Hello Sidewinders, and those wishing to become Sidewinders!

Viper Days, aka NARRA, is coming to So Cal's Chuckwalla Valley Raceway March 26 & 27 with Test & Tune Friday, March 25.  The track will be run CCW.

For those of you that haven't attended a Viper Days Event, it's the best of the best track events with run groups from beginner (with in-car driving instruction provided), intermediate, advanced and race.

Archer Racing provides support at the track with parts and labor available for most services including tires, wheels, alignment, oil / fluid changes, most mechanical repairs, etc.

For more info on NARRA/Viper Days, go to:  http://dev.narraonline.com/schedule.html

For more info on Chuckwalla, go to: www.chuckwallavalleyraceway.com

Also, for those of you who haven't run Chuckwalla yet and would like to run it before Viper Days, we have an opportunity if we can get enough participation.  Chuckwalla will offer an open lapping day for us on Tuesday, March 15.  We'll need at least 10 cars to get this done, so please let me know ASAP by posting here.  Open lapping days are fun as you can run any time you want during the day while the track is "hot".

I'll post more info as it becomes available.

See you at the track,

Dan  <2

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VIPER DAYS / NARRA REGISTRATION:

•   Register by March 4th for Early Registration Rates
   Go here to register: http://dev.narraonline.com/component/jcs/jcs/form.html


HOTEL:


•   CLARION  (http://www.clarionhotel.com/hotel-indio-california-CA191/Hotel-Photos?sid=b0bX.vGYcrgyai.5&sarea=&sname=&slon=-116.197662&slat=33.727901&schain=&scountry=&sstate=&type=&sradius=&sstate_country=&scity=)(Previously Holiday Inn Express)
       CUTOFF DATE; March 1st for Event rate $85 + tax
       35-rooms blocked - Free hot breakfast
       CALL: (760) 342-6344 and request "VIPER CLUB" rate

        84096 Indio Springs Dr
       Indio, CA 92203 (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=84096+Indio+Springs+Dr.,+Indio,+CA,+US,+92201&sll=33.723763,-116.197684&hl=en&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=84096+Indio+Springs+Dr,+Indio,+Riverside,+California+92203&ll=33.72152,-116.193595&spn=0.033303,0.039096&z=15)


TRACK LOCATION:

     Chuckwalla Valley Raceway (http://www.chuckwallavalleyraceway.com/)
       25300 Rice Rd.
      Desert Center, CA (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=25300+Rice+Rd+Desert+Center,+CA++92239+(33.7938558,+-115.2960521)&aq=&sll=33.75881,-115.746866&sspn=1.060657,1.116486&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Rice+Rd,+Chuckwalla,+Riverside,+California+92239&ll=33.716344,-115.547333&spn=1.061179,1.676788&z=10)
      760-227-3100

 >o

I am looking forward to the event!  I missed the day trip that you guys made out there in December; but, I got to drive the track last Saturday with Star Cars.   It was definitely a fun day and a fun track; but, then again, any day at any track counts as a fun day (unless it ends in damage to something ).   I won't be able to make a Feb 26,27 weekend there, though.

See you all in March.

Dan,

I plan on going to Viper days but wish it wasn't at Chuckwalla.  I'll give it an open mind along with my $100 credit from Pahrump, but, going that same weekend to Willow with West Coast racing is very tempting!

Hope you can set up another date to test the track as I'm planning on going to the Speed Ventures event at Fontana on Feb 26/27th. 

Mike

Is the Car Control Clinic being run in the same March weekend?  So we just run in the CCC while not running in our run group?

Quote from: ACRBruce on February 05, 2011, 05:12:06 PM
Is the Car Control Clinic being run in the same March weekend?  So we just run in the CCC while not running in our run group?

Hey Bruce,
The Car Control Clinic is on May 7th at Auto Club Speedway in the outer parking lot (not on a track of any sort)

March 25-27 is the Narra/Viper Days event and is at Chuckwalla Raceway.
www.narraonline.com (http://www.narraonline.com)
Very different than our CCC.  This is a GREAT event for those new to the Viper, or those looking to learn the basics of driving on a track.  Instructors are placed in the car (mandatory for the Green group / available for the intermediate level) and the focus is on driver instruction....NOT racing. 

Every one of the Sidewinders came up through this program (I've gone thru the classes 4 times)  NO, NOT because I kept FLUNKING....because it is a really great way to learn a lot of new techniques and gain some great instruction for Performance Driving.

QuoteEvery one of the Sidewinders came up through this program (I've gone thru the classes 4 times)  NO, NOT because I kept FLUNKING....because it is a really great way to learn a lot of new techniques and gain some great instruction for Performance Driving.

Are you sure about that flunking stuff?  >w

Quote from: ViperX on February 07, 2011, 09:43:02 AM

Are you sure about that flunking stuff?  >w

Skip just really liked having me in his classroom !   <K

Funny Lance as I went through the "green group" driving class 3 or 4 times too.  =27

I would love to see this new track but my wife and I will be in Miami!

Btw, I "came up through" NASA, TCCRA, AROSC, Driving Dynamics (??), PCA/POG, Fastrack Riders (bikes), Code School (bikes) and others I cannot remember.  However, I am PROUD to be with the Vipers now!

I am coming to this one for sure.  Yes coming in the second or #27 of 33 Viper ACR 1:33 hardcore, now the new one will have a custom Penske suspension.... The other #8 of 33 was totaled at Fontana..  :-(  But insurance covered it all!  :-)

Hey Gary,

Glad to hear the insurance company made you whole and that you came out of it okay.

Garry, Sorry to hear your viper was totalled, you really were running great at Fontana.  Glad to hear you found another 1:33, beautiful viper.  See you at the track.   Mike

Thanks guys for the support, Yes that day at Fontana was the best driving I have done to date!  Unfortunately the ACR with the KW's didn't like that bump going back on to the roval over the make shift access road... It just kicked out the back end of the car and their was nothing I could do to recover it.  I was totally depressed for quite some time, It felt as I had lost a family member!  But as the Aerosmith song says "I'm back in the saddle again"  And loving it!  Car is almost done.......And this time I am coming out with the latest newest technology from the boys at Pensky...
GG

AKA Hollywood

This is the note I just got from Erick about my new suspension, it should change the standard for us ACR owners..

Hi there Gary!! :^)

I'm awaiting a call back from Penske to let me know the status on your incredibly cool new shocks. :^)  I'm quite enthusiastic to get them too and onto your car.  This will be the first set with the absolute newest technology in internal design that I've had the pleasure of putting on a car.  Truly exciting stuff! :^) :^)  From my last contact with Penkse, they had landed two more Formula One Teams (now that's pretty darned impressive!!!  They now have more top Formula One Teams than all other manufactures of shocks combined!  Pretty top shelf if you ask me! :^)) and they were going pretty nuts in trying to get shocks built up for them.  As soon as I hear, I'll let you know for certain! :^)

This is quite exciting. :^)

Have a fantastic day!

Erik

Hey everyone,
If you are planning on attending our one and only Viper Days, you need to call and book your room at the Clarion by MARCH 1st in order to get the special Viper Club rate.

See the first post for details.

I booked a room and will be registering for the track event soon, trying to decide which run group to go in.
Who else is going? Come on guys! Only $295 for two days and $100 off that if you went to the last Pahrump event,
not bad to run a new track.  
<14
Ben

Hey Ben and Others,

My best guess at run groups, after talking with Rob Morrison is as follows:

RUN GROUPS:

•   BEGINNER = PDE DRIVER EDUCATION  (with instruction) - Like the previous Green Group

•   INTERMEDIATE = SOLO PDE DRIVER EDUCATION (no instruction) - Like the previous Blue group

•   ADVANCED = USTTC TIME TRIAL (Open passing) - Like the previous White group

•   RACE GROUP = USGTC RACING (Race) - Like the previous Red group

FYI, I plan to run in the White group, though I don't care to be a "time trialer", just running for fun.  Hey Ben, how about we bet a Diet Coke on fastest lap time for the weekend?  >w

Anybody else with a "street car" in for this bet?

Dan

Okay, you're on Dan!  <2 But I know I'll be buying you the Coke.  =27

I'm trying to decide between the intermediate and advanced group.
What's everyone else running?

I would be interested in the March 15 track day
Ron

I booked a room if all goes well I am in see you all soon.  Eddie  <2

Hi Everybody
I booked room and will drive Sat + Sun.Looking forward to be finally back at a track!
Swisspower  >v

Ok - I'm officially signed up on the NARA web site -running Friday (test and tune) and Saturday.

Looking forward to see everyone at the track - should be a good event.

Scottp

I'm also officially registered for the event in the Solo PDE group for Sat and Sun.
Ben

I'm in the RED group.    <L

Look  like I am in.  See you guys at chuckwalla.  Save some diet coke for me.

Randy

All signed up see you at the track  <2

I'm signed up and getting ready.
Hirk

I just registered for the SOLO group, I hope my car is finished by then. Going in for Motons and Headers.

See ya there <L

So is everyone driving back to the track Sat night for the banquet at 7:00
or are they just staying there ALL day, having dinner and then making the long drive back to the hotel?

Quote from: DarkSnake on March 11, 2011, 02:30:34 AM
I just registered for the SOLO group, I hope my car is finished by then. Going in for Motons and Headers.

See ya there <L

Awesome mods Juan!  Your definitely going to drop some seconds.  <1       Glenn............

I will be there if anyone needs a hand. Cell number is 310-597-6295. For those who want to do a performance test before the event, Stop by our open dyno day on Saturday March 19th.

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 11, 2011, 06:14:37 AM
So is everyone driving back to the track Sat night for the banquet at 7:00
or are they just staying there ALL day, having dinner and then making the long drive back to the hotel?

I think after all day in the sun I will be pretty tired and then the wait, plus the drive back to the hotel it will be after 10 pm. I think I will skip the banquet drive back and get some dinner and rest anybody else in for that.  Eddie

I think the Sidewinders should have dinner at the Hotel as a group ... I agree.

Dan,

Thanks for your explanation note.  I screwed up my registration and Melissa from NARRA wrote me a note back.  I hadn't reviwed your post on the various classes.  When I first signed up I was in the beginner group. I am now signed up for the Time Trial (white).  She had me send her your (conversion) note as I guess alot of folks are confused with the new classes.

Ben,

Why don't you come into the white group with Dan and I?


Lance,

What makes the dinner question tough for me is not knowing the track schedule.  If my session were to end at say 4pm then I'd go back to the hotel, shower and then come back.  But if it were to end at 5 pm then I guess I'd probably stay at the track.  (I'd also like to go to church Sat night too).  I have a friend from Phoenix coming with me and he'll be driving my car in the Beginner group. I see a few suggestions about a SoCal dinner together back at the hotel and I'd be fine with that too.

Mike

Hey Mike,

Yes, Ben should be running with you and I.

We asked NARRA to move the BBQ dinner (not really a banquet like they've had in the past) at the track to 6:00 PM and they have, so we'll get to eat a bit sooner.

Keep in mind that it's over an hour to the hotel from the track, so I doubt that anybody will want to drive back and forth.

Dan

VIPER DAYS TRACK SCHEDULE

 Mike - I'm in the same class with you and Dan.  Looking forward to it!
Scott

Hey guys,
With them moving the dinner earlier to 6:00, this will be a bit more feasible to deal with.

Dan,

thanks so much for posting the schedule!!!  Also, great news on switching the dinner to earlier!                         (I'll send you a note off-line about fuel, not sure if they have any at the track and if so what price?) 


Scott,

glad your in our group, hopefully we get Ben in there too!

Mike

Hey Mike and Guys,

They do have fuel at the track, check their website for more info.

I'm planning to bring my own 100 unleaded and then mix some of their 91 with it.

Not sure on the prices as gas seems to be going crazy right now.

You and I will be in 3rd gear the entire session, so we will use some gas.....

Dan  <2

Dan,

I had called the track the other day and they called back yesterday.  they sell, 91, 95.5 and 100 unleaded.

when I asked the 95.5 price he said;  $5.00 (91) and $9.00 (100) /2 = $7.00


I found a local station in Indio and they get $8.99 for the 100. The Irvine 76 station also gets $8.99 for 100.

with all this said I'll come with 1/2 a tank of 91 for $4.25 then buy their 100.

Something to consider down the road, with your big trailer, maybe go the 55 gallon drum route from Torco like the Pennington's have. the guy I'm gettting used Hoosiers from in Phoenix is a torco distributor.  He says the 55 drum is around $5.50 a gallon (today) and you also need a $300 pump for the drum

Mike

Does anyone run a 91 & 100LL (aviation fuel) mix?

Mike - $5.50 per gallon is a great price, we pay about $6.20 per gal for 96 octane delivered.  Don't forget to add the delivery and taxes after $5.50 number.

Scott

The HB car wash was $7, then $7.50, now I think they're $8.50 for 100 unleaded.

The issue with the 55 gallon drum is as Scott says, delivery is pricey and handling is difficult.  A full 55 gallon drum is close to 400 lbs.

I may graduate to this, but will stick with my smaller gas cans for now.

Dan

Scott,

I figured his price was w/AZ tax and CA would be higher, still better than the near $9.00 gallon pump price

Is anybody going out Friday want to meet and drive down together I am coming from Santa Clarita Valley was thinking of leaving around 10 or 11 am or earlier if we want to get our cars into tech ?   Eddie

I can leave any time let me know were you guys want to meet up.

I'm working half day Friday so I can leave West LA any time after 1:00.
Ben

I'm running test and tune on Friday, so will be driving out Thursday night, then at the track all day Friday.  Should get lots of track time.

Got to get some practice in so I can win that diet coke. =21

Thought some of us might get some dinner together on Friday night.

What do you guys want to do?

Dan

 =19   Definately Sidewinder dinner Friday night.  I am going to leave OC around 11 am.  It is about a 3 hour drive.  Desert Center is about 50 mi's past Indio.

Dan, I assume we can tech on Friday afternoon?

Quote from: PCH VIPER on March 02, 2011, 07:21:54 PM
I'm in the RED group.    <L

So Dan is in "White" and New Fearless Leder is in "RED" (Race Group).  Hmmm... .

If I was not going to be in Miami, I would love to join you guys!  Looks like a great event!  Take some video! 

Bruce,

I would guess that we can tech on Friday.

We'll be there Friday, so you can call Cathy around mid day.  We should know by then, or you can call NARRA.

See you at the track.

Ted,

Lance was just teasing you.  <L

Dan

Quote from: Ted on March 21, 2011, 12:32:20 PM
So Dan is in "White" and New Fearless Leder is in "RED" (Race Group).  Hmmm... .

If I was not going to be in Miami, I would love to join you guys!  Looks like a great event!  Take some video! 

Red Group? I'm so confused >l

Hey Guys,

Dinner Friday night for those interested is planned at Fantasy Springs Hotel & Casino in the "Pom" Restaurant, which is about half way between the Casio and the Hotel. 

FYI, you can walk to Fantasy Springs from the Clarion.

Parking for those of us towing is between Fantasy Springs and the Clarion.  It's the big oversize lot on the left side.

Reservations are for 15 to 20 and start 6:00 PM.

Those of us running test and tune will likely be a bit late, so save Cathy and I (and any others interested) spots.

Thanks,

Dan

Dan,

Hope to see you guys a little later at the Clarion.  Probably won't get to the track till close to 6pm, I plan to unload the viper and leave the trailer then drive back to the hotel.  Probably 7:30-8PM before I get back to the hotel.

Mike

I won't be getting in till almost 10:00.

What time are you guys planning on leaving in the morning?

Lance,

I was thinking of leaving around 6-6:15am. Tech starts at 7 am and seems like all of us need to be in the meetings by 8 am
Mike

Sounds good to me.   I get to sleep in on Sat.  >v

I heard weather back at home was a bit on the overcast/wet side....but we sure had beautiful weather out in the desert.  Great track conditions and lot's of track time with great friends   >r

I got pictures up on my site   www.kouchicentral.com (http://www.kouchicentral.com)
Here are just a few:

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/11-8%20chuckwalla%20narra/DSC_9498.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/11-8%20chuckwalla%20narra/DSC_9593.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/11-8%20chuckwalla%20narra/DSC_9647.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/11-8%20chuckwalla%20narra/DSC_9662.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/11-8%20chuckwalla%20narra/DSC_9678.JPG)

(http://www.kouchicentral.com/images/11-8%20chuckwalla%20narra/DSC_9767.JPG)

Great pictures Lance, thanks!

Really was a great event!!!

Thanks to Dan and Cathy for all their support, and snacks!!

Dan and Kathy and Lance - As usual, a great "sidewinder" outing.  You couldn't of created better weather on Saturday.  

For all of you who haven't had the opportunity to go to the track, Chuckwalla is one of the most forgiving tracks we run and you should definately book it as one that you could do easily.  Plenty of instruction available.

I took David Andrews in my car the first time.  Most of the red group drivers would more than happy to jump in your car with you and show the lines.

Next stop Pahrumph.  If you haven't been here, it is literally a country club.  Great facility and a great party with the Sidewinders afterwards.

So no excuse .... come to the track!!!!

Hey Bruce,
I got our second session posted on youtube.  Too much fun !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGvcuv6tWm8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGvcuv6tWm8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buwkA7-exNQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buwkA7-exNQ)

Great stuff Lance!  I was bummed at the end of the first video, I'm in your rear view mirror at the end and it stops!

You had a real good lap on #4!  then lap 5 you catch Bruce, good footage together.

Happy to see myself on the second video.

Can you make a copy for Bruce of the 2nd video about 8:40-8:50 when he passes me, he was happy!

Mike

I want it documented that I got a "point by" by Mike for the first and last time in my track career!  HA-HA!

Good weekend of driving, great photos.  Ran a personal best of 1:57.5.  With some more line work and driving time at this track, 1:55 was certainly possible in the ACR - which is pretty good for a street car.  Checked the data logger and it showed a couple of places where the ACR pulled over 1.6 G's - and not in the bowl!  Amazing cars.

Got some good video myself - will post when I get time.

Sounds like everybody had fun.  Checking fluids before any driving event is critical.

Checking tires is important too as old tires can and do fail when stressed.  (Ben, are you out there? - Glad you're OK)

Dan

Great driving Dan! I could not keep up with you so I guess I owe you a diet coke!
Super thanks for lending me your extra set of wheels and tires so I could run Sunday and drive home.  >t
I will never use 6-7 year old tires again! This is what happened to my right rear during my third session
resulting in a spin.
Hey, I kinda like your wheels and tires on my car.  >w

Ben,  Love your new wheels and tires.  Great choice!    <L

Picture of Ben with his $100 tire.  You're looking pretty good Ben...your $100 tire isn't. ^8

Thank you Dan and Cathy for the use of the trailer and all the snacks. I had a great time at chuckwalla I learned even more about me and my car. Hope to get better as time goes on. Here are some pictures I took . Eddie

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hisssin1/sets/72157626384563742/

Hey Ben,
Glad to hear you were able to drive the rest of the weekend.  You can probably put that tire on ebay and sell it as "like new with more than 50% tread left"  >l

Eddie,

Nice pictures!

Like this one the best

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hisssin1/5572781651/sizes/m/in/set-72157626384563742/

Good, Better, Best!!

Quote from: redtanrt10 on March 30, 2011, 03:25:55 PM
Eddie,

Nice pictures!

Like this one the best

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hisssin1/5572781651/sizes/m/in/set-72157626384563742/

Good, Better, Best!!

Mike I like that Good ,Better, Best.   <2

Quote from: NK BREKR on March 30, 2011, 02:54:40 PM
Hey Ben,
Glad to hear you were able to drive the rest of the weekend.  You can probably put that tire on ebay and sell it as "like new with more than 50% tread left"  >l

Hey Ben looks like Art wants the tires at 50 % off sounds like a ok deal.

Spectacular driving by Mike Malone to come 3rd on Sun in his supercharged Gen 1 in TTU, on a course with no big straights! Randy Begin did a great job in his stock Gen 1 running a 2:06 on my 3 1/2 year old, well used street tires, ahead of many Gen 4 ACRs!

They took home 5 trophies.

Hey Art,

I'll give you a super special price for the tires, FREE!  >w

Hey Mike, I saw that you ran 159.5, I owe you a diet coke too. I'll be looking for you at Spring Mtn.  =27
Just gotta find some new tires!

Quote from: ViperX on March 29, 2011, 06:26:17 PM
Good weekend of driving, great photos.  Ran a personal best of 1:57.5.  With some more line work and driving time at this track, 1:55 was certainly possible in the ACR - which is pretty good for a street car.  Checked the data logger and it showed a couple of places where the ACR pulled over 1.6 G's - and not in the bowl!  Amazing cars.

Got some good video myself - will post when I get time.

Sounds like everybody (except Angel  >o ) had fun.  Checking fluids before any driving event is critical.

Checking tires is important too as old tires can and do fail when stressed.  (Ben, are you out there? - Glad you're OK)

Dan
Hey Dan, next time put a track transponder on. I was looking at the award times and a 157.5 is close to a trophy in TTu and TT1, not that a trophy or two is any big deal but they do look good on a shelf:)

Randy

Hey Ben,

thanks for the call, I hope to call the guy and take the tiires back next week.

Where did you see the laps times? Went I went into NARRA, I couldn't find mine?

thanks,

Mike

Hey Mike,
Go here.

http://dev.narraonline.com/event-results/mylaps.html?mylaps=type,run,runid,1814333

Ben, thanks!  Double or nothin at Spring Mountain!

Quote from: Banzai Ben on April 01, 2011, 08:08:32 AM
Hey Art,

I'll give you a super special price for the tires, FREE!  >w

I'll take them but on the condition that you must autograph them.

I was skeptical about running out there in the desert. However due to a fun track and great weather I had a great time. So glad I went especially since I'm not going to make spring mountain. I had a great time hanging out with everyone form the club and chasing Justin in his new race car. Can't wait till next time! However I think I'm going to get a swing arm oil pan and some hoosers for the next track >v

Hey Guys,

Just posted a couple of laps at the NARRA event at CW in HD.

No traffic.

Dan

wow dan, sorry, there is always a douche bag in the bunch that has to make it not fun!

Hey guys,

I think that the Sidewinders was a great idea for those who love to track their cars; with that comes competition and some "bragging" rights but most importantly is the fun factor.  I enjoyed tracking my car and learned quite a bit from everyone in the track I came in contact with and was willing to share their knowledge.  Dan was the first to offer me great advice so I did not wreck my car and continued to enjoy my track experience.
I was privileged to be part of the club as a Viper owner for about two years and not once did I come across a post such as this. The club has always been about fun, fellowship and friendships.  I enjoyed reading the jabbing that goes on and I am sure everyone knows that its all in good fun.  
I hope this post is just an isolated event that wont happen because I do not feel it belongs on this forum.  

Just my .02 as a former Viper owner.  Be safe out there guys.

Hey you're not allowed to post here!  SECURITY!  We have a breach in sector 1!



Just messing with you Carlos  >l

 =27

HEY!!! Don't be mean to Carlos!! ..... >w