No mistake on the timing. The SRT guys explained that due to scheduling and timing, this was the only real choice for the auction. They understood that maybe the best financial outcome was not at this venue, but it was the only one that would work out due to the calendar.
This event formed many other duties, in addition to the auction. They wanted to get some exposure to the very important California market place. I understand that Viper was also being introduced at Jay Leno's garage the day before, and video was shot there also. SRT was presenting at in their centrally located tent, just at the entrance to the auction, and they wanted their crown jewel to be in the tent.
If you look at the bigger picture, I believe this was a huge success. The charity got a big check, SRT got some fantastic exposure, Marketing got a big boost, and the West Coast got their first look at the new snake up close and personal.
The SoCal club had a fantastic time, and we were thrilled to see the new Viper, hear it run, and watch it being driven around.
The SRT video team was doing professional interviews with the VCA membership and the SRT Team members were spending tons of time speaking with club members to get their reactions and input about the future development of the car.
I was amazed, when walking around the Viper Corral, just how much development went into the Gen III. I saw a stock silver 03 parked next to an 08 ACR and saw how the pretty tame looking Vert had been developed to the super agressive ACR. It helped make me understand that the on display 2013 is just the starting point for the next generation development of the Viper Heritage. I think the future is bright.