Our good friend Dan Cragin is working on a track weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway
January 17 and 18,  2015

" Hey Guys,
It looks like this event is just about finalized for January. We will let everyone know. This will be great fun, we are all very excited. Here is an e-mail I sent out to my clients recently.

Hi Everyone,
SPT is helping plan a very special event for Viper owners next year and we need a commitment to move forward.
This two-day event will be the kickoff of what we hope to build into a series of events for Viper owners to learn car control and feel the exhilaration of driving their car in a safe environment on the track. We are targeting owners that have never been on the track but will have advanced sessions for experienced drivers as well.

Where: Buttonwillow Raceway
When: January 17th and 18th 2015
Hotel and Banquet: 4 Points Sheraton/ Bakersfield
http://www.fourpointsbakersfield.com (http://www.fourpointsbakersfield.com)
Cost for Event and Banquet: $395.00
This includes 2 days of track use and dinner banquet.
In order to make this happen, I need a commitment from you to help plan the event."

Please RSVP or call me 310-597-6295

Dan Cragin



Registered:

1 John B.
2 Robert B.
3 Gary C.
4 Stevan D.
5 Rich E.
6 Peter H.
7 Scott H.
8 Brad H.
9 Ben K.
10 Lance K.
11 Al O.
12 Greg S.
13 Todd S.
14 John W.
15 Larry W.
16 Jay M
17 Brent K
18 Glenn I.
19 Randy B.
20 Lee W.
21 Rick H
22 Jeff A
23 John B
24 Tom L
25 Jay S
26 Patrick M
27 Keith A
28 Mike C
29 Andy H
30 Jose A
31 Anthony M
32 Austin M
33 Glen M
34 Richard S
35 Eddie R
36 Bruce C
37 Ante B
38 Loyde I
39 Tony M
40 Roxana M
41 Alan W
42 Mike F
43 Justin F
44 Jennifer F
45 Randy T
46 Gentulio B
47 Gavin G
48 Chuck G
49 Gerald W
50 James M
51 Ken A
52 Raj C
53 Eddie M
54 Jonathan M
55 Laurence G
56 Kurt K
57 Otto P
58 Garry W
59 Paul S
60 Andeas E
61 Michael S
62 Chris H
63 David A
64 Madeline A
65 Mike B
66 Mike M
67 Jim K
68 Denis V
69 Shannon A
70 Rich P
71 Vineet V
72 John B
73 John F
74 Eduard C
75 Elana S
76 Mike M
77 Josh J
78 Ryan B

Here is all the sign up information and links, Don't wait to sign up! We need all hands (Or Snakes) on deck for this one to make it a great event!

Viper event that will be taking place at Buttonwillow Raceway on January 17-18, 2015. 

We are in the final stages of making this event become a reality.   Our deadline to secure all funding and finalize the contracts is November 30th.   In order to do this, we need to reach our minimum target of 55 Vipers to sign up and pay as soon as possible.   If we do not reach the minimum by November 30th, 2014, this event will be cancelled and your registration fee will be refunded in full.   If we reach our goal and sign the contracts to secure the event, there will be NO REFUNDS made.   This event will be rain or shine, hot or cold and guaranteed to ROCK !


Please take a moment to register/pay via PayPal BEFORE November 30th, 2014.   

Click here to pay for:   PayPal – Solo Driver/Car (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=TMDDWBLUSMN3U)

Click here to pay  for:  PayPal - 2 Drivers in same car (Or guest) (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DLDFNTE6WWJBA) (Includes dinner for second driver/guest)

Once you have paid please fill out the following  Registration form (http://goo.gl/forms/LzW2W1Z9sQ): 


For more information on the event, here is a link to the webpage:   http://www.westcoastracinginc.com/VT/


We have a room block at the 4 Points Sheraton in Bakersfield.  They have given us a special rate of $89.00/night
Please call and make your room reservations early before they sell out.  Call them at (661)325-9700 and tell them you are with the Viper Group.

Here are some of the highlights for the event:

VIPER TRACKS 2015
ButtonWillow Raceway
January 17-18, 2015
A Viper exclusive driving event
Viper specific driver education
Skip Thomas will return to teach safety driving classes as well as advanced driving classes
Four different run groups:  Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Race
4 track sessions on each day
In car instructors for all beginner group drivers
Dinner banquet Saturday night


Viper Tracks 2015 is heavily sponsored by the following and without them we would not be able to have this event:
 
Dan Cragin -  Specialty Performance Team    661-588-2882   
Dan will be performing required Tech inspections for the Vipers and we recommend that you have him do it prior to attending Viper Tracks 2015.   This way any issues can be properly corrected before the event.  Dan is renowned as one of the best in the Nation when it comes to Viper Techs and we are lucky to have him here on the West coast.

Mike Bell -   Motor Village LA   877-849-0771 
Mike and his team at Motor Village LA have committed their efforts to support the Viper owners and help promote the brand.  If you are looking for a new Dodge/Chrysler product in the So Cal area, visit Motor Village and see what they can do for you.

Paul Normandin -  Normandin Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram  877-330-0391
Paul and his team have been long time supporters of the Vipers up in the Bay area.  It is great to have them recognize the significance of this event and help sponsor the event.  If you are looking for a new vehicle, they will likely have exactly what you are looking for.

Todd Gomez -  Bad Boyzz Garage  916-505-9026
Toddy has a long history with the Vipers and has developed a great line of performance upgrades which are proven for the track.   If you are looking to increase HP or performance, definitely call Toddy and see what he can do for you.



Thanks for being a part in this effort to put on Viper Tracks 2015 !!

I'm signed up! :)

This will be a great event so don't miss out. The entrance fee will go up drastically to $595 on December 31st. so don't wait.

I'm in and Paid  8)

For more info on the Track   http://buttonwillowraceway.com

I have paid, for Jennifer and I.  If I can't get a loaner top for the Viper, can I use the SRT8 Jeep instead?

thanks,
~Jay

anthony and austin are in and booked..  my 20 year old in my viper.  what the hell is wrong with me??

Eddie is paid and room is booked.

Hotel reservations are filling up quickly.  Don't wait much longer if you have signed up for the Track

Viper Tracks - High Performance Driving Event Tech Inspection



Specialty Performance Team is offering a free pre-event Tech Inspection to all entrants of the Viper Track - HPDE event January 17-18 at Buttonwillow Raceway.

Every car will receive a 60 point vehicle inspection with report and signed Tech Sheet (upon approval).

I highly recommend everyone have their car inspected before the event. Track Day inspections will be $15 and those who do not pass, may lose a chance to get on the track.

Attached is a link to the West Coast Racing Tech Sheet

http://www.westcoastracinginc.com/Tech.pdf (http://www.westcoastracinginc.com/Tech.pdf)

Everyone will need a Fire Extinguisher / fastened in the cockpit. These are available through VOA vendors and SPT. Some will be available at the track.

Helmets must be worn and have a 2000 Snell rating or better

Lap Belts must be working properly/ 4-5 and 6 point belts are recommended but not required.

Tires must be in good condition/ no cracks / under 8 years old (6 is best) and no tire plugs. A good street sport alignment will assure good handling and tire wear. Check your tire pressures and torque the wheel lug nuts.

You want to make sure your fluid services are current, on Gen 2-3 cars without modified oil pans, it's critical that you keep the oil level just above the full mark. Consider an oil pan upgrade if you do not have one and never run slicks if you do not. Brake and clutch fluid should be clear, not brown. It can boil and you will lose your brakes or clutch. Two year change intervals are suggested.

Brake pads should be at 40% or better, rotors should not have light surface cracks that go to the edge. Brake lines should be properly routed and have no cuts in the rubber.  Stainless Steel brake lines are recommended for better pedal feel and safety.

Check for leaks, belts and hoses should be in good condition.

Make sure there are no loose items in the car or under the seats.

Convertibles will need either a hard top or roll bar. SPT will have a limited number of hard tops (Gen 1-2-3) and plug in roll hoops (Gen 3-4), I currently have a commitment for 3 Gen 1-2 Hard Tops, 1 Gen 3-4 hard top and 4 approved plug in roll hoops for Gen 3-4. I will have an exact count shortly (Please consider purchasing either of these options if you plan to track your car regularly. Think of it as insurance, it's not a problem until you need it!

We are looking forward to a fun and organized event. Feel free to call with any questions.

Dan Cragin

Specialty Performance Team

626-588-2882

Awesome Dan !!!!!!!!!
I will make an appointment and get my ACR up to you.

Thanks for doing this !!!!

Got the word that the event is a GO! Thank you to everyone who signed up!
Nov 30th is the last day to register at the $395 rate, after that it will be $595.

Speedtactics.com is offering special pricing for Viper Tracks attendees on Fire Extinguishers and Brackets. Use the following link to get the special prices. http://speedtactics.com/specialvipertracks.php
To be compliant with West Coast Racing every car must have a fire extinguisher. Don't miss out on the discounted prices!

I'm planning to trailer over on Friday.  Anyone want to Caravan with me?

Should be a bunch of us going up then. Not sure if I'll have my trailer yet :-\

I'm in for the Friday caravan. Hopefully I will have my new trailer so Hirk can have his!  :)

I'll be towing out Friday too !!!

Only one week away and the weather forecast is clear with highs 64-69 and lows 41-44!
Ended up with about 80 Vipers for the event!


SRT will be bringing a 2014 Viper TA and the head Viper chassis engineer Erich Heuschele will be there driving and tech talking!


Special guest "TK" Tommy Kendall will be in attendance and will have a Viper TA and a HellCat to have fun with us!

If anyone wants to caravan up this Friday, the main meet point will be 11:00 at Wood Ranch BBQ. There's a big parking lot for staples and Sport Chalet so there should be plenty of space for the trailers.

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
Valencia Marketplace
25580 The Old Road
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381

We will grab lunch then head out and stop for gas at the Chevron before the track where hwy 58 intersects hwy 5

Chevron
20656 Tracy Avenue
Buttonwillow, CA 93206

Then off to Buttonwillow Raceway to drop off the trailers and do a little prepping.

Buttonwillow Raceway Park
24551 Lerdo Hwy
Buttonwillow, CA 93206

The final destination will be the Four Points Sheraton in Bakersfield to check in.

Four Points by Sheraton Bakersfield
5101 California Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93309

I just came up with this initial plan. If anyone wants to change it up at all feel free to post up your suggestion.
See you all Friday!
Ben

Woodranch is perfect, and it's only 5 minutes from my house. I Look forward to seeing everyone this weekend.

~Jay

I'm in for sure, who else is driving up in the snakes?

I'll be driving up and meeting for the caravan. Can't wait!
RT

I wish I could make the caravan but that's a bit too early for me since I won't be able to get off work that early. Are there any other caravans planned?

I am meeting up with Jeff off the I-5 and 126 we are not leaving until Saturday morning at 5:45. If anyone wants to go let me know, Eddie 661-713-3089

Here is a Video of the track CW25.  Hope this helps. 8)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa9ncQhmL5M

Thanks Glenn, that's really helpful!

~Jay

Quote from: viper_eddie on January 13, 2015, 08:20:26 AM
I wish I could make the caravan but that's a bit too early for me since I won't be able to get off work that early. Are there any other caravans planned?

What area and what time are you thinking to head out? I'll see if any others have similar plans.
Many do not check this site very often.
Thanks,
Ben

Ben,

I'm regularly on the VOA forum but I was surprised to see that there's no talk about a caravan there or maybe I missed it.


I live in the Marina del Rey area (Los Angeles) and I'm thinking of heading out early afternoon. Anywhere from 1-4 would be my guess. Still have a few work things to do and unfortunately they all have to be done Friday.

There are several guys coming from San Diego and Orange County, I'll try to find out if any will be cruising up at that time.

Eddie,
Sorry, I'm not sure if any others are caravanning  through this area tomorrow afternoon so we will see you
up there.

Thanks anyways! See you there.

What an amazing event!


With most events, I can usually find a way to improve something.  But this event was just about perfect.


Arriving at the track to the site of nearly 80 Vipers was awesome, and many of those were about to have their first ever track experience.  Everyone I talked to had a great time with their instructor.  Everyone was full of smiles and seeming to be having the time of their life.  The fast guys got to go fast, and the Green group, had a blast.  I personally really liked this track, there were some really challenging turns, but most of the time I felt pretty good.


I made some new friends, and met many new people who may soon become friends. 


I had plenty of track time, and the event was about as organized as the weather would permit.  The staff at the track, the instructors, and even the hotel staff treated us like royalty.


The ride along with TK in the Viper was simply awesome!  He was incredibly smooth and REALLY fast.  I like what he said at the banquet, unlike golf, with practice you will become a better driver.


The banquet was great, I enjoyed the fun stories from TK and skip.  (I'm still trying to figure out how Dominik could pee out an open door while driving on a race track)


I can't even imagine how much work went into this event.  I don't even know where to begin thanking people.  I'll just say thanks to everyone who made this possible.   There are now about 80 people who love there vipers more than they did before this weekend.


While there are many track events throughout the year, there is something very special about an all Viper event.  I really hope this can become an annual event.


I do plan to make a little recap video.  I wasn't able to shoot much video, but if anyone is willing to contribute video or stills, I'd love to incorporate that into the video.


I hope to see all of you again very soon!


~Jay

Like Jay said,  I don't know where to begin when thanking everybody who helped put this event together, but I do know that Lance and Scott have my sincerest gratitude for helping make this happen. 


It was the inaugural track event for my sister Akemi and Roxy (and about 30 other new viper owners) and I couldn't have thought of a better event to have begun that journey on. 


Thanks again and I hope to see you all very soon!


-Justin Fujita

I had a fantastic time this weekend.  Thank you to Viper Tracks for the long hours spent pulling this event together.  I have to say that I had the best student in the Green group.  Watch out Justin your Sister "Akemi" is coming to get you on the track.

Congratulations going out to to our newest member Viper_Eddie for winning the set of Pirelli Tires.  8)

Awesome event! Felt like a Viper Days from the past!
A really big THANK YOU to Lance, Scott, and Bruce for turning this great idea into a reality!
I hope there will be another one in the future. :D

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!
Diane & I had just a good time. The feeling in the air was just pure friendly and fun. Super well organized and loaded with good information for safety and fun. So glad to see so many new comers too. Many great memories were made. A big THANK YOU to all who made it possible. Can't wait to do it again.
RT

Fabulous event! Thank you!

My contact info for Bruce Conklin is out of date. Can anyone send me a message with his new info?  Thanks!

Done !

Lance,Scott,Rich and all of you that helped put on VIPER Tracks it was a huge success everybody I talked to had a blast. Thank you sponsors without you it not have happened. Looking forward to VT2.