and a scenic cruise. I've also heard the new snake will be there. Check with your clubs for details.....as soon as I have more, it will be posted here........GK

Darn it Stig! I won't be able to steal your girlfriends underwear this time!  >w

I can't believe you're gonna drive that far! Is anyone driving out with you?

Quote from: Banzai Ben on January 17, 2012, 08:00:10 AM
Darn it Stig! I won't be able to steal your girlfriends underwear this time!  >w

I can't believe you're gonna drive that far! Is anyone driving out with you?

The Stig got a huge head start.....he's in the Peach State already.
I love the Southern Belles much better than Hoosiers  >v

Oh yeah, I forgot he was already out that way.  <B

I've never been to VOI.  Would it still be a fun event without the Viper? 

Besides the driving events, what else is there to do and see at VOI?

thanks,
~Jay

Hey Jay,

I've been to 2 VOIs both times with a car and it was a blast!  I know several of our members have attended VOIs without their Vipers and have still had a great deal of fun.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that for those of us who attend VOI without our Vipers they will have the GEN V for us to play with  <H

In addition to the driving events there are always great speakers, entertainment, memorabilia and upwards of 300+ Vipers all in one place, that's all you need to know  >v

Here is the information that is on the National VCA forum:

"The Viper Club of America, in conjunction with the SRT division of Chrysler, is very pleased to announce the 12th Viper Owners Invitational. This spectacular event will be hosted in Charlotte, NC from September 27-30, 2012. Tentative driving activities include road course, autocross, go karts, scenic cruise, and drag strip. As always, excellent meals will be provided Thursday through Saturday, with a special fundraising dinner on Sunday night also included. The event will also feature some great Viper vendor displays, guest speakers, and several vehicles from our friends in Detroit. This will be your opportunity to get up close and personal with the brand new 2013 SRT Viper!" 

I believe we should be getting more information in the coming weeks.

I highly recommend attending.

Thanks, I'm still on the fence, but I'm leaning towards going :)

~Jay

You won't regret going, I promise !

Quote from: Jay M on February 08, 2012, 10:26:52 AM
Thanks, I'm still on the fence, but I'm leaning towards going :)

~Jay

Prepare your self for Viper over dose.  >g

Quote from: Jay M on February 07, 2012, 03:01:10 PM
I've never been to VOI.  Would it still be a fun event without the Viper? 

Besides the driving events, what else is there to do and see at VOI?

thanks,
~Jay

Jay,

This is one of those long weekends that will go by very, very quickly.  Everything is first cabin.  If you are into cars, you should try and make this event.

With NASCAR so close by, my guess is that we'll get to see some really cool stuff beside all of the driving events - in Gen V Vipers for those of us who flew in!

Dan

Was just looking through all the pics that lance has on his site and came across the VOI pics. looks like a ton of fun!
Im thinking and possibly considering going but going to have to wait a few months and wait til it get closer and get a better idea of what all i got going on.

Anyone got an idea on cost for the event? hotel, car rental, event fees? etc....

looks like a ton of fun!
only wish it was closer.

Just checked. Flights on American is only $262 both ways.

I have shipped Vipers to VOI's on several occasion, and it works out pretty great.

VCA sets up discounted rates, and you put your Viper in a fully enclosed, first class carrier.

You simply fly in, pick up your Viper and enjoy it for all the driving events.

I usually send it out with my suitcase, and this saves me hauling it around the airport

On the way back, I put in the stuff from the goodie bag, whatever I have purchased as far as memorabilia, and put inside all my dirty clothes. Pretty slick way to attend.

I do not wash it at the event, so it comes home pretty dirty. First thing I do when I pick it up is give it a good scrubbing to remove all the track smudge. >j

Do you remember about how much it costs to ship the car?  If I were retired, I'd love to take a few weeks and drive cross-country, but at this point in my life I don't want to burn up all my vacation time.

~Jay

Rates vary each time, with fuel costs being a consideration.

Some people ship only one way, and drive one of the legs to have an epic adventure.

Shipping costs depend on how many miles you need to go. They will be published when VCA gets done with their negotiatons.

In earlier years they went with Reliable, but last year in Utah they changed to Passport. Think they get offers from several carriers

Sure they will post the prices as soon as they become firm.

I'm planning on making this trip and will fly there and back.
This will be my first VOI.
Can't wait.

Quote from: ViperX on January 11, 2012, 05:01:50 PM
Cathy and I will be flying in, renting a car and taking it as easy as possible.
Hope to drive the new Viper.
Had more fun / less stress in Detroit than in Utah as I didn't have to deal with a truck, trailer and Viper.
Dan  <17

Sounds like great words of wisdom!

Quote from: hemotox on March 28, 2012, 01:48:12 AM
Sounds like great words of wisdom!

Thank you, Grassssshopper!

My Honor, Master Po!

Looks like there won't be any Gen 5s to drive at VOI. Anyone shipping their car out? I'm in, just want to know if anyone else is.

What host hotel is everyone going to be staying. It would be great if we stayed all together if we can.

Quote from: HyperViper on May 04, 2012, 07:02:00 PM
Looks like there won't be any Gen 5s to drive at VOI. Anyone shipping their car out? I'm in, just want to know if anyone else is.

While the National Board, of which I am a member as Western Zone Director, can make no promises, it is very possible and SRT's intent and hope that we will have some pre-production Gen V cars to drive at VOI 12.

We will have SRT's other vehicles to drive, like the SRT8 Challengers, SRT8 300Cs, SRT8 Jeeps & SRT8 Chargers, so ship your car if you'd like, one of our board members has made a special deal for us with a transportation company.

I plan to fly and drive their cars.

Stay tuned for more details.

Don't miss this one.

Dan  <2

Quote from: speedtactics on May 07, 2012, 02:23:42 PM
What host hotel is everyone going to be staying. It would be great if we stayed all together if we can.

I agree!  Is that how it has been done in the past?

~Jay

Quote from: HyperViper on May 04, 2012, 07:02:00 PM
Looks like there won't be any Gen 5s to drive at VOI. Anyone shipping their car out? I'm in, just want to know if anyone else is.

We're thinking about shipping, not sure yet, it's $1850 one way, but if we can round up 6 snakes, we can get the "truck rate".

In the first week of registrations, over 400 people have already signed up and hotel rooms are going REALLY fast.

My suggestion is that you not wait to make your reservations !

Please let me know who is signed up and I will start a list of attendees.
We had a very good showing in Salt Lake......Let's show them how strong our region is and have an even better contingent there in Charlotte !

Cathy and I signed up for VOI 12 yesterday.

Dan  <2

We signed up a few days ago. Booked our room at the Embassy Wed - Sun

I'm registered.
Had a hard time with the hotel reservation though.
I have to stay at Courtyard Marriot Wed and Thurs then Embassy Fri-Mon.

Ben, you may want to check back with the Embassy to see if those nights open up. I originally had to book wed night at The Courtyard, called back and got Wed at the Embassy.

Ron

Guys,

Here's the contact info I was given for VOI 12.

"Questions? Drop us a note at: [email protected] or give us a call at 888-88-VOI-12 (888-888-6412)."

You many want to try this for hotel questions / issues.

Dan  <2

The long story in short form is this:
The Staff learned a few things from VOI-11,  people would reserve a room under the room block and then for one reason or another cancel.  That room which was once allocated to the VOI went back to the general pool at a higher rate.  Since the room block quantity was now reduced, VOI attendees  were not able to get rooms at their desired hotel for the VOI rate.

Fast forward to 2012: 
VOI-12 did everything they possibly could to block all the rooms at the hotels close to the Charlotte Motor Speedway.  No single hotel could accomodate 1200 people, so they used 5 hotels to accumulate enough rooms for VOI attendees.  In order to prevent losing these valuable rooms to cancellations, you must FIRST register and pay for your VOI-12.  Once you have done this, your name is registered with the hotel  that you select.  After your name has been received by the hotel, you will then be able to make your reservation.
Simple idea and plan which solves the issues of diminishing room blocks.

The biggest issue right now is that the Host hotel, The Embassy Suites, has another group using up a large block of rooms on Thursday night.  If you select the Embassy Suites as your hotel choice, you will only be able to get a room under the VOI room block for Fri - Sun.  You would then have to make a separate reservation at one of the other hotels.  The problem is that you can only select 1 hotel on the VOI registration form....so if you choose Embassy, your name is on the Embassy list.  If you try to call the Courtyard to reserve the Wed or Thurs night, they won't let you since your name is not on the list   >1

So you will have to call or email the staff at VOI-12  (Mary) and ask her to send your name over to the other hotel so that you can complete your reservation.

<t  but this is all so simple  >1

Signed up and ready. >g <13

All signed up, staying at the Embassy suites booked our rooms through VOI for Thursday through Monday and on line for Wednesday the 26th. I am shipping my car. I called www.passporttransport.com and pricing from Newhall,Ca,91321 is $1832 per car. If I can get six cars it is $1369 a car we can have them picked up at my shop so drop off will not be a problem if you want in at the $1369 price we need to get it booked in 2 weeks. I will start a post on it or you can call me 661-713-3089  Eddie.

Alright, I'm in and registered!  I'm flying out without my car and staying at Courtyard by Marriott.   >g

Sweet

Guys,

Just got back from Charlotte last night.

Hotels are all good and only a few minutes from the tracks.

Attendees can drive the "Roval" which includes most of Charlotte Motor Speedway's high speed oval and part of the infield.  In car instruction is included.  4 lane drags, 2 large Auto X's in the drag parking lot, SRT Driving experience in the parking lot and a huge outdoor Go Kart Track that is open all day Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday are also included.

A few of us will also have a chance to ride in a NASCAR race car on the oval at lunch time.....er before we eat lunch!

We also visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame and it was incredible. 

IF we are lucky, if and only if (the board is begging SRT almost every day) we may have a shot at doing some limited driving in the GEN V Viper.

For those of us flying in, buses and people movers are included to get us too and from the local driving events and hotels.

This venue has a bunch to offer, so sign up before it sells out, which is a real possibility. 

http://www.voi12.com/2012VOIFaxForm.pdf

See you at the track, at VOI 12 that is!


Dan  <2

 Dan, thanks for the update.

Add randy b, david a, and kurt k to that list!!!

 >g
Glad you SD guys are coming too !

Paul Hawker is also going, from San Diego. Teresa is a 50/50

Hey Fiona.....Where did all the banners go?   And what's in Paul's back pocket?    >m

I have updated the first post with the people that have officially registered for VOI-12.

For those that have yet to do so and are planning to attend, I strongly recommend that you do so quickly.
The first 3 hotels have already sold out !!  There are still rooms available at the other 3 hotels, but they are expecting those to book up very soon as well.

If you haven't already purchased a raffle ticket for the latest VCA Raffle car, you may want to consider it.  3rd place is two paid registrations for VOI-12    =27

Ok, 3 weeks and counting.....

Whos on what flights to charlotte I'm on us air 163 leaving wednesday, renting a car.

Eddie and Michelle are leaving Wednesday 7:30 us air #1422 see you there my car is already in the track garage  <2  <2

Wow !  The trucker made good time !
See you in Charlotte.   Gonna be a blast.

Yes he did, it had a GPS tracker on it. I was watching him go on his travel and one time I checked on the car he was passing Tom Ball Dodge that is a great sign. See you in Charlotte, this is one State I have always wanted to see. I hope I get some sleep tonight I do not want to get there and fell like  >l

Hey

there is internet service in North Carolina, where are the pictures?

Photos and who are the new officers?

Quote from: Kala on September 28, 2012, 01:34:04 PM
Photos and who are the new officers?

I read on the national site that Dan is the new treasurer. Congrats, Dan!  >v

Sorry for the silence, they have kept us very busy.  Lance has taken hundreds of pictures like he normally does, so I'm sure they're coming soon.

We got to drive the new Viper, and everyone loves it. I can't imagine preferring another sports car to it. Seats are great, shift throws are short and precise, clutch is light, and there's lots of power.

I spoke to Ralph, and he said they are already considering some changes for the 2014 model based on the feedback from VCA members.  I don't know what they are, but some big people don't fit in the seat too well.  I don't know if they are too tall, or too wide. I'm only 5'6", so I had plenty or room.  But I think that no matter what ,it's still more roomie than earlier cars.

~Jay

VOI-12 was non-stop from the minute we landed till the time we boarded the plane for home.
It was a great time to say the very least.  I took over 1200 pictures if that is any indication of all that was going on. 
I have posted about 500 pictures on my site.  www.kouchicentral.com (http://www.kouchicentral.com)

It was sure fun hanging out with the So Cal Club in Charlotte.  We sure made the best of our time there and the memories we all came home with will never be forgotten.

Here are some of the images from Wednesday:

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4728.JPG)
Waiting for our shuttle at the Charlotte Airport

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4732.JPG)
I'm surprised this banner stayed up the entire time with Hawker around.  >l

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4746.JPG)
We had dinner at Quaker Steak and Lube and was joined by Herb and Mike

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4750.JPG)
Sweet GTS-Rs

Thursday morning sure came around early with the 3 hour time change, but we were all excited to check out Charlotte.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4773.JPG)
Best way to start the day was at the Waffle House

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4779.JPG)
Then it was off to the driver's meeting with a familiar face at the helm.  Dan did a GREAT job organizing and planning the track day for everyone.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4795.JPG)
After a quick tour through the city, we headed to the world famous BBQ King for lunch and Cherry Coke.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4852.JPG)
That evening, we all went to the Welcome Dinner

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4882.JPG)
Congratulations to Nino for getting the Region's Member of the Year Award   >v

Friday was our scenic tour day.  It was a 200 mile trip and we saw quite a bit to say the very least.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4916.JPG)
We had a lot of fun on the Party Bus

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4926.JPG)
Morrow Mountain State Park was really pretty.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4941.JPG)
Petty's Garage was amazing.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_4986.JPG)
Lunch at Epic Chop house was delicious.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5016.JPG)
Penske's garage was incredible.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5059.JPG)
But having the entire Nascar Hall of Fame all to ourselves was absolutely mind blowing !

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5067.JPG)
Everyone was there and it was a blast.

Saturday was our day at the track.....Mother Nature decided to come too.  It was a bit wet at times but we still got to drive at almost every station.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5162.JPG)
The Panoramic picture

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5251.JPG)
The Auto-x was a bit more challenging in the rain.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5344.JPG)
And the drags were washed out

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5424.JPG)
But the drift rides sure were fun !

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5436.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5553.JPG)
And driving the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway was a dream come true

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5577.JPG)
Mark and Cathy sure enjoyed the Roval

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5648.JPG)
The highlight of the day was definitely driving the new Gen V

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5662.JPG)
What a beautiful car.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5756.JPG)
Saturday's dinner was hosted by the SRT team and they were at VOI in force.  It was great to be able to meet and talk with so many of them.

Sunday was an open day and with sunny skies, we headed back to the track.  It was wide open and we were able to hit all the driving stations over and over.  TOO MUCH FUN !!!  Thank you SRT for providing great SRT cars to drive.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5761.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5762.JPG)
Even CEO Ralph came out to play

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5771.JPG)
The drag strip was dry and we got in a ton of passes on the 4 lane track.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5814.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/12-18%20VOI-12/DSC_5876.JPG)
The Super Bee sure was fun to drive

 >u As always, AWESOME pictures Lance !!!    >t

VOI 11 was a blast. Lots of track time, Charlotte was a very impressive city with pretty nice people.

Hats off to SRT for having so many of their cars to drive for those who wanted to experience their offerings.

Thought it was a pretty nice touch for them to have Gen V Vipers for us to drive on that little autocross. Many people got several runs in to try out the different suspensions available.

There were so many banners I could hardly close my suitcase  <B <L <K >3 >j <F

Great pictures Lance, it was like I was there.. almost........ >o

Wonder how Ron, Nora and Miken are doing on their driving adventure from VOI to San Diego? <2

Hey guys I uploaded my pics on my web site. Too many to post up. Feel free to check them out and download any that you may want her is a panoramic shot I did at the Saturday morning shoot.
(http://hirkophoto.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v60/p1171859864-5.jpg)

Here are a few GTSR shots from Riley Tech on Sunday
(http://hirkophoto.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v55/p1171917758-4.jpg)

(http://hirkophoto.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v49/p1171906904-4.jpg)

Here are a few of the new 2013 Viper
(http://hirkophoto.zenfolio.com/img/s3/v40/p1171903586-4.jpg)

(http://hirkophoto.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v37/p1171897238-4.jpg)

Great pics Hirko!  Thanks for sharing.

Yup,  proof as to why he is the Professional Photographer    >v

Thanks Lance, Honestly I should hire you to do the photos for me! >u

Here is a link to the pictures I took for V.O.I. 12 we had a blast and glad we took our car.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hisssin1/sets/72157631752139730/

Just went thru all 538 pictures  >v

So cool seeing the same event from a different perspective.   
You have some really great shots too !