Formal Announcement: VOI 13.640HP

cubican

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Is sad to see the BS still going on there, the problem is a very small amount of members that can't move on. VOI is going to be fantastic, and anyone that misses the chance to drive COTA will miss out.
 
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Nsane1

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Thanks for posting over there, while some of the responses are not particularly value-added, I hope overall it will lead us in a direction where we can work together. It's about Vipers, not politics.

So this might run contrary to what I just said, but we are looking for ways to reward "loyalty", basically the ones that took it on blind faith, or a sense of romanticism, hope, whatever, but we are thinking of 3 pricing tiers. 1 for those that were a member before some date (say end of March). The second for members, and the third non-members.

So basically those that were a "faithful" will be happy, everyone else might be less-than-happy. Thoughts, opinions?
 

VIPER GTSR 91

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Thanks for posting over there, while some of the responses are not particularly value-added, I hope overall it will lead us in a direction where we can work together. It's about Vipers, not politics.

So this might run contrary to what I just said, but we are looking for ways to reward "loyalty", basically the ones that took it on blind faith, or a sense of romanticism, hope, whatever, but we are thinking of 3 pricing tiers. 1 for those that were a member before some date (say end of March). The second for members, and the third non-members.

So basically those that were a "faithful" will be happy, everyone else might be less-than-happy. Thoughts, opinions?
These are all great points and appreciate your thanks too. I have seen some positive feedback with my post with owners that plan to attend but had one nut case with a PM that said my reputation was not so good now with posting it, but with atrocious spelling. My reputation is most important at the track anyway and not through political replies. See you at the VOI !!!!
 
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Nsane1

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Couldn't have said it better myself, given some of the hatemail I get, apparently my reputation is worse than yours, and you know what? I don't much care... See you there gonna be a blast!
 

fuelman

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Viper GTSR 91, thanks for your efforts. VOI is about Viper owners, and the Viper, and meeting people that may become great friends, I have so many good friends from the four that I have attended. Oh, it is also about getting on the track, cruising the back country and having a blast. Making it political, well that is a travesty....
 

Bird325

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Thanks for posting over there, while some of the responses are not particularly value-added, I hope overall it will lead us in a direction where we can work together. It's about Vipers, not politics.

So this might run contrary to what I just said, but we are looking for ways to reward "loyalty", basically the ones that took it on blind faith, or a sense of romanticism, hope, whatever, but we are thinking of 3 pricing tiers. 1 for those that were a member before some date (say end of March). The second for members, and the third non-members.

So basically those that were a "faithful" will be happy, everyone else might be less-than-happy. Thoughts, opinions?

You asked for input ... here goes:

Greg, I don't think we should leave anyone out that wants to join us for VOI ... BUT, there should be one rule: POLITICS are left at the door with your six-shooter. The last gathering we had for the state and surrounding states was so politically charged that it left even ME uncomfortable at times. *I* don't get UNCOMFORTABLE very often! The venue for VOI 13.640HP is shaping up to be something memorable for all that attend and I, for one, will be there come Hell or high water.

I like the idea of tiered pricing as that leaves nobody out, and at the same time, recognizes those that stuck with the VCA to try to bring it back to life. I think we should have a 'holding cell' for anyone that brings up politics and enforce a weekend of Viper fun WITHOUT it. To HELL with reputations .... this is Texas and around here you stand up for what you believe in and believing in the pure power and smiles/mile is something that my Viper gives me without ANY politics, expectations or requirements (short of a little more gas than the Prius we just had for dinner!). Let's get this show on the road and get everyone to leave their issues outside ... NO POLITICS!!
 
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Nsane1

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LOL, see, there we have it from Bird, a pretty representative view from a Texas standpoint: welcome to Texas fellas, leave your baggage at the door, have a good time, and enjoy TX hospitality, as long as you can haul ass, if not, get out of the fast lane.
 

Paul Hawker

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Laughlin Nevada has a motorcycle (mostly Harleys) meet annually. They found the only way to keep the peace between the M/C Clubs (gangs) was to restrict the wearing of colors at any hotel. Then all the tension died down, and everybody just became "bikers" instead of testosterone filled walking attitudes.

Every body has a great time, and the tension is dramatically reduced.

VOI's are an open gathering of the Viper faithful. Open to everybody that shares the enthusiasm for all things Vipers. Which club you swear allegiance to has nothing to do with it.

In fact, one of the greatest things about VOI's is how the manufacturer representatives are able to mingle, almost indistinguishable from the Viper owners and guests.

Maybe we can all just become honorary TEXANS for the duration of the gathering.

Magical things happen at these VOI's.
 
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Nsane1

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We are talking about pricing now, as well as the mechanics of how we are doing the hotel registration, etc....

Paul- Interesting point, since half my wardrobe is VCA related clothing (truth be told the real reason I couldn't abandon the VCA, too cheap to buy a new wardrobe :) ), I'm thinking a "no-colors" rule wouldn't work... Having said that, we should be respectful, so maybe no VCA branding in the goodie bags, just Viper/SRT branding. Perhaps that's going to far to not offend, but who knows, this adds another wrinkle of complexity that we've never had.

As long as we don't have any "VXA *****" t-shirts, we need to at least be respectful to one another, but I'm not naive, there's one in every bunch, I'd HOPE we can be more well behaved then a bunch of hell's angels, but hey call me an optimist.
 

Bobpantax

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How about a VOI shirt that says:

VOI 13.640HP
Semper Viper


In fact it probably makes sense to start a thread called "Name/Design the VOI Shirt" logo with the condition that it be a non political logo. There are some talented designers out there. Then after a period of time ( say 90 days from today), close it and then assemble the various images in an email and send it out for a vote. Or do the same online and have the vote online. If Chrysler and/or SRT want to submit a suggestion, they should also be able to do so. Or, if they want to, let them have a say in which one to use.
 
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VIPER GTSR 91

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How about a VOI shirt that says:

VOI 13.640HP
Semper Viper


In fact it probably makes sense to start a thread called "Name/Design the VOI Shirt" logo with the condition that it be a non political logo. There are some talented designers out there. Then after a period of time ( say 90 days from today), close it and then assemble the various images in an email and send it out for a vote. Or do the same online and have the vote online. If Chrysler and/or SRT want to submit a suggestion, they should also be able to do so.
My 2 cents for the shirt= VOI 13.640HP at the top and right below that, Circuit of The Americas, with possibly your choice of snake head logo (generation) in the upper corner.
 
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Mike Adams

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Best part of owning a viper has always been the club. The VOI always exciting. Really upset about latest BS. I cannot wait for more info on this one !
 

Free2go

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VCA logos should be on everything. VCA Banners should be waving every where at VOI. If you try to be all "politically correct", the VCA's gonna come off looking like a bunch of ashamed *******. I understand the new leadership has done a lot to turn things around...but as far as being cool, I ain't feelin it. And SRT should be licking car club boot and not the other way around. My 2cents.
 

gb66gth

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I have one question.

Is the track day at COTA going to be a real full-on track day or one of those lead-follow parades so the car club guys can say ,"they've been on a race track" ?
 

Paul Hawker

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In past years it was rarely a full-on track day. Usually the driver will be accompanied with a trained racing driver that is familiar with the track. They will constantly evaluate the abilities of the driver. If going too slowly they will encourage them to speed up within comfort levels, and show you the fast way around the track. If you are in full control of your car, and exhibit skills, they will usually let you run more free, while making sure you don't endanger yourself, them, or others by falling prey of the red mist.

There will be people of lots of different ability on the the track at the same time, and sometimes your instructor will encourage you to pull into the pits if you get caught behind a train, so you can come right out again with an open track in front of you.

Passing will be allowed at the discression of the instructor so that the hot shoes do not intimidate those with lesser abilities. Will not want you to do late braking and pull back in front of a slower driver who may not be used to racing tactics.

Lap times will not be kept on the big track (but more likely on the auto crosses) so it will allow some to slow down a bit to allow a clear space to open in front of them so they can be more exuberant.

Like a LeMans event, there will be differently prepared cars on the track at the same time. It will be up to the faster guys to determine when it is safe to pass, and when it is better to take a breather behind a slower, non track prepared car.

So it is somewhere in between. It is more like those early morning track events, when everyone is sorting out their cars, learning the track, and getting is some speed when they can.

So it is doubtful that you will have the track to yourself, and be allowed to get up to crazy speeds unless the stars happen to align for you on your track day.

I am afraid that since this is a wide open, world class formula one venue, that steps will be taken to allow every to have as much fun as possible while keeping everybody safe.

It will, however, give hundreds of Viper owners perhaps the only opportunity in their lifetimes to experience this level of a racetrack in their own personal vipers. Even the most experienced racers would be wise to take some time "coming up to speed" on a track that they have never experienced before.

In addition, it will give you the opportunity to get some inexpensive on race track coaching from some very experienced professional racers.

Personally, I would rather be given the opportunity to experience this spectacular, world class track, under controlled conditions, than sitting at home watching TV.

Just as for real professional race drivers in real races, you will be given rules of engagement. You will have track pit limits, you will have others to consider, and you will be expected to behave in a professional manner while on the track. You should not feel free to endanger others that are also out on the track in the quest to save a few seconds.

In addition, you can have the time of your life, and memories to last forever.

At a previous VOI, one kid got all full of himself and began doing burnouts at the world famous Indianapolis Speedway, even after being advised that such behavior would not be tolerated. Many owners had been looking forward to driving on this legendary track for many months, but the track officials (not VOI people) closed down the track before everybody could get their turn. Don't want to be that guy!
 

gb66gth

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@Paul Hawker You make some very good and reasonable points, as well as a realistic image of what can be expected at COTA.

I guess then my real question is, do I keep my car in it's street configuration or do I do my usual track day prep consisting of using my Cup tires and changing over to my track pads/rotors, harness and hard top I use for track days?
 

ViperJohn

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I would say you would be fine leaving the street set up. For most track sessions, you generally are out for 20 - 30 minutes at time. While nothing has been finalized yet, I would expect you to go out for 2-3 laps at time and then have to get back in line to wait for another instructor. While it's not as ideal as a track day, you can still get you fill in. Usually the lines are very short near end of session and on the optional/bonus track day. (typically the last day).
 

Bobpantax

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For those who have not done a track day with a reputable high performance event company, there are usually always beginner, intemediate and advanced run sessions with proof of driving skill set needed to advance from one category to the next. So being out on an exceptional track like COTA with an instructor, especially if the driver has never driven the course, is normal. Furthermore, since COTA is 3.427 miles long, three laps is more than ten miles of driving.

I think that the Board has arranged an incredible opportunity to experience COTA in our snakes. And since it is open to all Viper owners, it is an opportunity that should not be missed by anyone who wants to truely enjoy their snake's capabilities in a safe performance environment.

Thanks again for arranging this event.
 

gb66gth

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COTA is a blast!
I ran it with MVP last Feb., three full days of open track.
If your only going to drive your Viper on one track in your life don't miss this one. It is spectacular!
 

fuelman

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Generally, as the afternoon wears on, many people head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. I have gotten some fast laps near the end of the day, with minimal traffic and many runs. We have the track from 8am until 5pm, so I think there will be plenty of runs to be had. I can't wait for the fun......
 

Paul Hawker

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As far as track preparation for the day at COTA. Usually there is so much to do at the VOI, with memorabilia, exhibitors, back country roads, presentations, and perhaps autocross or other venues, there us usually not enought time for track prep at a competition level. Usually your street set up will give you pretty much the same experience, with a significant savings in time and money. If you come with an agressive track alignment, you could experience excessive tire wear on the cruising and comuting portions.

You will want to be able to drive to the track, enjoy the forumula 1 venue, and drive back to the hotel, without switching around tires. Some will obviously bring out their trailer rigs, and have full support, however it is not necessary, as most would rather spend time on the track instead of working in the pits.

On the other hand, if you have a GoPro type camera, be sure to have it ready to go, as getting on this track will be a once in a lifetime experience for most of us, and if you have the chance to document the event, it might be a great opportunity.

Sometimes we even have a professional photographer that can take an early morning group picture with the hundreds of Vipers at the track. You might not want to miss this, by being delayed in the pits changing tires or flushing out brake fluid.

I guess the point is that we will most likely be up early, driving out to the track or taking a cruise, then heading back for a quick shower and perhaps a dinner or meeting. So much to do at a VOI, and while the track will be the highlight for many, the days tend to be pretty full of fun stuff to do.

For many of us, waiting for the VOI to come is like waiting for Christmas…can't come soon enough.

See you on the track.
 

VIPER GTSR 91

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Paul, good info here and just waiting for the registration sign up. Lets do this thing!! BTW as a huge track rat and competitor road racer, can someone drive at the track both days and forego the ride through the country side with the group? No need for shower time. LOL
 
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Nsane1

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GTSR-

We are meeting on all this throughout the weekend, pricing, etc.

That's an interesting point on 2 days of track, we have never done that at a VOI. My gut tells me that won't work from a number of people wanting on the track standpoint (I would say MOST would want to do this and so we'd always have 300+ cars at the track). I'd want to do this too, but I'm thinking that won't be possible, but well talk about it...

Greg
 

Paul Hawker

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Since COTA is the crown jewel of this VOI, and money talks, I would imagine extra days would depend on how many people sign up, and how early they register.

Nobody wants the track to be crowded, and everybody wants to get as many laps as space allows.

I also understand that the main hotel is a gem, and available at a great rate. Imagine that it also might fill up quickly.
 
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Nsane1

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You're right Paul, we might even be able to do an "option" 3rd track day for additional $, I bet that would sell out too, however, the track is expensive, so we'd need a lot of participation to make it economically feasible.
 

fuelman

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We have Sunday on tentative hold, that could be an optional track rat day, but depends on how many sign up. Maybe we will get lucky and a large vendor will step up and rent the day???
 

Paul Hawker

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The Pirelli Invitational.

They would actually make money with all the rubber being used up on an open track day.

They could even have a support truck there selling tires, so everyone could drive home on fresh rubber.

A good photographer could even take pictures they could use in their fantastic calendar.

Pirelli is the official tire supplier of the Gen V Viper.
 
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