racetech
Enthusiast
As Viper owners know, the Dodge Viper is one of the most remarkable vehicles ever produced. Previously, I have enjoyed the timeless styling & the way it turns heads, the feeling of nearly 400 lbs/ft of torque at 1500 rpms, and the way it responds to the slightest steering input.
However, there was always one thing missing in my Viper experience--I'd never had the car on a racetrack. As a former race car builder myself (drag & late model stock cars), I can attest to what many owners have said--the Viper is really a race car that you can drive on the street, rather than a hot passenger car that you can have fun with on the track. This car just WANTS to be uleashed and set free, so I decided it deserved the chance.
I entered into a real on-track event--the Phil Wicks Driving Academy
web page This took place on Saturday, Nov. 15th at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Five of us from the Gateway Chapter were on hand, despite the moist and cold conditions. As a side note, I'd highly recommend this event to anyone--you get enough on-track time (with personalized instruction) to leave your body sore!
As a former late model stock car crew chief and lifelong gearhead, I had a basic understanding of what to do--accelerate at apex & such--but I needed a few pointers from the pros, some track experience, and to educate my butt a little. I decided to enter the "Intermediate" group, and that was a comfortable place for me. My instructor Bernie was just great.
So...in the second driving session, I started to get the hang of it. I started at the front, then caught the slower cars two laps later. I wound up passing all but two cars (adhering to the passing rules) including a pretty stout tube-chassis race car. My buddies in the "Expert" group did really well too. Ray passed two very bad-ass small block powered tube chassis SCCA Camaros and a pretty wicked Beemer. Great going guys!
Bernie told me that my car was capable of going even faster. I knew the car had more in it, but I really wanted to keep it off the walls and out of the infield dirt (barely!). I mentioned to Bernie that I was glad one of those Minis on the track didn't pass me...he laughed and said "had that happened, I was going to take the wheel from you". LOL...everybody wants to protect the reputation of the Viper!
Anyway...the Viper is now happy and feels complete. I highly recommend this activity to anyone who owns one. It was one of the best things I've ever done. One quick question...both Ray & I have found a gritty black residue from the track/tires that won't wash off. What should we use to remove that ****? Thanks...
Bob
However, there was always one thing missing in my Viper experience--I'd never had the car on a racetrack. As a former race car builder myself (drag & late model stock cars), I can attest to what many owners have said--the Viper is really a race car that you can drive on the street, rather than a hot passenger car that you can have fun with on the track. This car just WANTS to be uleashed and set free, so I decided it deserved the chance.
I entered into a real on-track event--the Phil Wicks Driving Academy
web page This took place on Saturday, Nov. 15th at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Five of us from the Gateway Chapter were on hand, despite the moist and cold conditions. As a side note, I'd highly recommend this event to anyone--you get enough on-track time (with personalized instruction) to leave your body sore!
As a former late model stock car crew chief and lifelong gearhead, I had a basic understanding of what to do--accelerate at apex & such--but I needed a few pointers from the pros, some track experience, and to educate my butt a little. I decided to enter the "Intermediate" group, and that was a comfortable place for me. My instructor Bernie was just great.
So...in the second driving session, I started to get the hang of it. I started at the front, then caught the slower cars two laps later. I wound up passing all but two cars (adhering to the passing rules) including a pretty stout tube-chassis race car. My buddies in the "Expert" group did really well too. Ray passed two very bad-ass small block powered tube chassis SCCA Camaros and a pretty wicked Beemer. Great going guys!
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Bernie told me that my car was capable of going even faster. I knew the car had more in it, but I really wanted to keep it off the walls and out of the infield dirt (barely!). I mentioned to Bernie that I was glad one of those Minis on the track didn't pass me...he laughed and said "had that happened, I was going to take the wheel from you". LOL...everybody wants to protect the reputation of the Viper!
Anyway...the Viper is now happy and feels complete. I highly recommend this activity to anyone who owns one. It was one of the best things I've ever done. One quick question...both Ray & I have found a gritty black residue from the track/tires that won't wash off. What should we use to remove that ****? Thanks...
Bob
, WD-40 rocks. Good luck at future track days, try to make a Viperdays event.
