Topics

Just caught this on the VCA board.

Dodge to end Viper production in July 2010, new car in 2012.  Check this link.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/breaking-dodge-to-end-viper-production-in-july-10-new-car-in/

Dan

Hi All,

Received this tentative Viper Days Schedule today:

January Sebring International Raceway, Florida
February Willow Springs or Buttonwillow, California
March Texas World Speedway, Houston
April VIR, Road Atlanta or Roebling Road
May VIR, Road Atlanta or Roebling Road
June Gingerman Raceway,
July New Jersey Motorsports Park or Pocono Raceway
August Viper Owners Invitational - TBD
September Texas World Speedway
October Daytona International Speedway

Maybe we can do Spring Mountain with "Deadhead" Michael von Quilich again in October!

Iceman  <2

Hey Sidewinders,

Sent this off to Bob Blizzard today:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Bob,

A few of our guys are asking about attending driving schools.

I'm of the opinion that, at this point with most of our guys, individual instruction in our own cars is the best way to go, i.e. more beneficial to our guys and more cost effective.

Would you be interested in putting together a weekend "on track" driving instruction package with yourself and a couple of top notch instructors for a few guys in our group?

I'm thinking two guys per instructor, alternating in the students cars every session with some classroom in between.

We could likely piggy back on a Speed Ventures (or other track outfit) event at Buttonwillow this fall or winter.  I think Buttonwillow is a better "learning" track than others around here.

If you are interested, please think about your availability, pricing, and other details.

We can talk more about this at our Car Control Clinic in November.

Thanks,

Dan

____________________________________________________________________________________________


Guys, I'd like your input on this subject - I know it would be fun and costs would likely be less than 1/2 of a traditional driving school.

I'd suggest that if we do this, we try and "pair up" with another driver of about equal skill / experience / seat time.

Let me know.

Iceman  <2

Hi Guys and Gals,

Just received this from Paul Shiefer of Head 2 Head who shot the video of Sam Hubinette wringing out the 08 Viper vs 08 Z-06 at Willow Springs and the 01 GTS vs the Daytona coupe.

________________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Dan,

Thanks again for your help on Head 2 Head.  We are back at it.  This time we are producing another series entitled Royal Purple's The Forum Wars.  The show is very similar to Head 2 Head except that owners will be driving their own cars in a drag race, slalom, and short autocross style road race course at Irwindale.  Each episode will have a tease airing on SPEED driving viewers to the longer episode edit online.

One of the match ups is going to be a ZR1 vs Viper.  We are looking for relatively stock car.  We do not need a professional level driver, just someone that has some track time and is comfortable doing a little smack talking. 

Do you have anyone that might be interested?  Socalviper.com will be mentioned in the tease airing on SPEED and throughout the full length episode.  If you have anyone in mind please have them shoot me an email or call on my mobile 949.413.2373.  The shoot will be in early November at Irwindale after the SEMA show.

Thanks,

Paul
________________________________________________________________________________________

As most of you know, I couldn't resist this challenge, so I sent a photo of my ARC to Paul and offered to represent the club in this event ..... and Paul accepted.  Sooo, if you're free that day and want to come out to watch me kick a ZR1's butt, please do!

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

Hey Guys,

There's a group building a new racetrack outside Palm Springs in Desert Center.  Work on the track should be completed soon.

Click here for track map and further info.

Dan  <2

Hey Guys,

Hoped SRT would have solved this, but looks like they didn't!

Check out the oil in the lower intake manifold of my 2009 ACR.

Working on a catch can now.

Dan

Gang,

Just receieved this from JonB at Parts Rack:

Dan and Cathy

Do know a GTS owner that would like a CF Wing on their Viper ? We are again in need of a SoCal [Walnut]  PVP-Mule and can offer a promotional deal to one lucky customer:  50% off, plus FREE professional install!

>NO ONE WILL DRIVE YOUR CAR.

If you have an interested party, please  have them contact me?     [email protected]

Thank You  SoCal VCA
Jon Brobst

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

[Hey Track Guys and Gals,]

Hey Track Guys and Gals,

A group of experienced Viper Club "road course" drivers will be be headed to Spring Mountain Motorsports Park for a weekend of driving October 3 and 4.  For more info on the track, go to:  www.springmountainmotorsports.com

Our hosts will be Michael von Quilich, his wife Virginia and friends. 

The weekend's activities include an early BBQ dinner at Michael's place in Pahrump on Friday night, driving all day Saturday (with at least two run groups, i.e. intermediate and advanced running 4 to 5 sessions), group dinner Saturday night in town at Tomasinos (nice new restaurant) and driving all day Sunday.

Track fees as a guest of several members are only $60.00 per day.  This is a super deal at a very nice facility.  If any of the ladies come along, they'll have a very nice clubhouse to "hang out" at complete with munchies, cocktails and a great view of the track. 

Passengers are allowed and must wear helmets.  We'll have to let you know about passenger suits, if required to wear them or not.

Here's the run group plan:

The Radicals run first at 9:00, followed by advanced sports cars at 9:30 and novice/intermediate at 10:00, then repeat the sked.  Lunch is 12:00 - 1:00.  Radicals race, then adv. sports cars at 1:30, followed by novice/intermediate at 2:00, then repeat the sked.  I am bringing both the ACR and the blue car.  I will use the blue car to do the lead follow for the intermediates.  Track goes cold at 4:00, then we go to Switchcars for appetizers and beer until 5:00.     

HOTELS:

The Pahrump Nugget usually has the best deals, their number is  775.751.6500,  681 S. Hghway 160, which is on the corner of Highway 372 (road from Baker) and 160, www.PahrumpNugget.com    Sometimes they sell out, so I suggest making reservations now.  Two other choices are Saddle West,  1220 S. Highway 160,  turn right at 372/160, located on right side of the highway, 800-433-3987,  www.SaddleWest.com.  Best Western Pahrump, 1101 S. Highway 160, also turn right off 372, on left side of Highway 160, 775.751.5100.  www.BestWesternNevada.com

CLICK ME  <I FOR FLYER WITH SPECIAL INVITE & FURTHER DETAILS <I

Driver's list (so far) includes:

1 Dan Everts - Advanced
2 Ben Kawata, DDS - Adv
3 Lance Kouchi -Int
4 Kobi Sial, MD - Int
5 Kurt Solburger & Ross Murray - Adv
6 Art Pena - Int
7 Bruce Conklin - Int
8 Mike Buckingham - Int
9 Bob Blizzard – Adv
10 David Green – Adv
11 Brendon - Adv
12 Jim Schlemm - Int (AZ)
13 Johnny Yuma - Adv (AZ)
14 Justin Davenport - Int
15 John Fuchs - Int
16 Tim and Shelli Jelle - Int
17 Ken Alker - Int
18 Eddie Arguelles - Int
19 Gary Belvedere - Int
20 Pete Martin - Adv
21 Carlos Hernandez - Int
22 Sean Casey - Int (maybe)
23 Hugh Hoard - Int

There will likely be a few drivers from the Nevada Club in attendance this weekend too.

FYI, Cathy and I are planning to "trailer" our car out leaving at about 10:00 AM Friday, October 2.  We could set up a "meeting place" at the Barstow Outlet Mall Center for those of you interested in caravaning.  We'll be there about 11:30 AM and probably eat at Baja Fresh.

Dan  <2

 

[HOTEL:]

To All,

Come run Willow Springs with the Pantera / Ferrari Club.

Run groups are available for all skill levels and instruction is available.

This is a very friendly group to run with (and is sometimes a bit crowded on Saturday) as prices are very low for two days of driving Willow Springs.

At this event, you'll get lot's of opportunity to practice passing "other cars", like Panteras, Porches, Corvettes, Ferraris, Mustangs, Hondas, etc.....and the weather is usually very good.

For more information, email Jim Saxton of West Coast Racing at:  [email protected] or (626) 285-2024

See you at the track,

Dan   <2


HOTEL:

West Coast Racing has set up a deal with Oxford Suites in Lancaster  (661) 949-3423 (14 Fwy @ K Street)  Mention you are with West Coast Racing Inc.and the rate is $89 a night with a full breakfast.

We'll be staying with the Izards at Homewood Suites by Hilton in Lancaster.  Our AAA rate is $116 per night + taxes.  New facility, nice rooms and it includes breakfast.  Right off of the 14 Fwy at I street.

Hi Guys,

Cathy and I are planning to attend this two day "Fall" (weather should be comfortable) track event at Willow Springs with Speed Ventures.

Driving groups are open for all skill levels and instruction is available for beginners.

If we have enough interest, we can set up a group dinner on Saturday night.

For more info go to:  www.speedventures.com

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

[Hey Guys and Gals, The following post comes directly from the national VCA forum.]

Hey Guys and Gals,

The following post comes directly from the national VCA forum.

Well, it's that time again! Your national officers, board of directors, and regional officers continue to strive to provide you with the greatest car club on the planet. That includes some pretty awesome raffles with some pretty incredible cars. Well, this time we decided to shake things up a bit and offer a totally different kind of Grand Prize. Ready?

We have decided to award the winner of the next VCA raffle dinner for two in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan! We will fly the winner and guest to Detroit where they will then arrange travel to Ann Arbor. Then they will have a wonderful dinner! Cool, eh?

Okay, I guess we can sweeten the pot a little. Joining you for dinner will be a gentleman that helped make the Viper possible, although he now works on the other side of town as the Vice Chairman of General Motors. That's right, you will get to spend some quality time with none other than Mr. Bob Lutz himself - truly a living automotive legend. You will even have the opportunity to visit his home and possibly see a few other cars he keeps nearby. Is that awesome or what?

Of course we could probably sell out a raffle with that alone: We know several folks that would gladly buy tickets to win a chance to spend time with Bob. It is a story you would be telling your friends and relatives for decades to come. But that's not all - oh no, not by any means: During your visit to Bob's house he will hand you the keys and title to his 1998 Viper GTS-R (GT2) built especially for him - the coveted #99 of 100 car. According to Bob, his GTS-R also has a little extra under the hood, courtesy of the folks that built it especially for him when he was the president of Chrysler. You will be the proud new owner of one of the most valuable Vipers ever made and get to take delivery from a true automotive legend.

So how about THAT for a raffle folks? The tickets aren't quite available yet as we are waiting for the license to be approved. Obviously we will let you know just as soon as you can buy them. We know a few folks that will undoubtedly pick up some extra tickets for this one in hopes of owning one of the most collectible Vipers out there - not to mention a delivery experience that you will never forget. We will also offer additional prizes as shown below. We hope you are as excited about this raffle as we are!

2009 VCA Raffle #2 - Tentative Drawing of October 31, 2009

Grand Prize - Airfare for two to Detroit, MI. Personal dinner with Bob Lutz in Ann Arbor as well as a visit to his home. There the winner will receive the keys and title to the #99 of 100 Viper GTS-R (GT2) originally built for Bob in 1998. Plenty of photo ops and a chance to spend time with a true automotive legend.

Second Prize - Set of four Michelin tires (non-race tires), generously donated once again by Michelin.

Third Prize - Optima Battery package including battery, collectible posters, and two tickets to any 2010 World Challenge race.

Rules/Notes: 2499 tickets will be available. The vehicle is used with approximately 7,000 miles as of this writing so there is no warranty expressed or implied. Airfare is up to $500 per person with two people maximum and has no cash value - it cannot be redeemed in lieu of air travel. Scheduling will be subject to the availability of Mr. Lutz, but a personal meet-and-greet is guaranteed. Michelin tire certificate must be redeemed no later than December 31st, 2009.

As always, thanks for the continued support of your Viper Club of America!

Chris

PS. A very special thanks to Maurice Liang who was instrumental in not only bringing up the idea, but also getting the conversation started with Bob. Who knows? Bob might even take the winner up in one of his planes...

[THE TRIP TO WSIR IS A GO - SO PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS]

THE TRIP TO WSIR IS A GO - SO PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS

One of Dave's last wishes was to have his ashes spread at Willow Springs Raceway. 

On October 24th will be joining the Cobra Club at Willow Springs to do this for Dave.

We'll set up several meeting points, drive up to Willow Springs as a group (arrive around 4PM), we'll do "sedan laps" i.e. slow laps around the track for the Viper and the Cobra guys who knew Dave, and allow Arlene and likely son Jeff to stop and scatter Dave's ashes as they see fit. 

Lynn Parks who heads up this COBRA event has offered that at the end of the day, 5PM'ish, we can do our drive around and when we return to the pits, he'll provide beer for one last toast to Dave "OGO" Cawthorne.

Afterwards, we're planning dinner on the way home at BJ's Restaurant in Palmdale (at the Antelope Valley Mall) for an All-You-Can Pizza, Salad & Pasta – Soft drinks, tea and coffee included for $18 per person.


CARAVAN (click for directions)

This caravan starts in Irvine, and makes stops in Sylmar and Lancaster, then to WSIR. 

IRVINE:         Depart:   1:00p.m.    6783 Quail Hill Pkwy, Irvine  (Shady Canyon, STARBUCKS)
SYLMAR:        Depart   2:30p.m.     12881 Encinitas Ave, Sylmar  (Roxford CHEVRON/Denny's)
LANCASTER:  Depart 3:30p.m.       1860 W Avenue I, Lancaster  (CHEVRON)
WSIR:           Arrive 4:00p.m.          3500 75th St W, Rosamond (WSIR)
DINNER:       7:00p.m.                    1325 W Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale (661) 538-9040 (B.J.'S)



Please, let us know if you plan to attend dinner so that I can give BJ's a headcount.

RUN & DINNER

Arlene Cawthorne + 6
Bill O.
Bruce C.
Dave Dolan
Dan & Cathy
Don & Debbie
Drew & ?
Jim B.
Jim & Judy Kenehen
Kala R.
Lance Kouchi
Mike & Cheryl Sinkinson
Mike Greenberg
Mike V.
Nino and Ruth
Glenn & Steph I.
Richard P.
Sean Casey
Steve & Jackie
Tony & Sherrie C


>q

For those of you who don't read the VCA "Big Board", here's an exceprt from one of today's posts:

Chrysler Decides Not to Sell Viper Sports-Car Unit (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

By Mike Ramsey
July 10 (Bloomberg) -- Chrysler Group LLC, the U.S. automaker run by Fiat SpA, said it will no longer pursue the sale of the Dodge Viper sports-car business.
The Detroit plant that makes the $91,000 car, powered by a V-10 engine, will continue production, the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company said today in a statement. The factory had been slated to close at the end of 2010.
Chrysler is keeping the Viper business, which had been for sale since August 2008, after the company was formed on June 10 from assets of the bankrupt Chrysler LLC. The Viper unit had 2008 earnings before interest and taxes of $16 million, according to bankruptcy documents.
The Viper "captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe," Mike Accavitti, chief executive officer of the Dodge brand, said in the statement.
U.S. sales of the Viper fell 48 percent to 309 in this year's first half. The two-seat car, which began sales in 1992, is more than twice as expensive as any other Chrysler model.
To contact the reporter on this story: Mike Ramsey in Southfield, Michigan, at [email protected]

[Hey Guys and Gals,Just learned about this event. Thought some of you might like to attend. Details as follows:]

Hey Guys and Gals,

Just learned about this event.  Thought some of you might like to attend.  Details as follows:

April 26, 2009

10:00am-3:00pm

Our friends at Edelbrock are having a car show Sunday, April 26, and you're invited! It's the 4th Annual Rev'ved Up 4 Kidz charity car show, supporting children with learning disabilities, and it's a full day of fun for the whole family. Join the car show at Vic's Garage, watch the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge, grab an autograph from Vic, and more. Here are the details:

All makes and models are welcome and interested participants can pre-register at www.revvedup4kidz.com. Cost for car entry is $30.00 (pre-registered) or $35.00 (day of show). Show hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and space is limited. Spectators can enjoy the day for Free, but we suggest and appreciate a $5.00 donation.

NEW for 2009, is the addition of The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine challenge; an educational program for auto technology high school students that pits them against other schools in a head-to-head engine build competition.

The Center for Learning Unlimited and their kids can really use your support. We'll see you at the show! Vendors welcome - space can be reserved for as little as $100.00.


Admission: 

Car Registration:
$30.00 (advance)
$35.00 (day of show)
Spectator:
$5.00 (donation)

Where:

Vic's Garage @ Edelbrock
510 Madrid St
Torrance, California 90501

When:

10:00am-3:00pm

For More Info Contact:

Debbie Baker: 714-803-9216 Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Or visit:
www.revvedup4kidsz.com 

Rev'ved Up 4 Kidz Schedule of Activities
Sunday, April 26 - Fun for the entire family!

·10:30 am to 12:30 pm: Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge round 1
·1:00 pm to 3:00 pm: Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge round 2
·3:00: 50/50 drawing

ALL DAY: Live entertainment, brought to you by "The Sprockets", featuring classic and good-time Rock & Roll

PLUS: Concessions, including great food and beverages

Meet Vic Edelbrock

Vic Edelbrock will be on-hand to personally autograph free posters or anything you want him to sign...well, almost anything! This is a special opportunity for any automotive enthusiast. Plus Vic's family will be at his side - meet Nancy "the real boss" and Christi, daughter and Rev'ved Up event organizer. 

Hi Guys,

Just signed up to run Buttonwillow with Speed Ventures.

They are running Race 13 CW.

Good group to run with - we'll be running with them in June at Auto Club Speedway.  They offer beginner, intermediat and advanced run groups.

For more info:  www.speedventures.com

Planning to wring out the new ACR some more.

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

[THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO THE 1ST 20 30 VIPERS TO SIGN UP]

THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO THE 1ST 20 30 VIPERS TO SIGN UP
(Space at the car show location is limited)

Hey Guys and Gals,

Received the following from the local Corvette Club:

Dan


My name is Mike Stevenson.  I'm the president of Corvettes in Motion (Mike is also a retired Marine) and we would like to invite you to our event.

TRIP TO:
THE WOUNDED WARRIOR BATTALION
CAMP PENDLETON, CALIF


CORVETTES IN MOTION of Oceanside invite your members to show their cars in a ONE OFF EVENT.

The Marines of the Wounded Warrior Battalion West at Camp Pendleton have given so much to Our Country and of themselves, that we wish to give a little back to these brave Americans by showing our cars and giving them a simple meal. What better way to show our appreciation then to "take" them a car show?

This event will be on May 2nd, Saturday at 10:00 am to about 3:00pm. We will be leaving from the parking lot of Hometown Buffet, in the K-Mart shopping center at 76 and College, Oceanside CA at 9:30 to go to the Marines Battalion. Leaving and entering the base together is required for base security reasons. You will also need your driver license, registration and insurance papers in your vehicle.

There are NO TROPHIES except the thanks that will be from these American Heroes and their families and the warm feeling in your heart for giving them a wonderful afternoon. There is however a small fee: one pack of hotdogs and a pack of buns per car to share with the Battalion. Homemade salads/beans and things are always welcome as donations. We plan on feeding you and the Marines. Parking will be on grass and roads. The Marines will lend us their BBQ area and facilities.

From the clubs I would like a representative to keep in touch with to make this a great experience for all.  I will need a close count by April 24th.

My info is:

Michael Stevenson Cell 760-586-0656
E-Mail [email protected]


If you're interested in attending, please reply here or email Lance Kouchi at [email protected] by April 24th.  Lance will coordinate the SoCal Viper Club attendees with Mike Stevenson of the Corvette Club.


Planning to attend...
1.  Lance Kouchi     
2.  Dan Everts     
3.  Art Pena     
4.  Curtis Roettger     
5.  Carlos Hernandez   
6.  Craig and Lisa Andrews
7.  Tony & Sherrie C
8.  Craig & Dolly P   
9.  Anthony Matranga
10. Tom and Shawn
11. Jim & Judy K.   
12. Richard & Charlene P.     
13. George & Diane         
14. Ron Sulpizio         
15. Greg Gunther             
16. Paul & Pam           
17. Andy Mercado     
18. Dave & Lisa     
19. Gary Chilcote       
20. Jim Becker     
21.  Steve Cifelli
22.  Scott Pennington
23.  Mike and Cheryl
24.  Kurt Klimple   
25.  Kathy Klimple / Tim   
26.  James Schaffer   
27.  Nino & Ruth
28.  Ron & Mary   
29.  Michael and Sarafina           
30.  Andy Weiss     
31.  Andy Weiss 2nd car         
32.  Mystery Guest

April 2, 2009

Guys, any interest?

Dan

I need an SRT mule in Walnut CA for some aero stuff?

Donor will get a free set of canards installed free, and a CF spoiler at cost! 

Know of any interest?

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

[Attendee List:]

Hi Guys,

Cathy and I visited a SRT Specialty shop in Anaheim recently.  We were both impressed.  >v

When owner Ryan Schumacher offered to hold a dyno day at his shop, I accepted on behalf of our group.  I really hope we can get some cars out for the day to meet Ryan and his crew.

If you are available on Sunday, April 5th, please stop by Stack Performance and check out Ryan's shop.  If you have your car "dynoed", 3 pulls, cost will be only $50.00 per car.  Our goal is 20 cars "dynoed" for the day.  Ryan will split the proceeds as a fund raiser for our club so if we get our 20 cars dynoed, Ryan will cut the club a check for $500.00.

Donuts and coffee will be available for the "early Sunday morning risers" - 9:00 AM and we're planning a BBQ lunch for our group.

Contact info is as follows: 

     Stack Performance, LLC
     1275 N. Lance Lane
     Anaheim, CA 92806

     Ph: 714-630-5055
     Fx: 714-630-5021
     Toll Free: 1-877-STACK-01
     E: [email protected] 

Please RSVP so that we can approximate the number of attendees for Ryan – he's supplying the food for the day.  There might even be a goodie for highest dyno numbers!

I'll have my 2009 ACR with Belanger Headers, Mopar Race Controller and K & N Filters dynoed for the first time that day.

See you there,

Dan  <2

Those interested can caravan from the Shady Canyon Starbucks, Irvine.  Arrive around 8AM, depart at 8:30AM, arrive Stack Performance at 9AM.


Attendee List:

HAVING THEIR CAR DYNO'D & EATIN'
1 - Dan (09 ACR) & Cathy (06 SRTC) Everts
2 - Kobi Sial, MD
3 - Bruce Conklin (Mini)
4 - Jose Avila
5 - Mike & Cheryl Sinkinson
6 - Dave K. & Mariko
7 - Mike Buckingham
8 - Noel Vega
9 - Jeff VanPelt
10 - Shai Cohen
11 - Bruce Li (Ford GT)
12 - Anhtuan Pham
13 - Art Pena
14 - John Burgan
15 - Gary Belvedere
16 - Ernie & Pat Taylor

EATIN' & CHECKIN' OUT THE FACILITY

Lance Kouchi
Dave Kuzmiak
Craig & Dolly Peterson
John Bennett (no lunch)
Art Pena & Father
Andy Weiss
Angel Calderon
Mike & Justin Fujita
Peter Hausherr
Scott & Pat Wilson

Hey Gang,

The Pantera Club is running Willow Springs the weekend of Feb 28 and 29.  Great group to run with for all experience levels.

Contact Jim Saxton at: 626-285-2024 for more info or to sign up.

Email Jim at: [email protected]

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

Hey Gang,

Anyone with an 08 or 09 may want to get one while they can.

New Race Controllers for the Gen IV cars are in stock at Tomball Dodge.

Call Dwain Barber for more info:  281-642-2253

Dan