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- May 1, 2004
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Guys,
I received an invitation a few weeks ago from a local TV producer to participate in a project he was shooting called “Forum Wars” for the Speed Channel. The producer advised me that they wanted to do some “head to head” comparisons of a group of cars and wanted a new Viper to compete with a new ZR1 in a 1/8 mile drag race, an AutoX and a Slalom Course.
The idea was to compare these two fast cars in three driving events using actual owners as drivers. He asked me if I had anyone in our local Viper Club with a 09 Viper and some driving experience that would be interested in representing Viper at this contest. I offered my 2009 ACR with myself driving and he accepted.
Not sure exactly how to proceed, I called Jon B at Parts Rack for some advice – I really didn’t want to let the VCA or Viper down by doing a lousy job representing our group and our car on television! I was a fair drag racer during my youth and am now a fair club level road course driver or “time-trialer” running at my local tracks, so I thought my driving skills would hold up OK running against another enthusiast driver. After spending a few minutes on the phone with Jon, he suggested that he’d call a few of his contacts and try to arrange some sponsorships for fresh tires and brakes. Jon wanted the best possible outcome too and tires can make all the difference in cars so similarly powered as these two. Being able to stop is kinda’ important too.
A little bit later that day I received a call from Luke at Tire Rack. Due to Jon B’s help, Tire Rack agreed to give me a very good deal on a new set of tires for this event. Luke suggested the Hoosier A6’s as the best all around DOT tire for the events that I was about to compete in as we were not allowed a tire change during the day.
Jon B also contacted Stoptech as my front rotors were in need of replacement and while Stoptech was interested in helping, they didn’t have any of their Aerorotos (OE on ACR) in stock and couldn’t get a pair to me in time for this event. Jon B then stepped up and sponsored me with a free pair of Stoptech Aerorotors that he had in stock. Thanks Jon!
I made it to the event / shoot that morning at 6AM on a cloudy, cool day in Irwindale, CA – not ideal conditions for a 1/8 mile drag race or an AutoX in a heavy car like a Viper. The driver of the ZR1 that I was competing with was none other than Jim Holloway of Mothers Polishes. Jim and I spent most of the day together waiting to race each other, so we had plenty of time to talk cars. Jim is a true automotive enthusiast, a drag racer and a SCCA road racer, so I knew I had my work cut out for me.
It was a very full day and I am not allowed to share the results of the day’s contests due to a confidentiality agreement that all drivers had to sign before competing. Let’s just say that I ran a “Jamie Furhman-esq” 1/8 mile and was disappointed in my AutoX time.
However, we didn’t have to run the Slalom as we weren’t tied after the first two events. After the dust settled, I’m betting the ZR1 driver wished he had a Jon B to call for help prior to crossing swords with Viper!
I'll let you know when it's supposed to air.
Dan
I received an invitation a few weeks ago from a local TV producer to participate in a project he was shooting called “Forum Wars” for the Speed Channel. The producer advised me that they wanted to do some “head to head” comparisons of a group of cars and wanted a new Viper to compete with a new ZR1 in a 1/8 mile drag race, an AutoX and a Slalom Course.
The idea was to compare these two fast cars in three driving events using actual owners as drivers. He asked me if I had anyone in our local Viper Club with a 09 Viper and some driving experience that would be interested in representing Viper at this contest. I offered my 2009 ACR with myself driving and he accepted.
Not sure exactly how to proceed, I called Jon B at Parts Rack for some advice – I really didn’t want to let the VCA or Viper down by doing a lousy job representing our group and our car on television! I was a fair drag racer during my youth and am now a fair club level road course driver or “time-trialer” running at my local tracks, so I thought my driving skills would hold up OK running against another enthusiast driver. After spending a few minutes on the phone with Jon, he suggested that he’d call a few of his contacts and try to arrange some sponsorships for fresh tires and brakes. Jon wanted the best possible outcome too and tires can make all the difference in cars so similarly powered as these two. Being able to stop is kinda’ important too.
A little bit later that day I received a call from Luke at Tire Rack. Due to Jon B’s help, Tire Rack agreed to give me a very good deal on a new set of tires for this event. Luke suggested the Hoosier A6’s as the best all around DOT tire for the events that I was about to compete in as we were not allowed a tire change during the day.
Jon B also contacted Stoptech as my front rotors were in need of replacement and while Stoptech was interested in helping, they didn’t have any of their Aerorotos (OE on ACR) in stock and couldn’t get a pair to me in time for this event. Jon B then stepped up and sponsored me with a free pair of Stoptech Aerorotors that he had in stock. Thanks Jon!
I made it to the event / shoot that morning at 6AM on a cloudy, cool day in Irwindale, CA – not ideal conditions for a 1/8 mile drag race or an AutoX in a heavy car like a Viper. The driver of the ZR1 that I was competing with was none other than Jim Holloway of Mothers Polishes. Jim and I spent most of the day together waiting to race each other, so we had plenty of time to talk cars. Jim is a true automotive enthusiast, a drag racer and a SCCA road racer, so I knew I had my work cut out for me.
It was a very full day and I am not allowed to share the results of the day’s contests due to a confidentiality agreement that all drivers had to sign before competing. Let’s just say that I ran a “Jamie Furhman-esq” 1/8 mile and was disappointed in my AutoX time.
However, we didn’t have to run the Slalom as we weren’t tied after the first two events. After the dust settled, I’m betting the ZR1 driver wished he had a Jon B to call for help prior to crossing swords with Viper!
I'll let you know when it's supposed to air.
Dan
