Hey Gang,
Come out and stretch your Viper's legs at Auto Club Speedway running their "Roval" configuration which includes an infield road course along with about 1/2 of the high speed oval.
This "Speed Ventures" high performance driving event offers run groups for beginners, intermediate and advanced drivers.
Instruction is available through Speed Ventures.
This is a great opportunity to run closer to home and save on hotel expense.
For more info or to sign up, go to: www.speedventures.com
See you at the track,
Dan <2
Driver's list:
Dan
Chris
Scott P
Gary
Derek
Derek's Dad
Leo
Peter H
Ben
Scott H
I am in!
this sounds like a lot of fun!
Count me, and my dad in!
I'm in, do we know when registration opens?
Quote from: Leo on August 26, 2012, 05:52:34 PM
I'm in, do we know when registration opens?
Check the Speed Ventures website for more info:
www.speedventures.com
Dan <2
Hey Dan, count me in for willow springs and this.
I am not sure about button willow since it is a lot further for me. Plus, with the time spacing, WS and Fontana should give me a good "break" in between.
Quote from: JonathanL on August 27, 2012, 03:00:34 PM
Hey Dan, count me in for willow springs and this.
I am not sure about button willow since it is a lot further for me. Plus, with the time spacing, WS and Fontana should give me a good "break" in between.
Sounds like a plan.
I'll speak with Jim Saxton on getting you a preferred instructor.
See you at the track,
Dan
OK, I'm all signed up. Looking forward to this event.
This would be fun. I've never tracked before. Will my '03 original run-flat tires suffice for my first track experience? And what is typically the pricing on instruction?
Do you guys insure your cars for track days?
I'd recommend new tires. Your original '03 tires are probably pretty hard and won't provide much traction so kinda dangerous.
They would be great for drifting though!
Why don't you come out to the autocross this Saturday in Palm Springs? It would be a safe place to test out the limits of you and your car, only thing you can hit are cones, no concrete walls.
Certainly need new tires, as a rule of thumb anything past 24 months old for tracking purposes is not recommended. Fontana is a pretty fast track, so vehicle safety is critical - not a time to economize.
The Viper is a lot of car - give it Love and it will be an experience like never before.
Scottp
Thanks for the advice. I'll see you out in Palm Springs tomorrow!
Magnus,
As above on the Run Flats - get rid of them ASAP. They are very hard and dangerous on the street by now, especially in colder weather. If I were going to buy new tires, I'd call Chris at Viper Parts America. You will want the OE Viper tires with the C-1 Sidewall designation in OE sizes. These offer the best all around grip (street, track wet, etc.) of all available OE tires for your Viper.
ACS Fontana is a great track to run the first time out and instruction is free. Just take it easy and follow your instructors directions.
Go to www.speedventures.com for more info and to sign up.
See you at the track,
Dan <2
Just signed up for this event.
Weather looks good.
We should try to get garages together.
See you at the track.
Dan <2
Thanks for the advice Dan. I ordered a set of Michelin Super Sports today (before reading your post), and will hopefully have them installed early next week.
Do you think it will fill up quickly? If possible I'd like to wait to register until I'm sure I'll get new tires on. I'll have to get a tow hook as well, and then I should be all set.
Magnus,
You may want to sell your old run flats to Newport Dave. He is always looking for another set. ^1
Quote from: Magnus on November 05, 2012, 05:34:51 PM
Thanks for the advice Dan. I ordered a set of Michelin Super Sports today (before reading your post), and will hopefully have them installed early next week.
The Super Sports are good street tires that should wear well. They are also OK for light track duty, so you should enjoy them.
Do you think it will fill up quickly? If possible I'd like to wait to register until I'm sure I'll get new tires on. I'll have to get a tow hook as well, and then I should be all set.
It's looking pretty light right now, but does tend to fill up quickly during the last week.
Dan
Magnus, did you find out if you can take your convertible on the Roval? From looking at the Speed Ventures site, it looks like you need a real roll bar.
I plan to go as a spectator, and maybe do the Auto-X.
~Jay
Hmm, no I didn't check. I see there's another '03 registered for Saturday. I just sent Speedventures an email.
Hey guys. Just joined so Cal Viper in October. Plan on attending the event. Have a exhaust leak on my new ACRX headers at the collector. Im a little concerned. Going to try to get the car dropped off at a little performance shop in Hemet to get the headers fixed... and maybe put on the dyno. REALLY looking forward to it!
I ran my 04 convertable with no rollbar many times at Fontana, shouldn't be a problem. I would confirm with Speed Venture to make sure the rules haven't changed since then.
Speed Venture does a good job and run safe events. It'll be a good experience for you!
Scottp
Quote from: Matthew on November 07, 2012, 07:58:55 PM
Hey guys. Just joined so Cal Viper in October. Plan on attending the event. Have a exhaust leak on my new ACRX headers at the collector. Im a little concerned. Going to try to get the car dropped off at a little performance shop in Hemet to get the headers fixed... and maybe put on the dyno. REALLY looking forward to it!
Welcome Matthew! Look forward to meeting you and your car.
I plan on being there Saturday with my '99 GTS. Yours has nitrous?
Ben
Yes. Has a 150 shot for the strip. Never had it on the track. Previous owner built it for the track, Penski suspension, sport cup tires. Car should do good. Not to comfident about the driver!! Yet.
I would recommend just taking it slow and using an instructor. Sport Cup tires are great when new but if they are older then they tend to be a little slippery. Make sure you get them warm before you start pushing it. Don't think you'll need the nitrous unless you want to drag race someone on the straights to pass.
I've done many track events with my '08 ACR and previous cars but this will be my first track event with my '99 GTS so I'll also be taking it slow.
See you there.
Quote from: Jay M on November 07, 2012, 09:30:28 AM
Magnus, did you find out if you can take your convertible on the Roval? From looking at the Speed Ventures site, it looks like you need a real roll bar.
I plan to go as a spectator, and maybe do the Auto-X.
~Jay
Aaron at Speed Ventures just confirmed convertibles are allowed as long as they have factory roll hoops. I'm signed up for the event now!
Hey Dan,
Are convertables required to have a roll bar.
Demoe
Just signed up for Saturday only.
Demoe, you are good to go if you have factory roll hoops as stated in one of the previous posts.
See you guys there,
Ben
Quote from: Banzai Ben on November 08, 2012, 06:14:07 AM
I would recommend just taking it slow and using an instructor. Sport Cup tires are great when new but if they are older then they tend to be a little slippery. Make sure you get them warm before you start pushing it. Don't think you'll need the nitrous unless you want to drag race someone on the straights to pass.
I've done many track events with my '08 ACR and previous cars but this will be my first track event with my '99 GTS so I'll also be taking it slow.
See you there.
NICE. Can't wait to see both of your Vipers...lucky guy! Yeah, I'll be taking it easy the first couple laps. You're right those sport cup tires are like driving on a slip-n-slide until they're warm. What class will you be running with? I have a feeling this is going to be a little addicting.
Matt,
I'll be running in the green group, intermediate-advanced. The really fast guys, Garry, Chris, Dan, and Scott will be in the red group.
See you there,
Ben
Quote from: Hirkophoto on November 05, 2012, 06:02:10 PM
Magnus,
You may want to sell your old run flats to Newport Dave. He is always looking for another set. ^1
Why thank you :)
I might actually come out to the track! Waiting to hear from my new employer on my avalibility for that weekend.
Question ....being in the beginners group how many runs do you get and, at what time is the event wrapped up that day??
You get four 25 min sessions. Depends on which run group you are in but usually ends around 3:30-4:30.
You can always skip the last session though and cut out early.
Got a garage space and requested they put all the Viper garage spaces next to each other. Hope that's okay with you other guys with garage spaces, if not then let them know when you get there. Anyone without a garage is welcome to keep there stuff in mine.
See you there,
Ben
Quote from: Magnus on November 08, 2012, 04:20:35 PM
Aaron at Speed Ventures just confirmed convertibles are allowed as long as they have factory roll hoops. I'm signed up for the event now!
That's great that you can drive! But, be sure to keep the dirty side down, those hoops behind your seats are made of aluminum and aren't mounted to anything strong. I think they are more for looks than real protection.
I plan to see you there, though, I think I'll remain a spectator.
~Jay
Quote from: Jay M on November 12, 2012, 10:57:45 AM
That's great that you can drive! But, be sure to keep the dirty side down, those hoops behind your seats are made of aluminum and aren't mounted to anything strong. I think they are more for looks than real protection.
I plan to see you there, though, I think I'll remain a spectator.
~Jay
Jay.... Come out and drive Willow Springs January 5th... <1
Quote from: 1HOTV10 on November 13, 2012, 06:20:13 PM
Jay.... Come out and drive Willow Springs January 5th... <1
Definitely! I'm really looking forward to that. Very few walls at Willow :)
I need a few things for my car first, maybe tow hooks and a fire extinguisher.
~Jay
at willow springs will my stock roll bars work? or do i need a full on legit roll cage to drive that event?
Me and my dad both really want to go but im not going to drive all that way just to be turned down because my roll bars are not super legit.
I did however get my fire extinguisher today thanks to scott! just installed it and it looks great! im a bit of a neat freak and i like to keep my car super duper clean so vacuuming it out with the fire extinguisher may be a bit of a hassle but safety first!
Also!
whats the address for this place and where do i register or sign up and pay for this event?
do i just show up on saturday and pay and register at the event? want to make sure i get to drive!
Hey Derek,
Here is a link to the website. Click the register button on the website to pay. http://www.speedventures.com/events/eventdetail.aspx?id=391
Auto Club Speedway is located at 9300 Cherry Ave., Fontana, CA 92335. Use the main entrance to the track off Cherry Ave. and, once through the gate, drive to the left side of the Speedway and then curve right to get to the tunnel which takes you into the interior of the track.
Quote from: Derek on November 14, 2012, 06:23:54 PM
at willow springs will my stock roll bars work? or do i need a full on legit roll cage to drive that event?
Me and my dad both really want to go but im not going to drive all that way just to be turned down because my roll bars are not super legit.
I did however get my fire extinguisher today thanks to scott! just installed it and it looks great! im a bit of a neat freak and i like to keep my car super duper clean so vacuuming it out with the fire extinguisher may be a bit of a hassle but safety first!
Also!
whats the address for this place and where do i register or sign up and pay for this event?
do i just show up on saturday and pay and register at the event? want to make sure i get to drive!
Derek,
If your planning to run with the '96 GTS in the picture you don't need a roll bar. The rollbar reference is for convertibles, most organizations won't allow convertibles to run unless they have a roll bar or stock rollover hoops, i.e. viper, porsche, bmw, mercedes.
If your a neat freak, buy and bring a couple of rolls of blue painters tape and tape up the front facia and the front sections of the side sills. It will help prevent rock chips.
Here's a link to Willow Springs Raceway (as a note we'll run the "big" track, not the "streets" track.
I haven't seen any info about paying and ViperX told me the events may be extended to two days. Keep an eye on this board for more info. Mike
http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/
Hey guys, FYI, plan on camping in the in-field Saturday night. Have another motorhome going with us (spectators). Come join us for cocktails by the camp fire. The fee is only $75 per motorhome.
Matt
Quote from: Leo on November 14, 2012, 09:46:36 PM
Hey Derek,
Here is a link to the website. Click the register button on the website to pay. http://www.speedventures.com/events/eventdetail.aspx?id=391
Auto Club Speedway is located at 9300 Cherry Ave., Fontana, CA 92335. Use the main entrance to the track off Cherry Ave. and, once through the gate, drive to the left side of the Speedway and then curve right to get to the tunnel which takes you into the interior of the track.
thanks for the info i just signed up and registered!
gonna be a lot of fun! can't wait!!!!!!!!!
Hey guys it was great to see you at the track today. Here are the photos I shot posted on my web site: http://www.hirkophoto.com/p205808063
Feel free to download what you want by mousing over the photo and a little menu will appear in the top left of the image, then click download for the high res files. Enjoy. Here are a few from today.
(http://www.hirkophoto.com/img/s1/v57/p1274469810-4.jpg)
(http://www.hirkophoto.com/img/s2/v60/p1274474192-3.jpg)
(http://www.hirkophoto.com/img/s4/v68/p1274481408-3.jpg)
(http://www.hirkophoto.com/img/s2/v59/p1274517018-3.jpg)
(http://www.hirkophoto.com/img/s1/v55/p1274513560-3.jpg)
(http://www.hirkophoto.com/img/s4/v65/p1274488200-3.jpg)
(http://www.hirkophoto.com/img/s1/v21/p1274544320-3.jpg)
(http://www.hirkophoto.com/img/s4/v67/p1274539060-3.jpg)
What a great day... sorry I missed it, it rained all day long in Santa Clarita. I'm glad you had good weather.
Scott, thanks the pictures... awesome, as usual! They did their job, they made me not want to miss the next event.
~Jay
Great pics scott!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sooooooooooo much FUN!
learned a lot more about my car and how to drive it!
Big thanks to Dan for taking me out in his ACR and showing me what a viper is really capable of! Truly unreal! Ive never experienced anything quite like that before! hands down the most thrill ride adrenalin rush!
IM HOOKED!!!!!! <2 =15
a few shots from the stands
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12grant.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12grant3.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12ben7.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12blackviper.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12Dan1.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12blueviper.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12ben6.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12ben5.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12ben4.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12ben1-1.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12ben2.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12grant2.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12dan2.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Tautoclub11-12dan3.jpg)
Thanks for posting pictures Scott and Eric !!!
Looks like everyone had a great time out there. >v
Sorry I missed it.
I have to say by far this is the most amazing .... BITCHEN ...photo shot ever of our So Cal Viper Club top racers at the track.
Wow! I am In awe... <1 ^9
Ben ^6
Thanks Hirk... for the Killer pics................
Thanks Glenn, look forward to seeing you at the next track event.
Thanks Hirk and Hemotox for coming out and taking all the great pics!
So lucky we didn't get rain out there, seemed like it was raining everywhere else around the track.
Looked like Derek, Magnus, Matthew, and Leo were having a great time out there and
Garry and Dan were hauling ass as usual in the red group.
Ben,
How did the car run - were you happy with it? How much different than the ACR?
Sorry I missed the day I had the car packed and ready, but it was raining at my place and didn't think it was a good idea to drive in the rain with the Hoosier's. You just never know........
Scottp
Couple more behind the scenes
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Taautoclub11-12Dan5.jpg)
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm287/AtomicGT/Decorated%20images/Taautoclub11-12Dan6.jpg)
1HOTV10
I think it is the snake skin green color that is grabbing you!!!
Quote from: Scottp on November 18, 2012, 08:42:39 PM
Ben,
How did the car run - were you happy with it? How much different than the ACR?
Sorry I missed the day I had the car packed and ready, but it was raining at my place and didn't think it was a good idea to drive in the rain with the Hoosier's. You just never know........
Scottp
Hey Scott,
The car is harder to drive than the ACR or Lotus but I like it. I'm still trying to get used to braking with no ABS, that's the toughest part for me. Also, need more time to get comfortable heel-toe down shifting. It's easier with this car compared to the ACR due to the pedals and no "drive by wire" throttle but harder than the Lotus.
The car started sputtering a little out of corners so I skipped the last session and will have Dan C. check it out.
Overall I'm very happy with it so far, it handles great! Feels good tracking a Viper again!
If you were not trailering then driving to the track on Hoosiers would have been a bit sketchy so you made the right call. It was raining on my drive home.
See you at the next track event.
Quote from: 1HOTV10 on November 18, 2012, 06:57:47 PM
I have to say by far this is the most amazing .... BITCHEN ...photo shot ever of our So Cal Viper Club top racers at the track.
Wow! I am In awe... <1 ^9
Ben ^6
Thanks Hirk... for the Killer pics................
Thanks Glenn,
However I have more fun when I'm driving, then just watching. I wanted to chase Ben since he has been slowed a bit with his non ABS car.
Hirk