Deadline to register is March 6th!

---

(http://www.socalviper.com/images/WZR_Tomball_Dodge.jpg) (http://bjmotors.biz/)

PORT LAVACA AUTO GROUP...TOMBALL DODGE & BJ MOTORS
866-779-2332 / [email protected]
Ben Keating, Owner:  cell 281-851-9140 - Email:  [email protected]
Dwain Barber, Parts Manager:   cell 281-642-2253 - Email:  [email protected]
Ask for Ben or Dwain and be sure to tell him we sent you!

---

(http://www.socalviper.com/images/WZR_Viper-Exchange1.jpg) (http://www.viperexchange.com/)

PORT LAVACA AUTO GROUP...TOMBALL DODGE & BJ MOTORS
866-779-2332 / [email protected]
Ben Keating, Owner:  cell 281-851-9140 - Email:  [email protected]
Dwain Barber, Parts Manager:   cell 281-642-2253 - Email:  [email protected]
Ask for Ben or Dwain and be sure to tell him we sent you!

---

(http://www.socalviper.com/images/Partsrack_LOGO.jpg) (http://partsrack.blastmart.com/customer/home.php)
The PartsRack - 32 Dougan Falls Lane - Washougal, WA 98671 - Phone:  360-837-3937. 
Ask for Jon B and be sure to tell him we sent you!

---

(http://www.socalviper.com/images/Archer_header1.jpg) (http://www.archerracing.com/index.htm)

Archer Racing Accessories - 4415 Venture Avenue - Duluth, MN 55811 - Phone:  (218) 727-4806. 
Ask for John Archer and be sure to tell him we sent you!

---

The VCA has approved a Western Zone Rendezvous!  We'll  be teaming up with Mopars At The Strip (MATS) at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  MATS is a great event to watch, but we can also participate in a Viper Class.  There will be live music Friday night put on for MATS attendees.  Saturday there's a Viper Only Autocross, a Viper Only Road Course, and more Drags with MATS.  Saturday evening at the Aliante Station Hotel will be a dinner for the Viper group.  Sunday is more MATS Drags.  Over the weekend we'll also have a Skybox to hang out in and watch the drags.  Please go to (click) www.SoCalViper.com, click Calendar, click Zone Rendezvous in March for further details and links.


FRIDAY:
•  Drag Racing with Mopars - Or Watch from our Skybox
•  Welcome to Las Vegas Party, hosted by the Cannery Hotel and Casino. 
    Live music, Quarter-Mile of Mopars displayed, with plenty of food and drink to purchase.


SATURDAY:
•  Viper Only "Timed" Autocross (In an open parking lot through and around, not over, cones)

•  Viper Only Road Course (Dan will be leading this event with an emphasis on having fun - not racing!)  There will be 2 groups, beginner and intermediate with 3 30-minute sessions for each car.  We'll begin both groups with lead / follow, i.e. you will have an experienced driver leading you around the track to learn the driving line.  We will only go faster as your comfort level increases.

•  Drags with MATS  (We're not trying to break any records, just run with fellow Vipers and have fun)  Like to drag race a fellow member for fun or bragging rights, you can!

ALL DRIVING EVENTS REQUIRE AT LEAST A SNELL 2000 OR NEWER HELMET, LONG SLEEVE COTTON SHIRT, LONG COTTON PANTS AND CLOSED TOE SHOES (driving shoes are best).  DRIVING GLASSES ARE RECOMMENDED IF YOUR HELMET IS OPEN FACED.  DRIVING GLOVES ARE ALSO RECOMMENDED.

•  WZR Attendee's Dinner at Aliante Hotel & Casino.  Dinner is planned for 7:00 PM.

SUNDAY:
•  Drags with MATS

---

In order to attend this event you will need to take the following steps:

1) BOOK YOUR HOTEL: The host hotel is Aliante Hotel & Casino for reservations call 877-477-7627
    or you may find a good rate at one of the hotel.com's.  Aliante Hotel & Casino (http://www.aliantecasinohotel.com/hotel/) This hotel near the track was just
    completed in November 2008.
   
2)  REGISTER FOR THE DRAGS (Optional): If you want to drag your car or watch the drags from our Skybox, you must register with
     Mopars at the Strip
     a)  TO DRAG YOUR CAR - Click (http://www.moparsatthestrip.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=76&products_id=348)
     b)  AS SPECTATOR AND PARK INSIDE WITH OTHER VIPERS - Click (http://www.moparsatthestrip.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=79&products_id=343)
     c)  PASSENGER WITH EITHER ABOVE - Click (http://www.moparsatthestrip.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=84&products_id=370)

3)  REGISTER WITH THE SOCAL VIPER CLUB - For Autocross, the Road Course and/or the Saturday
     Evening Dinner...Cost is only $100 per person, 2 people in one car = $200.  This includes 1.5 hours of
     track time and a bunch of Auto X runs.  Join us for dinner at only $50 per person. 
     Click here for Registration Form: CLICK  (http://www.socalviper.com/images/ZONE_RENDEZVOUS_REGISTRATION-1.pdf)
     

---

MOPARS - Registration general info:

Register for the Mopars At The Strip event:
        •   Click here to register for Mopars At The Strip (http://www.moparsatthestrip.com/catalog/index.php)
        •   Or; Go to www.MoparsAtTheStrip.com and click "Sign Up Now"
        •   Or fill out the Mail In Registration form APPLICATION (http://www.moparsatthestrip.com/2007/MATS%202008%20AD.pdf)
        •   Register by March 10th and MATS will send all of your credentials and confirmation information to you prior to the event.


        •   $75.00 to be involved in the Viper Drag Race (This includes one weekend admission)
   Gate fee is included with the Race Entry. This will get you and your car in the event for all three days, plus the nighttime entertainment at the Cannery is included.
   When registering online for this event choose "Drag Race" then "Chapman Dodge Viper Class" Click here (http://www.moparsatthestrip.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=76&products_id=348)

        •   $50.00 to bring car into the event   (This includes one weekend admission)
   If you just want to come and watch and bring your car into the event, sign up for the Fun Field, the cost is $50.00 for the entire weekend. If there are additional passengers attending the event, the fee is $60.00 for a weekend pass.
   When registering online for you and your car choose "Car Show" then "Fun Field" Click here (http://www.moparsatthestrip.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=79&products_id=343)

   •   $60.00 per person to be a spectator of the event.
   This is the weekend event fee for a passenger/guest for the event.
   When registering online for a passenger/guest choose "Admission" then "Weekend Admission" Click here (http://www.moparsatthestrip.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=84&products_id=411)

---

Looks like OGO will be there >u seven come eleven dudes (isn't tht right Lori  >r)

OGO  O> O> O>

If this becomes a zone event, it would be hard to say "no" too!    =12

I'm definitely going out for this.
It was a  lot of fun last year.

Hey Dave,

Just got the word.

This is now a "Western Zone Event".

Budget and details are being worked out now.

Put this one on your calendar - it should be a blast!

Dan  <2

I'm in vegas right now. If we have time, I'll go check out the hotel. I spent the afternoon yuesterday at Spring Mountain Raceway with the VonQuillichs.  WOW

Just tried to make res for Vegas and their computers are down  >m couldn't even tell what the rates are >o

OGO  O> O> O>

 >g  Count us in!!  It was great last year, should be even better this year!  I just LOVE that dragstrip!!   <2

Hotel reservations are working now !!  Better hurry up and make your reservations if you are planning on going.

Thankfully the Grandparents will be staying at my place with the kids this year, so I get to drive the 2 seat Viper instead of the 5 seat Viper this year!!!

Looks like I'll be leaving the OC around 9:00 am on Friday morning.  Who is coming with me??
Art ?
Ben?
Fast Eddie?

I'll cruise out with you guys.
Thanks,
Ben

Lance,

I'll let you know as the date approaches.  I'll have to check with the Palazzo to see what kind of deal I'm getting.

Not sure when we're driving out.  Likely thursday night.  Need to check out the mini-road course and lay out the AutoX course for the group.

Likely Dave  O> will be there.

D   <2

PS  Lisa, I still have those 1000 hp half shafts.

For those that have gone to Mopars at the strip before...how many runs can you get in? Or is it just stupid crowded at the strip?

Besides the $75 is there an additional fee for the Viper events?

Hey David,

Last year we all got SEVERAL passes 2-3 times Friday and Saturday (I wasn't there Sunday).  This is an extremely well run event and not a madhouse at all.

The $75 is for access to the complete event, there are loads of vendors to check out, every kind of Mopar you can think of to see, and the Viper group will have the Skybox to hangout in and watch the drags.  This $75 also includes the drags that you'll do and access to the MATS entertainment on Friday night.  Really quite a deal.

Cathy

How cool. My buddy Pete and I are going. He's got a SRT Challanger and I was going to drive my Daytona Ram to bracket race. I was going to the show before I found out about the club event.  Guess I'll have to dust off the old roadster now. Glendale Dodge is sponsoring a cruise over on Thursday. Should be at least 75 cars. I'm heading over Friday morning.

(http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/medium/416trackmap_strip.jpg)


(http://www.lvms.com/images/1351915_lg.jpg)


>w

Hey Guys,

This event is coming together.  Need to get signed up.

With the sale of Viper (not officially announced yet, but rumor has it that it's a done deal - buyer has plans for a Super Viper already in clay), everyone who can make this event should.

The track we're renting is a nice wide track across the road from the speedway.  It's not too long, so speeds won't get to high.

I'll need a couple of experienced track guys to volunteer to help run the track driving event (do lead / follows, etc).

I'm hoping Ben K, Dave C  O>, Ray M, Mike VQ, David Green + ? can help with this driving event.

Dan

 

Who's Dave C  (we have 2 Dave C's  <1 <1>1

OGO will be there to help <2 <2

Dave C,

See revision above.

D

if you guys need any help let me know, even though you prob have plenty, but if you need any please tell me, do you know if viper head quarters is sending anyone =5

Hey Chris,

We can always use help with these events.

Don't know on your second question but do know who to request if they do.

Waiting to see if Dodge can send a few Vipers for the Auto X.  Doesn't look good right now.

D  <2

Well just signed up hotel  >1 what a PIA sounded like from India  < I had to spell every letter
D like Dave ETC <

OGO  O> O> O>

Let's give Chris tons of stuff to do.....

That way Beth and I have more free time to spend together !!!     >g

 >1 oh lance, lance, lance  >4

Posted by: PCH VIPER

"Let's give Chris tons of stuff to do.....

That way Beth and I have more free time to spend together !!!"

Does Lori know about this????

If she doesn't, I know someone  O> who might tell her .....   

Who Me  ^8 ^8 ^8

Now that's funny <F <F <F

O> O> O>

 >l

>w

 =6  he is just giving me crap! i like it and can take it!!!!

Looking forward to this!  Already registered and booked.  Mailing my WZR form in tomorrow.

I will be heading out there Thursday morning so I can get tech out of the way and get all settled in.

Is the "tree" a pro set up with all 3 lights on at once and then green?  Or is it standard with yellows going 1,2,3 and then green?

What kind of times were the Vipers running last year?

Is this the road course we get to play on?

(http://www.marzracing.com/images/lvms_classic_course.jpg)


1.75 mile length? Yeah!




(http://www.femmoto.com/pics/2007lvmslayered.jpg)

Dave,

Yes.  Not sure of the configuration yet, but likely the green outline.  Fun track, nice and wide, safe run off.

SV,

Last year it was the 1,2,3 yellows, then go.

Track was well prepped.

Cathy ran 12.3, I ran 12.2 in our 2006 Coupe (headers, K & N's only on street tires).

Most "stock" or near stock guys ran mid 12's to mid 13's.

We had a couple of 11's, some 10's and some 9's as well.

Dan  <2

PS Too bad you can't make Buttonwillow, it's a very fun track to run in a Viper.

Thanks Dan,

Here is what another website says about the 1.8 mile Las Vegas Roadcourse.

The 1.8 mile Classic Course at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a really fun track to ride that is comprised of nine turns. A couple of nice straights for speed, a high speed sweeper that all drivers like, and several corners that will challenge any driver technical driving ability. Some drivers have called it a cross between Willow Springs Road Course and the Streets of Willow tracks. Really has a great flow to it!

(http://race.commline.com/trackmaps/LVMS_ORC.jpg)

I would agree - fun course to run.

D  <2

Quote from: Super Villain on February 11, 2009, 10:30:13 PM

What kind of times were the Vipers running last year?

The Strip is at 1946.26 ft. use this to correct....http://www.greatlakesdragaway.com/correctionfactors.html

Quote from: ViperX on February 12, 2009, 12:32:57 PM

SV,

Last year it was the 1,2,3 yellows, then go.

Cathy ran 12.3, I ran 12.2 in our 2006 Coupe (headers, K & N's only on street tires).

Most "stock" or near stock guys ran mid 12's to mid 13's.

We had a couple of 11's, some 10's and some 9's as well.

Dan  <2

PS Too bad you can't make Buttonwillow, it's a very fun track to run in a Viper.

Ah good then that means I can get some worthwhile practice in at Irwindale before hand.  John at CCW is making me an extra set of wheels to mount M&H drag radials on 345/35R18...woo-hoo!

I'll also have American Racing headers and Classic Chambered Mufflers on by then.  Will also get a tune at DC.  I already have the Quaife 3.55 and upgraded axle shafts along with KW variant 2 suspension.  Raptor shift light should help too.  We'll see what times I run at Irwindale and then see what happens in Vegas.

As for Buttonwillow, yea wouldn't you know it that my birthday weekend where I had made plans to be out of town is when they choose to have Viper Days...er...NARRA.  Hope you guys have fun and that it stays dry.  Wonder how many non-Vipers will be there?

SV,

Anxious to see how your car dyno's with the mods, assuming it's your Viper that's modded.

I'm guessing you'll break into the 11's with a good launch.  Elevation is about 2000 feet, so times aren't always the best.

We would have bought you a cake if you could have made VD / NARRA.   >q

Doubt that there will be many non-Vipers at BW - maybe a few as always.  I enjoy passing them.....

Dan

 <L I'm getting really excited @ this!  We had so much fun last year!  Is anyone else going over on Thursday?  Maybe we could meet up with Super Villain to drive over? >j

I'm booked and my girlfriend Mariko is dying to drag and auto X.  >w

Can hardly wait!

I want to catch up to the OC crew on the way out.


I can go Friday early AM, would like to get a full day in instead of getting there in the afternoon......


Anyone else from the Palm Springs desert area want to join up?

Hey Copperhead Chris,
You better round up some of the AZ boys for a little competition.
We can see who knocks over the least cones. =15

We can wager..........BETH !!!!!   >g
<D    <L

If you are planning on doing this event you need to get signed up now !
It is a bit confusing but all the details are spelled out in the FIRST post.

Mopars at the Strip was a blast last year.  We paid our admission fee to get into the Drag strip and watch  some really cool Mopars run the 1/4 mile. 
If you sign up with Mopars, you too can run the 1/4 mile in a Viper only run group.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/08%20mopar%20strip/IMG_0638.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/08%20mopar%20strip/IMG_0907.JPG)

You must register with MATS in order to get admission into the drags.
The VCA rents the Skybox for us to watch the drags from.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/08%20mopar%20strip/IMG_0888.JPG)


This year, in addition to the drags, the Viper Club has set up it's own driving event on Saturday.
We will be doing an Auto-X and also get to run the road course.

This is a separate deal from the drags.  If you want to participate in this, you must send in your registration by March 6th !!!
The cost is $100.00 per head for EACH attendee at the track.  Spouse, Passengers or guests attending must also pay the $100.00 as this costs covers lunch, shirt and helps offset the insurance costs while you are at the event.

The Club is also having a Dinner on Saturday night.  This is being held at the host hotel and will be a great time.
Again, each attendee must sign up and pay $50.00 for this as a separate event.  Deadline is March 6th !!!

For those who did not make their Hotel reservations at the Aliante in time to get the special rate,  I believe good rates are still available via the internet.  I highly recommend that you do this ASAP as rooms will sell out shortly and you will then be forced to stay on the strip.  Last year we stayed on the strip and the TRAFFIC was a major PIA !!!  Not fun in the Viper.

Do we have a SoCal head count yet??

I am meeting up with a bunch of guys on Friday morning to make the trip out to Vegas.
Since people will be coming from all parts of SoCal, the best place for us to meet up is off the 15 Fwy north of the 10 Fwy.

We will be meeting at the Chevron off of the 15 Fwy and  Foothill Blvd.
Address is:
12659 Foothill Blvd
Etiwanda, CA 91739

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=12659+Foothill+Blvd,+Etiwanda,+CA+91739&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.724817,56.25&ie=UTF8&ll=34.107434,-117.528734&spn=0.008866,0.013733&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=12659+Foothill+Blvd,+Etiwanda,+CA+91739&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.724817,56.25&ie=UTF8&ll=34.107434,-117.528734&spn=0.008866,0.013733&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr)


We will meet at 9:30 and leave by 9:45

Please let me know if you are going to drive with us.

Lance /Lori
Eddie/Gladys
David/Mariko
Dave/Lisa
Paul/Pam
Ben/Michelle
Art/Cynthia
Bruce/Grace
Gary/Melissa
Curtis
Tom/Shawn
Dave/Diane


Thanks
Lance

Quote from: Newport Viper on February 26, 2009, 09:55:14 AM
Do we have a SoCal head count yet??

I'm working on it now.

Lots of people saying yes.......but REGISTRATION FORMS  not sent in yet !!!!  (Ok, I just sent mine in yesterday  <F )



P.S.  I was going to use your suggestion for a meet point....but Ontario Mills get so congested that I didn't want to deal with it.

OGO is all signed up and ready to go >c

Hey Lori, I even have a few crap tables bucks  >1 <F <F <F

OGO  O> O> O>

Michael Von Quilich went to the track on Tuesday with Marcos and was so impressed that he decided to bring his ACR and run with us (he was planning to bring his 06 coupe before he saw it).

This is a really neat little track that I'm sure eveyone will enjoy, rookies to experienced drivers.

We are planning on two run groups, doing lead follow for the first session or two as detailed above.

Don't miss this one.

Dan  <2

Quote from: Daves Big Brakes on February 26, 2009, 12:59:02 PM
OGO is all signed up and ready to go >c

Hey Lori, I even have a few crap tables bucks  >1 <F <F <F

OGO  O> O> O>

Only a FEW bucks !???!   >o

I haven't recieved my BAIL OUT PACKAGE YET

OGO  O> O> O>

I know a lot of folks are going to Vegas on Friday, is anyone planning to drive out on Thursday?  If so, we would like to see if we can hook up for the drive.

Mike & Cheryl

=15

Hey Dan,
Will helmets, long sleeve, etc etc going to be required for our WZR event? 

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 02, 2009, 09:54:56 PM
Hey Dan,
Will helmets, long sleeve, etc etc going to be required for our WZR event? 

Track times open close ??

And most importantly dinner time Saturday night!    =19

Hey Dave and Lance,

Here's the plan:

Arrive at the track by 8:00 AM. 
First driver's meeting starts at 8:30 AM. 
Driving starts at 9AM.
Lunch at Noon.
Resume driving at 1:00 PM, finish up by 4 PM.
We may have time for a few spirited rides with Michael Von Quilich and I in our ACR's from 4 to 5PM for a few brave souls.

ALL DRIVING EVENTS REQUIRE AT LEAST A SNELL 2000 OR NEWER HELMET, LONG SLEEVE COTTON SHIRT, LONG COTTON PANTS AND CLOSED TOE SHOES (driving shoes are best).  DRIVING GLASSES ARE RECOMMENDED IF YOUR HELMET IS OPEN FACED.  DRIVING GLOVES ARE ALSO RECOMMENDED.

WZR Attendee's Dinner at Aliante Hotel & Casino.  Dinner is planned for 7:00 PM.

Art and Lance,

Drew is planning to attend this event and drive my GTS.

He's very excited about beating up on both you and Art at the AutoX and at the Drags.

I told him it wasn't as easy as it looks and that he's never run on a drag strip before but that didn't shake his confidence.

He claims that he learned how to launch the GTS at the first Car Control Clinic and is now ready .....

Good luck,

Dan  <2

Dan,

Is the meeting 8:30 Saturday morning?  I know you and Cathy are arriving at the track on Friday, what time do you think you will show up.  Cheryl and I are heading to Vegas on Friday.  Will we have our own parking area like last year?

Mike

Dan,

Correction, wer are headed to Vegas on Thursday.

Mike

Hey Dan,

Drew told me he's got his sights set on you now, since Lance and I proved to be easy pickings at Buttonwillow, something about the bigger they are, the harder they fall. =15 >w

Art,

I think the Everts are building a dynasty.  Bad enough we have to get our clocks cleaned by mom and dad, now there son gets to do it.  >o

Mike 

Quote from: DEDLY4U on March 03, 2009, 01:43:03 PM
Art,

I think the Everts are building a dynasty.  Bad enough we have to get our clocks cleaned by mom and dad, now there son gets to do it.  >o

Mike 

Without a doubt, Mike!  The Everts are awesome.

Well Art, on that "bigger they are, harder they fall stuff,   Drew may be after both of us!  

Good luck to Drew if he's after me.  While my overall times at Buttonwillow were a bit disappointing, I ran a best of 2:03, my new ACR was 8 or 9 miles per hour faster in every straight section of track at Buttonwillow than my GTS..... and my GTS wasn't exactly slow.  ACR needs a better track alignment - which I'll have Terry Rossi do later this week.

Hi Mike,

Glad you guys can make this event.  We should be getting to Las Vegas mid morning on Friday, heading over to the parking area / road course for set up.  Saturday morning, you should try to be at the Viper area by 8 ish as mentioned above.

We should have our own parking area at Mopars, like last year.  On Saturday, we'll have our own parking lot and mini-road course.

Dan  <2

I'm glad Drew is coming.  I've given up trying to beat him.  I already told Art, I'm a turtle with a sprained ankle and a hang nail.  Drew should give me at least 15 seconds handicap. 

Hey Lance,

I don't think Drew will give you 15 seconds on the AutoX, but, he might let you say "GO" at the drags.

Dan  <2

Dan,

let us know if you need any assistance with setup on Friday.  We're glas to help with whatever you need.

Mike

The MATS drag portion...do they have us run as a group or just wait inline with all the MOPARS?

If it is a group what times? FRI SAT SUN?

The Vipers will have their own run group - Should get 2 sessions on Fri and Sat.  Should get 1 Sunday AM with eliminations in the afternoon.

Cathy

Quote from: administrator on March 04, 2009, 09:33:18 AM
The Vipers will have their own run group .  Should get 1 Sunday AM with eliminations in the afternoon.

Cathy

I'm pretty sure I am self eliminating!

ONLY 1 MORE DAY to sign up !!


On Friday we will be meeting at the Chevron off of the 15 Fwy and  Foothill Blvd.
Address is:
12659 Foothill Blvd
Etiwanda, CA 91739

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=12659+Foothill+Blvd,+Etiwanda,+CA+91739&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.724817,56.25&ie=UTF8&ll=34.107434,-117.528734&spn=0.008866,0.013733&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr


We will meet at 9:30 and leave by 9:45

Please let me know if you are going to drive with us.

Lance /Lori
Eddie/Gladys
David/Mariko
Dave/Lisa
Paul/Pam
Ben/Michelle
Art/Cynthia
Bruce/Grace
Gary/Melissa
Curtis
Tom/Shawn
Dave/Diane


Thanks
Lance

Hey Mike,

We'll be at the track mid to late morning on Friday setting up.

We can use some help.

More details to follow.

Thanks,

Dan

Guys, even though I'm new to the group I thought I'd chime in and confirm a couple of questions I saw asked earlier in the thread regarding the drag racing at Mopars at the Strip. I've been to every show they've put on and dragged at all but 2 of them - this will be the third time I miss the drag event. Anyway, here's my input:

1) I'm pretty sure the track elevation is 2090'. The weather can change wildly making the effective altitude anywhere from 1700' up to 5200'.
2) They always use a sportsman tree for the Viper class (3 sequential yellows followed by the green).
3) LVMS is a very good track. The folks who run MATS (Phil and Jill Painter) pay to have the track prepped for 7 second cars, therefore it will probably be one of the better prepped tracks you'll drag.
4) You'll run as a group. Frequently they run behind schedule due to the number of guys running and the number of times they break causing a track cleanup.
5) Most reasonably stock guys in the NV region were running from 12.7 to 12.8 on up. Some as high as the 14's, but no one's naming names. Last year, the air wasn't as good as usual and my trap times were down a few MPH. ET's were off about 0.4 sec. At MATS, I've run a best of 12.18 @ 117 in my GTS on Pilot Sports with a 1.89 60' time. As a comparison, last year I ran a best of 12.30 @ 113 MPH in my '06 SRT-10 coupe on run-flats and my wife ran a 12.90 @ 112 in my GTS on the first day of the event.

Anyway, if you've got any questions that I might be able to answer as a Las Vegas local just let me know.

See you guys in a couple of weeks.

Matt

Dan,

We have a breakfast with a friend early Friday morning so we should be at the track by 10:30.  Assuming we can keep from getting lost

Mike

Hey Guys,

Just got word that we're getting two 2008 SRT-10's from Chrysler for the AutoX competition.

This should help make the AutoX very fun.

If this AutoX works out like it has the last couple of times, the two fastest AutoXer's may get a trip to Detroit to represent the Western Region in a runoff with SRT / Chrysler's fastest guys.

Dan  <2

I looked at the hotel website today and rooms are $300 - $360 per night <D

Any chance there are rooms that are blocked off and not used?
I'd kinda like to go, but not at 600-900 just for room fee's...  >o

BTW I just booked Irwindale's 1/8 mile dragstrip to get in some practice before Mopars At The Strip.  Lyle Larson from DC Performance will be there to help get our launches dialed in.

http://socalviper.com/forum/index.php?topic=941.0

Quote from: Kala on March 06, 2009, 11:05:38 AM
I looked at the hotel website today and rooms are $300 - $360 per night <D

Any chance there are rooms that are blocked off and not used?
I'd kinda like to go, but not at 600-900 just for room fee's...  >o

Hey Kala,  I just book two additional rooms through www.Hotels.com at $145 for each Friday & Saturday nights.  Try them...

Quote from: Kala on March 06, 2009, 11:05:38 AM
I looked at the hotel website today and rooms are $300 - $360 per night <D

Any chance there are rooms that are blocked off and not used?
I'd kinda like to go, but not at 600-900 just for room fee's...  >o

I'll sell you my room for $299.00 !   >v

Quote from: ViperX on March 06, 2009, 09:55:46 AM
Hey Guys,

Just got word that we're getting two 2008 SRT-10's from Chrysler for the AutoX competition.

This should help make the AutoX very fun.

If this AutoX works out like it has the last couple of times, the two fastest AutoXer's may get a trip to Detroit to represent the Western Region in a runoff with SRT / Chrysler's fastest guys.

Dan  <2

I'm really good at doing 360's on the Auto-X.....will that get me back to Detroit??   WHITE CASTLE here I come !!  >g

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 06, 2009, 11:40:26 AM
I'll sell you my room for $299.00 !   >v

=6 And make Lori hang out in the casino all weekend??? Might be cheaper for YOU to keep the room  =6

 >1  Lori is going there to GAMBLE ? !
I thought she just wanted to hang out with me at the track all day long.

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 06, 2009, 08:56:53 PM

I thought she just wanted to hang out with me at the track all day long.

That's called a dream Lance  <

Hey Kala  (and any others that need a room at Aliante),
Go to their website  www.aliantecasinohotel.com
click on "hotel"
then click on "hotel specials"
$134.99 for Fri and Sat

Quote from: DEDLY4U on March 02, 2009, 10:44:25 AM
I know a lot of folks are going to Vegas on Friday, is anyone planning to drive out on Thursday?  If so, we would like to see if we can hook up for the drive.

Mike & Cheryl

=15

Hey Mike & Cheryl!  Long time no see.  Dave & I want to head out Thurs. morn., I suppose that some of us will drive over w/ Dan & Cathy like we did last year...

Guys,

We'll be trailering my ACR to Las Vegas, which is a bit slow compared to the speed of the Viper groups, so you won't likely want to drive with us.

Dan

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 06, 2009, 09:49:25 PM
Hey Kala  (and any others that need a room at Aliante),
Go to their website  www.aliantecasinohotel.com
click on "hotel"
then click on "hotel specials"
$134.99 for Fri and Sat

Thanks Lance... I got it covered... Or I should say Dai got it covered...  >d >d >d
If anyone still needs a room, call up and wrench their arm at Aliante... They'll budge...

We're leaving on Thursday... I'm not sure of the time yet.
What time is the caravan?

 =21  Hey Kala!  I would like to leave Thurs. by 12 noon, earlier if possible.  Dave & I wil meet you.  Email me @ viperlady@ live.com & we'll set things up.

The two 2008 Viper Coupes should arrive at the AutoX / Track about noon, according to Dodge.

We could use some help setting up that afternoon if anyone is arriving early.

Dan

Hello everyone, I'm a bit new to the group (Just joined a few days ago). I live in Hollywood, and am looking forward to meeting everyone in Vegas.  I will be driving my red '99 RT/10 out to vegas on Thursday, and trailering my s2000 drag car out.  I'll be staying at the Alliante from the 19th till the 23rd.

Are there any caravans going out on the thursday the 19th that i might be able to join?

Quote from: ViperX on March 09, 2009, 05:01:38 PM
The two 2008 Viper Coupes should arrive at the AutoX / Track about noon, according to Dodge.

We could use some help setting up that afternoon if anyone is arriving early.

Dan

>5  Hey Dan!  Dave & I might be able to help set up.   <u

We have maybe five cars going out on Thursday.  Some can meet in Torrance at the Starbucks in 190th Street and we are then going to connect with others at the Chevron station on Foothill Blvd and the 15.

Mike & Cheryl

It's time for a little $22 inside and a little 3 way craps  =14 and a few hard ways  >r

OGO  O> O> O>

Uh.... What YOU do in Vegas should Stay in Vegas !   >l

and quit encouraging my wife !!!!

so is the wife or the girl friend going with you to vegas lance =5

Anyone have a video camera & tripod they can take, or loan me?

Hopefully they will allow me to set up cameras on the lanes like I had at Cal Speedway. If I had one more camera to cover the other lane it would be sweet  >r

Hey Chris,

Are you planning to attend????  Didn't see your name on the list .....

Hey Kala,

You know, you could likely drive this entire road course in 3rd gear ..... and have fun doing it. 

On the drags, I was taking pictures from all kinds of angles last year so you may be able to get the photos you want.  I'd call Mopars and ask.  don't have a slick video camera .... yet.

Hey Lance,

O> is alway "stiring the pot".

Dan

WA  >v I wouldn't do that  >4

OGO  O> O> O>

Quote from: ViperX on March 16, 2009, 10:13:26 AM


Hey Kala,

You know, you could likely drive this entire road course in 3rd gear ..... and have fun doing it. 

On the drags, I was taking pictures from all kinds of angles last year so you may be able to get the photos you want.  I'd call Mopars and ask.  don't have a slick video camera .... yet.

Dai is going to call MATS today. She's trying to get Lance & I photographers credentials...  I'm getting another knee injection on Wed, I may end up driving more than I think right now. We'll see how it goes.

Here is the next video camera I'm gonna pick up for in car, easy carry around vids... Its coming out later this month or April. Canon HF S100 about $1100 works on memory sticks.

(http://www.usa.canon.com/app/images/camcorder/vixia_hf_s_series2009/HFS100_586x225.jpg)

Hey Kala,
I didn't have a photogragher pass last year,  I just pretty much walked right in and started shooting pictures.  I guess they figured I was supposed to be there.

I have the Sony HDSR10.  It works great in the hand.  DOES NOT WORK when mounted inside the car.  The car's vibration shuts it down to save the hard drive from getting damaged.  Video shot by hand from inside the car is a bit rough to watch as it is usually pretty bouncy....plus its kind of difficult driving and shooting video while talking on the cell and weaving in and out of traffic.  >l

Quote from: copperhead on March 15, 2009, 10:31:22 PM
so is the wife or the girl friend going with you to vegas lance =5

<   You know I gotta bring my wife out now........especially since you aren't bringing Beth to Vegas for me !

Come on out....there will be two  '08 vipers for the auto-x.  We can see who knocks down the most cones ! Loser has to set all the cones back up while I have lunch with Beth !   >v

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 16, 2009, 12:26:26 PM
Hey Kala,
I didn't have a photogragher pass last year,  I just pretty much walked right in and started shooting pictures.  I guess they figured I was supposed to be there.

Do you think they will let me into the concrete barrier area behind the start line? Did you see where I set up cameras at Cal? Something like that is what I was thinking about.

The HD lockup problem is why I want to go with the new SD media cameras, no HD at all. I felt so bad for the guy who loaned me his camera for the Comp Coupe ride, then I brought it back half dead  =16 At least he got the DVD out and his camera working again  >v

 =16 she doesn't want to come out to big events right now she wants her time to be with me, because she doesn't get much so when she gets the time off she wants to relax, as far as me coming, i haven't signed up and im not sure if i will go, i was thinking instead of spending the money there i would go to D but im not going there as of right now either, so as usual i haven't mad any plans, and that is how i met her, i didn't sign up for voi and then i went to D and asked her to let me in the event the day of the event 2k miles away.

current weather.com forcast on Sat is............


77 degrees! and 0% chance of rain!    >g

See ya there. We're in for some fun!!!! <2

Quote from: DEDLY4U on March 10, 2009, 10:11:40 PM
We have maybe five cars going out on Thursday.  Some can meet in Torrance at the Starbucks in 190th Street and we are then going to connect with others at the Chevron station on Foothill Blvd and the 15.

Mike & Cheryl

We (Ken and Lena) will join up too!  We are coming from Goleta (Santa Barbara area) so we might go across the Pearblossom Hwy to Victorville instead of dropping down to the 210 to meet you at the Chevron at Foothill.  If we do that, we could either meet up with everyone somewhere in Victorville (suggestions?) or maybe just meet up at the Barstow Outlet off Lenwood in Barstow where they have gas and food (Cathy's suggestion).

Anyone know how busy the 101/134/210 gets (especially near the 405) if one is passing through from around 8:30-9:30am (in case we go that way)?

Hi Ken
We are leaving from Ojai on Thursday morning. We plan to take Pearblossom to Victorville.
I doubt you'll want to see the 210 at that time in the morning  >6

Call me if you want to caravan to Victorville 558-2473

Traffic cams http://video.dot.ca.gov/

We woke up late this morning... So we will not be hooking up with the caravan this morning.

See everyone in Vegas later today!

 <m We're still waiting to get our car back, so we'll have to leave later today or tomorrow.  BUT WE WILL BE THERE!
See ya! <2

OK,

So what are you having done to your car now????

I heard they are adding a jet engine...

"Land Speed Lisa" needed more boost   <9

 >rOh, you know, just a few more toys.  Fuel system, roll bar, line lock, etc. etc.  But I don't know if we can get everything on/all the bugs worked out.  I'm on pins & needles! =15

Photos from today.

Some of us started out the day visiting Shelby's! They treated us so nice  >g
taking us over to the road course so we could work on traction pre race.

More photos tomorrow  >u

http://gallery.me.com/vonlieberhund#100206&sel=0 (http://gallery.me.com/vonlieberhund#100206&sel=0)

 This event is a blast! GF took her first trip down the strip!

Looking forward to the roadracing event tomorrow!

Super event put on by Madam Prez (Dan did ok also)

Wore this OGO out  =15

Had a super time, but now need a really big nap  <

OGO  O> O> O>

Dear Cathy and Dan,
Thank You Thank You Thank You for all the hard work and planning that went into this event.  I can only hope that you guys were able to have some fun too.  I know that EVERY member I had a chance to talk to had an absolute blast with lots of great memories to come home with.

The Driving events were awesome !   To get the opportunity to have an entire track to yourself for the day is priceless.

>u
I don't know how I did it, but I managed to take a handful of pictures.....2,256 of them to be exact !
Give me a day or two to get them sorted and posted

A big THANK YOU to all that had a hand in the event!  Mariko and I had a great time!

Special thanks to Dan and Cathy for putting on this first class event!



(http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/medium/Vipere_Zone_Event_030.JPG)



AND to Lance for the embroidery on the bags! Your fingers must hurt!



(http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/medium/Vipere_Zone_Event_043.JPG)

All hail the High Priest and Priestess!!!!

That was fun .... we need to do it again.  I loved the track and lead and follow.

We should do another rendezvous like this at Buttonwillow, with the lead follow again .... only higher speeds.

Dan you are a good leader, both Club and on the track.

Thanks.

Thank you Dan and Cathy for making this event happen, you guys always do so much to make these events enjoyable for us. I can't thank you enough. It was a blast!

Also, a big thank you to Lance and Dave(OGO) for their usual generous help and contributions.

Congrats to Bruce L. for tearing up the autocross and taking the overall win! You smoked us all!

Looking forward to the next one.

Ben

Extra special thanks to Dan, Cathy, Lance, OGO and MVQ for all the effort that they put in to make this event an absolute blast.  You folks really outdid yourselves this time, we are lucky to have such devoted people to the club.

Lance's pictures will show that every member had a smile from ear to ear. 

All of you rock! >r =14

Hey Guys,

Thanks.  Lot's of planning = lots of fun.  We saw a bunch of smiles too as we watched the group on Saturday.  Cathy spent most of the day running around on the cart but said she had fun too.  Looking forward to seeing Lance's pics.

Third time out in the new ACR and it really performed well.  I bought some alignment tools and put a good track alignment on the ACR before we went to the track this weekend as I wasn't happy with the way the car handled / performed at Viper Days.  All I can say now is WOW, this car really responded to a more aggressive alignment.

Even though it's not the Roval, I'm looking forward to our Advanced Car Control Clinic running the infield track in June with Speed Ventures at Fontana.

Hope most of you guys can make it.

Also, if you can, please try and round up some cars for the upcoming Dyno Day on Sunday, April 5 at Stack Performance in Anaheim.  See post for details.

Dan  <2

dan and kathy are awesome! you guys will prob. never realize what they have to put up with to make this stuff happen!!!  i wish we had them in az!!!!

dan hopefully me and you can do some lead follows!!!  ok as we have pretty much learned me follows  >w

HAY LANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  IM WAITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >q

Wish you could have made this one Chris ..... missed you're smiling face ..... and your spins!

We had a great time too!

Thanks for everything Dan & Cathy >t

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!  i dont spin <F

Ok Chris,

In instructor speak, you simply over rotate the car from time to time .....

Kala,

Anxious for you to get your trans mod.  You would have loved that road course.

D

Kala,

Thanks getting a shot of me at the strip!   It is rare that I take this little daily driver to the track!


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

Quote from: copperhead on March 23, 2009, 10:25:15 AM
HAY LANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  IM WAITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >q

Okay Okay  I'll get to work on it now.  But you know I had to catch up with Beth first since I didn't get to talk to her for a whole 3 DAYS !   She really missed me.

Quote from: ViperX on March 23, 2009, 05:03:48 PM

Kala,

Anxious for you to get your trans mod.  You would have loved that road course.

That's nice of you Dan.. Thanks.
Actually while we were in Vegas, they sent pictures of some parts they think might work! So maybe we're close this time.

Tell Cathy photos are burned on disk and going out again tomorrow.

Quote from: Newport Viper on March 23, 2009, 05:14:02 PM
Kala,

Thanks getting a shot of me at the strip!

>6 Glad you like it. If you want higher rez PM me your email and I'll send it over.

Okay Okay  I'll get to work on it now.  But you know I had to catch up with Beth first since I didn't get to talk to her for a whole 3 DAYS !   She really missed me.


hey  >u  >4  ^8

ACRBruce's winning run!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9fDeCLIFFM


I had fun too!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16iXU9HJiKk

 <LKudos to Dan & Cathy for a great event!  Dave & I had a blast!  Can't wait 'till next year's WZR >v

BTW, I LOVE my bag!  Thanks guys!

I finally made it through all the pictures and they are now posted on my site   www.kouchicentral.com (http://www.kouchicentral.com)

Here are some of the images captured over the weekend:

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8876.JPG)
Heading to to Vegas

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8881.JPG)
Lunch stop in Primm

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9568A.JPG)
The Aliante Hotel

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9561.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9555.JPG)
Viper only parking

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8960.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9429.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8889.JPG)
Start of the Auto-X

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8896.JPG)
Dan telling Newport it was his turn to pick up all the cones

Friday night, some of the members went to the Cannery, other's stayed back at the hotel where we enjoyed an evening visiting, eating and drinking at Camacho's

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8929.JPG)
This is one of the very few times I saw Dan and Cathy actually sitting down the entire weekend

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8928.JPG)
T - R - O - U - B - L - E

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8924.JPG)
Tequilla anyone?

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8923.JPG)
I am especially proud of this picture.  It is the first time in 4 years that Paul has actually looked at the camera !!

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8921.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8920.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8919.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8918.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8914.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8915.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8927.JPG)

I suppose it is no wonder that I was able to click off well over 2200 pictures in 3 days.

Here are some pictures I took Friday night around 11:30 before heading up to the room:

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8931.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8938.JPG)

We hit the track early Sat morning.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8955.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8988.JPG)
Group photo

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9023.JPG)
All the Vipers ready to hit the track

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9030.JPG)
OGO was one of the group leaders on the track.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9031.JPG)
Hair raising speed !

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9044.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9058.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9231.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9360.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9461.JPG)

Here are some of the pictures from the Auto-X:

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_8971.JPG)
Thank You Dax and Sarah for once again coming out to work ALL DAY so that we could play.
You guys did a great job keeping everyone in line. 

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9317.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9133.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9287.JPG)
Dodge and the SRT team shipped out two '08 Vipers for us to use on the Auto-X !    How COOL is that !!!

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9081.JPG)
(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9102.JPG)
If that wasn't enough to drive you over the edge to BUY one of the Gen4 cars,  Then you probably already own one !

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9306.JPG)
Marv taking us for a walk around the course.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9332.JPG)
We did one parade lap together.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9420.JPG)
Time to put on the gloves and go Kill some cones !

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9381.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9521.JPG)
Bruce in his ACR set the fastest time of the day !   

After a fun filled day at the track, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our Banquet.

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9570.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9581.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9582.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9618.JPG)


Congratulations to the Auto-X winners:

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9623.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9624.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/09-4%20WZR%20Vegas/DSC_9625.JPG)

 >s  thank you so much lance, im miss my new girl so i had to go see her, and i have to live through your pics, wich then makes me wish i went there  =16  i could have beat marv and mark  >w

Great pic's, Lance.  Thanks as always for helping us remember the great moments.

Lance,

Seriously man...... THANK YOU SO MUCH!  The pics are great. Wow, if I make it to be a little old man, these memories will be priceless.

Hi Cathy and Dan,

We just want to thank you for all the hard work you put in to making the Western Zone Rendezvous such a success.  We know a lot of hard work goes into all that you do to make our Viper events a wonderful experience.  You folks are great and we are glad and appreciate that you are doing so many great things for our club.  The best way to say it is you both are  >11



Mike & Cheryl 

Great photos Lance, yhou looked the happiest when you were in the SSG coupe with the silver stripes! >w

Lance,
Awesome pics as usual! Thank you for always capturing these great times for us with the photos.
Cathy and I were talking about how you've developed into such a extraordinary photographer over the
past few years. We are very fortunate to have you around.
Also, a big thank you for embroidering all those bags for us attendees. 36 hours! Wow, how do you do it?
Ben

Quote from: Ben on March 25, 2009, 07:03:09 AM
Also, a big thank you for embroidering all those bags for us attendees. 36 hours! Wow, how do you do it?
Ben

I honestly have to Thank my wife Lori for supporting and helping me with everything.  She takes care of and picks up the slack while I'm at work.  When I don't come home, she brings the girls up to work to spend time with me here.   It sure makes my life easier !

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/wzr%20bags/DSC_0090.JPG)

Great pics Lance - thanks.

Where are you going to put the whip?

Dan  <2

Who got the bag with no name on it...... lower right?  >w

"Who got the bag with no name on it...... lower right?"  >w


Those were extras.  Never know when or where we might give out a few more .....

Dan

Zoom Zoom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg3CBy60ai0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdFgsDtD3JM

Love that sound!

Thanks Dave

Okay, Lets see if this works !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_te3FXKYGs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_te3FXKYGs)

Here is one more....   

Check out Ben


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKjBfKdFOmI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKjBfKdFOmI)

Newport Auto-X
=15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sQjS6L5TXE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sQjS6L5TXE)

Drag racing, auto-cross, and a road course all in ONE weekend - what a BLAST.  The last time I went drag racing was at the Los Angeles County Raceway (LACR) in Palmdale around 1986 when I was about 20 years OLD in my 1973 Gran Torino that I had hopped up with a rebuilt and balanced 351C (or maybe it was the 400 I bored and stroked; I can't remember), 411's, Edelbrock RV CAM, Carter 650CFM quad, etc, etc.  I got first place in the ET bracket racing category - mainly due to my reaction time - I was a first generation video gamer!  Well, my reaction time ain't so fast these days (gave up the video gaming a couple of decades ago), but I did pull a 12.6s 115mph 1/4 in my 1996 GTS.  What absolute fun; it really brought me back!

We need to warn everything about going home from Vegas on a Sunday!  We made good time right out of Las Vegas (left around 2pm) but I pulled over in Jean to let Lena drive the Viper (for the second time ever) and as soon as she pulled back on the freeway, it was bump-to-bumper stop-and-go.  What a way to re-learn a stick!  Traffic varied between 0mph and 70mph (40 minutes to go the next 11 miles) until we finally gave up and got off in Primm at Whiskey Pete's around 4pm (over 2 hours for what should have been a 45 minute drive)!  We hung out there until about 6pm when the traffic looked like it might be subsiding a little and we jumped back on only to find that it really hadn't changed.  There were times when we are gridlocked and completely stopped and times when we were happy to be going 30mph.  After over 3 more hours my gas pedal knee was in pain (and I've never had knee problems before) so I had to pull over and call it quits.  We checked into the Ramada in Baker for the night (normally a 1.5 hour drive from Primm) and headed out the next day.

It's interesting that a counter worker at Whiskey Pete's told me there was an accident and it would probably clear up very soon (wrong).  A security guard at Whiskey Pete's told me it was all due to construction and it is always like that and it would clear by 6pm (also wrong).  When we got to Baker the lady at the counter told me the I-15 from Vegas is like this every Sunday (and Monday as well on 4-day weekends).  Three different answers.... hmmm.  Anyway, I'm making a mental note to always stay the extra day in the future!  I hope no one else got caught in this mess!  It is amazing to think that there can be a 200+ mile long traffic jam.  The slinky effect was very strange - 0mph to 70mph.  It was a really slow time constant, unlike severe LA traffic, but it still caused a huge slow-down, averaging under 30mph for the most part.

Well, we finally got home late Monday night (traffic Monday was fine), I unpacked and immediately went out to wash the Viper.  On my way home from the car wash I goosed it on the freeway to help dry the car off and then got off at my off-ramp.  When I came to my full stop the "service engine soon" dummy light lit up, along with the battery light, and the oil light and then I noticed my oil pressure drop to ZERO.  The car immediately stopped running.  I was really concerned that I'd just blown my oil pump - uh oh!

The one nice thing about owning a Viper is it was only seconds before a bunch of people gathered around the car to help push it into the gas station parking lot next to the off-ramp.

I tried starting the car but it seemed that the battery was very low (despite the fact that it started every time over the weekend and I was watching the AMP gauge all throughout the trip and the alternator was putting out a good 14V the entire time).  The car would simply not turn over.  I was pretty close to home and someone who loved my "Cobra" gave me a lift.  I came back with my truck and jumper cables and got the car to all hooked up only to find that, with key in ignition and fan running (and remote INSIDE the car), the car door had shut and LOCKED!  I'd never had this happen before.  My car is now on with the fan running full-bore (for some odd reason), and I can't get in.  I lost my spare key a couple of weeks ago.  So, I went home again and got the spare remote, came back, and even though the horn would toot when I pushed the UNLOCK button on the remote, the doors would simply not unlock (even with jumper cables connected).  How nuts - the car locked me out and won't respond to the remote, and the fan is running full-bore.  It's like the car is unhappy with me or haunted or something.

The door was slightly ajar even though latched, so I grabbed the hanger I always keep in the truck to help others who lock their keys in the car (it's NEVER me ;-) and was able to drop it down into the car far enough to push the emergency release lever down to pop the door.  Thank goodness - I don't know WHAT I would have done if the door wasn't still a little ajar!

I tried to get the car to start and with the jumper cables it turns over really fast but simply will not start.  (Yes, I've got plenty of gas).  Fortunately, the oil pressure was climbing as I cranked the engine over - whew - oil pump is probably OK...  But, I finally gave up and called AAA.  They were able to send a guy who claimed to have towed many exotics in his 20 year career (I'm only 2.5 inches off the ground in the front due to the Eibach dual-rate springs).  He did a good job (check out the wooden ramps he used to keep the flat bed at a lesser angle) until he let it down at my house and dragged the chrome tail pipes across my driveway taking out a swath of concrete in the process (don't know what it did to the tail pipes - haven't had the inclination to look yet).

Well, anyway, the Viper is still sitting in the garage - I had to get back to work and it has been ignored since.  What a strange way to fail.  I just thank God it didn't happen on the way home from Vegas!

We are now up in Davis going to watch the US First Robotics regional competitions!  My son's alma mater, Dos Pueblos High School (Goleta, near Santa Barbara), is competing and then we are dropping him back off at Berkeley on the way home.  He came home for Spring break on Thursday after we'd left for Vegas so he got the house for himself for 5 days.  Lena and I used our new VIPER BAGS to tote our clothes with us - they are wonderful.

Thank you Cathy and Dan for a great weekend - thank you Lance and Lori for the awesome bags!

Here are a couple of pictures of the Viper being taken home on the flat bed - again, it just makes me grateful it happend around the corner and not any earlier in the day after such a LLLLOOONNNGGG trip home!

Oh - there's an auto-cross in Santa Barbara at the Earl Warren showgrounds today  ($85 or $100 at the gate).  I'm out of town, and my car isn't working ANYWAY so I won't be there, but wanted to let everyone know!

One more thing - I took some video from my home-made camera mount that some of you saw and I'll try to post on YouTube when I get more time.  I forgot to turn it on during auto-cross and road racing (just having too much fun), but I remembered to turn it on for my 12.6s 1/4 mile!

Ken

Wow Ken! Definitely lucky it didn't happen in Vegas or along the way.  Hope you get the Viper back on the road quickly, let's hope it's just being tempermental due to the stop and go traffic.  My Viper does a jerking motion whenever I'm in traffic, I feel that it's going to stall and then I remind myself that Vipers simply don't like to go slow. I know that you're feeling quite down, but you can only go up now  >v

It was great seeing you and Lena again, she'll have to come out to the next NARRA event and drive, since you'll be in the blue group, don't try and pull a "Lance" and take up permanent residency in GREEN <F

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 27, 2009, 09:48:07 PM
Newport Auto-X
=15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sQjS6L5TXE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sQjS6L5TXE)

Very Cool!  Thanks Lance!

Quote from: NK BREKR on March 28, 2009, 09:00:37 AM
Wow Ken! Definitely lucky it didn't happen in Vegas or along the way.  Hope you get the Viper back on the road quickly, let's hope it's just being tempermental due to the stop and go traffic.  My Viper does a jerking motion whenever I'm in traffic, I feel that it's going to stall and then I remind myself that Vipers simply don't like to go slow. I know that you're feeling quite down, but you can only go up now  >v

It was great seeing you and Lena again, she'll have to come out to the next NARRA event and drive, since you'll be in the blue group, don't try and pull a "Lance" and take up permanent residency in GREEN <F

Art, did you manage to head out of town early enough to miss the sort of traffic Ken described?

Ken, the Sunday traffic from Vegas to LA has been like that for years. Before we moved to Vegas (10 years ago) we used to drive up Thursday night or Friday morning, spend the weekend and when Sunday hit we'd just get up eat and hit the road by 9. That way we missed most of the traffic and still got back to La Canada in well under 4 hours.

Here are a few pictures I took with my iPhone.  They are pretty crummy, but I still can't get over the "Hemi under Glass" Barracuda with the engine in the back and the dual drive-shafts to transfer the rotational energy BACK to the differential.

And for those who missed the Quarter-Mile of Mopar at the Cannery on Friday night (along with the Disco band; which actually wasn't bad... brought back memories).

Oh - make sure to look very closely at the window sticker (look at the last item on the list; it is "priceless"!)

Ken

continued from previous post...

you can open the trunk manually with the key, crawl in and open the door

Thanks for posting the pictures Ken !
I took a couple pictures of the Hemi under Glass car last year.  I didn't get to see him run though cause something went wrong just before his run.

So what is up with your car?

Since you asked Ken... the Full size group picture and fisheye is now posted on my site.
I tried to upload it to this thread but it is too big.

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 29, 2009, 09:40:22 PM
Since you asked Ken... the Full size group picture and fisheye is now posted on my site.
I tried to upload it to this thread but it is too big.

>w



(http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/medium/DSC_8988_1_.jpg)



(http://gallery.viperclub.org/data/500/DSC_8988_1_.jpg)




Lance, You can up load photo's on the VCA site and it will resize it for internet forums for you......

Well, Ken asked for a FULL sized pic...having it re-sized down kinda misses the point.  I think Lance meant it was too big to fit in the maximum allowable width of the forum.

I had a really great time out in Vegas!  Thank you again to everyone for putting in the hard work to make it possible and especially Dan and Cathy!  And thank you to Lance for all the great pics!  And our Viper bags were very cool!

It was great to hang out with Lyle, Pattie, Kala, and Dai.  Thanks Kala for taking those pics during our time with Shelby!

Not sure if I would do the MATS event itself again as it was quite a disorganized mess, but the Club event was awesome.  I have a few pics I'll try to post up as soon as I get more time.  But here is clip of one of my runs...a little disappointed in the times as I am sure with more practice I can get her down much faster (won't be happy until I am in the low 11's!).

http://www.pod9.com/ant/viper/viper_vegas_drags_2009.wmv

Anyone going to the VCA Regional Zone Rendezvous in Brekenridge Colorada on July 4th?