Topics

Hey Gang,

Speed Ventures will be running the big track at Willow Springs on October 9 & 10.  For those of you wanting some track "warm up time" prior to running Viper Days at Spring Mountain, this event is looking pretty good.  Weather should be warm but not hot and you can run Saturday (intermediate / advanced) or Sunday (all run groups).

Space will be limited so sign up now if you'd like to run.

For more info and to sign up go to:  www.speedventures.com

Cathy and I are planning on it.

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

[NARRA is expecting a "sell out" so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible. I signed up last week.]

Hey Sidewinders,

As above, Viper Days aka NARRA will be running at Spring Mountain October 22, 23 and 24.  It sounds like they will be "rolling out the red carpet" for us once again.

They will have green (beginner), blue (intermediate) and white (advanced) run groups along with a race group.  Instruction is included for all green group drivers.  Drivers are timed and gridded according to lap times to minimize passing and maximize quality track time.  More details to follow.

NARRA is expecting a "sell out" so be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible.  I signed up last week.

This will be the final two races of the season for the Viper Cup aka the ACR-X race series.

The races will be nationally televised on Versus.

Many of Dodge's executives are expected to be on hand for the festivities which will include a Friday test and tune day (for intermediate and advance drivers), a Friday night group reception, a Saturday night group dinner and Award Ceremonies on Sunday.

LODGING:  There are room blocks available at the following hotels:

Best Western (775) 727-5100
Saddle West (775) 727-5100

REGISTRATION:  Click here to register.

Those signed up!

Ken Alker
David Andrews
Tom Antonelli
John Baird
Jim Balestrieri
Connie Bogan
Mike Buckingham
Bruce Conklin
Jeffery Courtney
Steven Dana
Justin Davenport
Harry DeLeon
Dan Everts
Tanner Foust
Justin Fujita
Mike Fujita
Eric Galerne
Michael Greenberg
Peter Hausherr
Glenn Izard
Stephanie Izard
Tim Jelle
Carl Kafarowski
William Katsumata
Bernie Katz
Ben Kawata
Ben Keating
Lance Kouchi
Steve Loudin
Frank Lussier
James Mace
David Mazyck
Tanya Mazyck
Russ Oasis
Scott Pennington
Mike Pennington
Chris Pennington
Eddie Reinsma
Ryan Schimsk
Jim Schlemm
Kobi Sial
Kurt Sollberger
Mark Stokey
Nate Stokey
Jim Stout
Kathy Stout
Adrien Szostak
Juan Valdes
Michael Von Quilich
John Weigel
Charles Weller
Sonny Whelen
George Whelen
Michael Zuieback

[Location]

Hey Guys,

Just received this from Bob:

If you have put on fresh tires and/or bought new parts, have driven as fast as you think you safely can around the track and have still not obtained the lap times that you desire, Bob Blizzard has a one-day seminar especially for you!

Bob's Performance Cornering seminar is for intermediate/advanced road course drivers and racers who want to adopt a proactive approach to rapidly maximizing both their driving skills and their car's potential.   It is designed to enable a driver to fully understand track analysis and suspension dynamics in applying appropriate cornering and braking techniques; to assess car handling while on-track and to adjust tires and suspension components for optimum performance; and to integrate a broad spectrum of understanding in the areas of car preparation and practice techniques to maximize performance driving proficiency.   This seminar is NOT your run-of-the-mill driving instruction class - it comes from the perspective of supporting a driver in his/her pursuit of running improved lap times.

Visit www.performancecornering.com for more information.  $100 per individual, or $150.00 for two (bring a buddy or your mechanic).    Call Bob at (858) 748-0304 to sign up, or with any questions.   Or e-mail to [email protected].    Sign-up closes Saturday, August 21st.

If there is enough interest, I'm pretty sure we could get a group discount.

Please let me know.

Thanks,

Dan


Here's the latest from Bob:

Hi Dan,

The location address is:

141 Santa Clara Street
Arcadia, CA   91006.
Location

The seminar will start promptly at 9:00 am and will run until until 4:00 or 5:00 pm approx.   Bring your own lunch, or there's a sandwich shop next door. 

Thanks,
Bob.

Hey Guys,

Anybody interested in running Willow Springs with Speed Ventures the weekend after Spring Mountain - weather permitting of course?

Heck, the cars will be dirty from SM, so why not?

Dan  <2

Hey Guys,

As you may have heard, the 2010 Viper transmission will be equipped with a .80 5th gear ratio (compared to the current .74 5th gear ratio).  The 6th gear ratio will remain at .50 - gotta love those government mandated CAFE standards.

I've been very pleasantly surprised at how much more usable the new 5th and 6th gears are.  You can actually stay in 6th gear down to 50 mph and still have enough power to accelerate and pass some one if you want to.

This is a very good mod to our very tall geared Vipers - I highly recommend it.  Cost is less than 2k.

Dan

[We will also have time to discuss general driving techniques like braking, corner turn in, mid turn performance, accelerating out of a corner, car balance, car prep]

Hey Sidewinders,

FYI, ex-Viper Days chief instructor Bob Blizzard will be holding a track prep meeting at Lance's shop in Wilmington (660 East D Street) on Sunday, May 23 if we can get at least 10 drivers (hopefully more) to attend.  Cost will be $25.00 per driver and will include lunch.  Please plan to get there by 9:45 AM as class will start at 10:00 AM, we'll break for lunch about noon and have a short follow up session after lunch depending on questions. 

We will also be helping one of our members upgrade their braking system that day which includes installing new Stoptech Aero Rotors, new brake pads, new stainless steel brake lines and bleeding the brakes.  You are all welcome to help Lance and I with this if you are available.  We should be starting this project about 9:00 AM  (Carlos, you'll need to be there at that time with your new parts.)

Bob has driven Spring Mountain many times and will be going over the track turn by turn showing our group the correct "driving line", i.e. the fastest and safest way around the two track configurations that we will be driving that weekend.  We will also have time to discuss general driving techniques like braking, corner turn in, mid turn performance, accelerating out of a corner, car balance, car prep (tires, air pressures, suspension set up, fluids, etc.), gear selection, shifting and other Viper specific driving techniques.  If you have questions on "heel and toe" downshifting with Viper, I can help you with that technique.

Please let me know ASAP if you will attend this event.

Regards,

Dan

Attendees:
Anhtuan P
Ben K
Bruce C
Carlos H
Chris P
Dan E
Eddie A
Eddie R
Gary and Dalton G
George D
Glenn I
John F
Juan V
Justin F
Kobi S
Lance K
Mike F
Scott H
Scott P

[HD Version]

Hey Guys,

Here's a link to the video taken during session 5 on Saturday at Buttonwillow.  During the first lap, I set my lap timer's "start / finish" line after turn two (off ramp).

If you watch closely, you can see me bouncing up and down quite a bit.  Kurt and Jonathan both have race seats and they make a huge difference.  The outsides of both of my knees are still bruised three days after this event.

Jonathan starts out ahead of me while Kurt (grey & black ACR) starts our just a bit behind.  There was quite a bit of slower traffic at first and all of us were held up at times.  About 6 minutes into the video, I see Kurt coming, lift, move over a bit and let him pass me at Magic Mountain.  I then start to chase him (to watch his line) and Jonathan.  Kurt just drives away from both of us but I do eventually catch and pass Jonathan.  The last lap is the 1:59 and after I see that lap time in the display dash between turns 2 (off ramp) and 3 (cotton corners), I slow down and do a semi-cool down lap, then head into the pits.

Interesting thing about watching a video like this is that I can see where I can pick up another 3 or more seconds just by driving better.

<2

HD Version

Low Res

Got my black vert back yesterday from DC after some tuning (went back to the OE computer) and other minor changes.

Funny how I was starting to think my 09 ACR with about 675 hp / 625 tq was fast ..... then the beast returns.

I can tell you this, I'll have to get some practice driving it again as while it's very drive-able and mellow with small throttle inputs, it will flat scare you as the pedal approaches the floor.  DC tuned it for 91 octane gas and it's a very conservative tune, but it still makes over 900 rwhp and over 850 rwtq.

Now, where's that obnoxious guy in the ZR1?

Dan  <2

Hey Guys,

Anybody interested in helping or just coming by and checking the upgrade from OE springs / shocks to Moton Club Sport suspension this Saturday?

If so, Gary Belvedere (and his lovely wife Melissa) and I will be installing Moton Club Sports and new Eibach springs on his 2008 Viper Coupe at his place this coming Saturday, March 27. 

Gary's address is:

5530 Calle Vista Alegre
Yorba Linda, CA 92887.

Click for the map

We plan to start work about 9:00 AM (if I can get Cathy out of bed) and finish the install before 4:00 PM.

Then we will likely BBQ dinner poolside.

Hope to see a few folks come by.

Dan

[For more info and to register go to:]

Hey Guys,

Since we had to move our Spring Mountain Track Event from April to June, I thought some of you (Art and others) would like a group driving event in April - so here it is.

We have already rented a garage for this event and the weather in April should be very mild.

As with all Speed Ventures Events, run groups are available for all driving levels.

If there is sufficient interest, we could hire Bob Blizzard and perhaps a few of his driving instructors.  Let me know at your earliest convenience.

See you at the track,

Dan 

For more info and to register go to:  www.SpeedVentures.com


HOTEL INFO:

Best Western Heritage Inn click to check availability

253 Trask Street, Bakersfield, California 93314-9756
Phone: 661/764-6268 | Fax: 661/764-5181

We reserved: 1 King Bed, Microwave and Refrigerator, Coffee Maker, Continental Breakfast, AAA Rate $76.50/night

Click for Map from Hotel to Track

Just received this:

Great News!

The SRT Track Experience 2010 schedule is now available and posted on our Web site.  Please go to the following link https://secure.srttrackexperience.com/srt/registration/view_events.jsp.to access the 2010 schedule. You will be able to register online immediately with your VIN.  

Please note: The schedule link off of the Home page has not yet been updated, so please always access the current schedule at https://secure.srttrackexperience.com/srt/registration/view_events.jsp.

Our first event kicks off in Laguna Seca on February 3rd.  

We look forward to seeing you at one of our 2010 events!

SRT Headquarters

[OXFORD SUITES, LANCASTER]

Hey Guys,

Speed Ventures will be running Willow Springs Feb 20 and 21.

Come out and drive!

All skill levels open.  We'll have a garage.

For more info go to:  www.SpeedVentures.com

See you at the track,

Dan


HOTEL INFO:

OXFORD SUITES, LANCASTER

$99 Per Night with AAA Discount

  * Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast Buffet
  * Complimentary Evening Reception (excluding Sundays) featuring appetizers and your choice of wine, beer or soda pop
  * Complimentary Hi-Speed Wireless Internet Access

Guys,

Check out this link courtesy of member Eddie Reinsma.

http://www.wreckedexotics.com/newphotos/exotics2010jan04/

Then join us at the track for some driving instruction.

Dan  <2

Hey Guys,

Check this out!

They're shooting another Jack in the Box commercial next Monday, January 11th.  They're looking for a 2008 or newer Red Viper Convertible preferably with NO stripes.  They will pay $500 for the day.  The shoot will be in the LA area and could run from 7am to 5pm.  The "Jack" that drives the car will only so several "feet" at a time – so very little driving of the car will be done.

If interested, please contact Marcello as soon as possible:

Marcello
[email protected]
848 355 8824

Hey Guys,

This just in:

Please join us for the 7th Annual "Tour d'Orange" . This FREE Orange County New Year's Day tradition, for car enthusiast's,  is happening this Fri, January 1st.
Please pass this along  to your members.........
January 1st 2010 The 7th Annual "Tour d'Orange". Now an Southern California tradition for many and arguably the first car event of the New Year. Meet at the corner of Fisher and Redhill in Costa Mesa. Meet at 8:30 AM, maps at 8:45 AM, DEPART AT 9 AM. There is no formal notice besides this. All cars welcome. Please pass this notice to your respective car clubs and like minded enthusiasts.


TJ Wallace
Chips Away
714.350.6070
www.TheClearBra.com
[email protected]

I ran this last year and it was fun.

Dan

Hey Guys,

You've got to check this out:  http://www.viperheadquarters.com/race_vipers/acr-x.html

Here's the press release:

Dodge Targets Road Racing Enthusiasts With 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X

•         Turn-key, spec-series racer aimed at continuing Dodge Viper's storied racing history
•         Dodge and Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team combine best performance attributes of Viper ACR with Viper Competition Coupe
•         Latest special-edition Viper ACR offers improved on-track performance and safety  
•         Dodge Viper Cup spec series will debut in July 2010


December 10, 2009, Orlando, Florida - Dodge today pulled the cover off the newest special-edition model of the 2010 Viper SRT10 lineup. The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X is a turn-key, non-street legal race car that is slated to make its on-track debut in the summer of 2010.  

"The Dodge Viper ACR-X takes the performance attributes of Viper to an even higher level for a wide range of drivers starting with the grassroots racer all the way up to the professional," said SRT Spoksman. "This project is a result of many years of performance engineering expertise from our SRT team, combined with the passion and dedication of Viper Nation, to keep the Viper racing tradition going strong on tracks around the country and the world."

Combining the best performance attributes of the record-setting, street-legal Dodge Viper ACR (American Club Racer) and the safety equipment of championship-winning Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X is powered by the SRT-developed 8.4-liter V10, equipped with factory headers and a low-restriction exhaust system, that produces 640 horsepower (40 more than production model).  

The suspension also is tuned and upgraded specifically for on-track usage, while the weight is lightened by a full 160 pounds (versus the standard production Viper) to take on even the most challenging road course. Additional aerodynamic upgrades improve downforce, while enhancing stability and significantly improving grip in high-speed cornering.

Similar to the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the Viper ACR-X contains factory-installed safety equipment such as a factory-designed roll cage, fuel cell and race seat. Additional racing components are added to meet the significant durability and reliability requirements for on-track competition.

In what will be the final year of production for the current generation Viper, the ACR-X is the third limited, special-edition model to be introduced by Dodge. ""We're going to make 2010 the most exciting year for Viper yet with specially developed cars for the street and the track," added SRT spokesperson. "The ACR-X is targeted at road-racing enthusiasts who want to successfully compete in our ultimate American sports car."

Last month, the SRT team used a testing session at Laguna Seca raceway to shake down the Viper ACR-X for the first time. Behind the wheel was professional driver Kuno Wittmer from the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Championship series, who was able to run consistent 1:31.00 lap times around the 2.238-mile, 11-turn course. Wittmer's lap times were more than 3 seconds faster than the street-legal Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR that holds the production car track record at Laguna Seca raceway.  

"The Dodge Viper ACR-X is incredible," said Wittmer. "After a short warm up, I was running lap times as quick as exotic GT race cars. I was blown away by the power and acceleration, and even more surprised at how the ACR-X navigated the challenging Laguna Seca corners and how friendly it was to drive at the limit."

"All aspects of the car work together perfectly to plant all that horsepower and torque without issue," Wittmer added. "This will be a great package for someone coming out of grassroots racing with a desire to step-up to GT level competition. Dodge nailed it with this one!"

The Viper SRT10 ACR-X is designed to compete in the Viper Racing League, Sports Car Club of America and National Auto Sport Association events.  

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will be approximately $110,000. Production is slated to begin in Spring 2010.

For more information on the Dodge Viper ACR-X, call Viper Race Headquarters at (888) 960-3333 or visit www.viperheadquarters.com  


Dodge Viper Cup:  

The Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X will make its on-track debut in July 2010 in a newly developed spec series called the Dodge Viper Cup, which will be sanctioned by the existing Viper Racing League. Each vehicle in the new series must be the new Viper ACR-X.

Two races per weekend for five weekends will make up the 10-race 2010 Dodge Viper Cup schedule which includes July 9-11 at Virginia International Raceway; August 14-15 at Hallett Raceway; September 11-12 at Pocono Raceway; October 1-3 at Miller Motorsports Park and October 22-24 at Daytona International Speedway.

A contingency program sponsored by Dodge Motorsports and Mopar will pay out more than $200,000 during 2010. Payouts for each race are in cash and Mopar vouchers come as credit toward purchase of Mopar parts and accessories.



Additional cash awards will be made to the top-3 finishers in the Dodge Viper Cup. The 2010 champion will win $25,000, second-place will receive $10,000 and third-place will pay $5,000.  

Viper Racing Heritage:

The Dodge Viper has enjoyed a successful racing heritage that began in 1996 with the original Viper racing entry, the GTS-R, which earned five international GT championships and the 1997-1999 FIA GT championships. It also posted an amazing overall win at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in 1999 – the first for a production-based American car.

The Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, introduced in 2003, delivered the next chapter with its coupe-shaped carbon/Kevlar body and a track-ready chassis, based on the Dodge Viper SRT10. The Viper Competition Coupe has continued the on-track prowess by capturing the 2004 SCCA Speed World Challenge GT title, championships in Formula D Drifting series in 2004 and 2006 and the British GT Championship in 2007 and 2008.

viperheadquarters.com:

Dodge has created a new website designed to showcase the Dodge Viper SRT10 both on the street and on the track. Check out the new online home for all things Viper at www.viperheadquarters.com

Viper Racing League:  
The Viper Racing League is one race series within the group of three (including Challenge Series and Driving School) sanctioned by Viper Days. The series has 11-weekend events scheduled for the 2010 season at some of the country's most prestigious race tracks. For more information including the 2010 race schedule, visit www.viperdays.com
About Dodge:
Dodge is a full line of cars, SUVs and MPVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The product line includes the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Viper SRT10.  
Dodge introduced two new vehicles last year: the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey, the brand's first crossover vehicle and the 2009 Dodge Challenger, a modern-day American muscle car. Dodge also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the minivan during the 2009 model year. With more than 65 minivan-firsts introduced since 1983 and more than 12 million Dodge and Chrysler minivans sold, Chrysler Group LLC has solidified its leadership in the segment. J.D. Power and Associates further acknowledged this leadership by naming the Dodge Grand Caravan the Most Dependable Van for 2009. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to set the mark in the minivan segment with unsurpassed fuel economy of 17 city / 25 highway mpg and minivan-first innovations including the segment's only Stow 'n Go® and Swivel 'n Go™ seating and storage systems. The 2010 Dodge Avenger, with ESC, also earned the 2009 Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Also in 2008, the Dodge Journey entered key volume markets outside North America, joining the Dodge Avenger, Nitro and Caliber. Dodge Caliber was the highest sales volume vehicle for the company outside North America in 2008.

[Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster]

Hey Sidewinders,

Come out and drive with us at Willow Springs.

West Coast Racing, aka the Pantera Club is running this weekend.

Open to all skill levels, instruction available.

Contact Jim Saxton for more info:  626-285-2024 or email: [email protected]

TEST and TUNE is being offered by the track on Friday, March 5.

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

HOTEL INFO:

Guys,

The hotel we have stayed at the last couple of times is the Homewood Suites by Hilton.  It's newer, clean, comfortable bed, just off the freeway, about 20 minutes to the track. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Lancaster
2300 W. Double Play Way, Lancaster, California, USA 93536
Tel: 1-661-940-9194  Fax: 1-661-940-9167 

I want to say about $115 per night w/AAA card - breakfast is included.

OR:

OXFORD SUITES, LANCASTER

$99 Per Night with AAA Discount

  * Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast Buffet
  * Complimentary Evening Reception (excluding Sundays) featuring appetizers and your choice of wine, beer or soda pop
  * Complimentary Hi-Speed Wireless Internet Access

Hey guys,

This just in today from Jon at Parts Rack:

08 ACR KW Suspension
620 miles
Take-Offs, like new
Upgrading, not wrecked. 

$2495.

Want em?  Posting on VCA now. you get first look

JonB - PartsRack, Thanks for your business!
"If It Fits On or In a VIPER"
www.partsrack.com
8a-5p Mon-Fri PT
360.837.3937

[Tomball would like to extend to all of your members Vipers @ Invoice yes this includes the ACR's, I know it sounds too good to be true, with 45 Vipers in stock and another 35 incoming we are motivated to move our cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!]

Hey Gang,

You've got to check this limited offer out.  Now is the time to act if you want a new Viper.

Don't forget about their parts deal, cost plus 10% for all club members.

Dan

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Dan, I hope this e-mail finds you well?  Ben and I have teamed at Tomball to offer the largest selection of Dodge Vipers anywhere in the US. Ben and I would like ADD another incentive besides the already APR of 0%-48, 1.9%-60, 3.9%-72 Months. Tomball would like to extend to all of your members Vipers @ Invoice yes this includes the ACR's, I know it sounds too good to be true, with 45 Vipers in stock and another 35 incoming we are motivated to move our cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This has been offered to our Texas members and with our relationship it is only fitting for us to make this offer to our partner out West.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and have a great Thanksgiving.

Bernie



Bernie Katz
2777 Tomball Parkway
Tomball, Texas 77375

[email protected]
1-281-865-1683

Tomball Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep

[Viper Club and SPRING MOUNTAIN MOTORSPORTS RANCH June 5 & 6]

Viper Club and SPRING MOUNTAIN MOTORSPORTS RANCH
June 5 & 6

Hey Sidewinders,

OPEN TO ALL VIPER CLUB MEMBERS!  So Cal / Nevada Viper Club Member Michael von Quilich invites you to be his guest for two days of driving fun at the private "member's only" Spring Mountain Motor Sports Club in Pahrump, NV.  Gentlemen – Bring your wives!  The Club features a beautiful private clubhouse, sparkling pool and spa... even a masseuse!

Two Tracks!  Exclusive only to Club members and their guests, two exciting track configurations will be featured.  The more technical 3.1 mile configuration will be run on Saturday and the quick 2.7 mile perimeter track will be run on Sunday.  These track configurations are run by SM Members only!  Both configurations run clockwise.

Two Groups!  Participating Viper drivers will be divided into two groups, beginner/intermediate and high-intermediate/advanced.  Voluntary lead/follow sessions will be provided on an informal basis by our group.  In-car driving instructors available for all, and highly recommended for rookies. 

Four run sessions per day.


Click here for the FLYER and COMPLETE DETAILS!  Hotel Info Too!

Please let us know who's coming!

Regards,

Iceman  <2



              CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND PAY WITH PAYPAL 

FYI:  You'll only be charged for the Kickoff Dinner when registering with PayPal - Track fees and additional lunches paid upon arrival at track (Cash or Credit Card) - You'll pay for your own dinner at Tommasino's.

REGISTERED ATTENDEES

Adron Beene -
Anhtuan Pham - Super Villain
Ben Kawata - Banzai Ben
Bob Blizzard - Bullet Bob
Brent Kern - Radical Guy
Bruce Conklin - Deal Maker
Chris Pennington - Razor
Dan Everts - Viper X
David Green - Dusty
Eddie Arguelles - Fast Eddie
Gary Belvedere - Gunner
Glenn Izard - Greased Lightening
George Dauphine - Snake Bit
John Fuchs - Esquire
Juan Valdez - Crazy Cuban
Justin Fujita - Pacman
Ken Alker - Cyber Man
Kobi Sial - Doctor Fangs
Lance Kouchi - Flyin' Hawaiian
Matt Chapman - Mopar Man
Marcela Chapman - Mopar Girl
Mike Buckingham - Wingman
Mike Fujita - Habu
Michael Greenberg - Cheeseman
Mike Sinkinson - Snake
Peter Hausherr - Swiss Power
Scott Hirko - Hirk
Scott Pennington - Striker
Glen & Stephanie Izard - Greased Lightening

ARIZONA REGION

Rich & Kim Link
Barry & JoAnn Kolesar
Jim Schlemm
Roger Morgan and Gloria Smith
George and Loralee McDonald