Skip at Viper Days
Enthusiast
Everything started at Willow Springs for Viper Days 2001.
Upon arriving at Lancaster, CA we were told that the weather was going to be BAD! Rain and snow all three days. We came 2596 miles to be rained out, I hope not. We looked at the weather station and the forecaster said “this was the worst winter storm to date”. Now we went to the bar a grabbed a drink.
Friday morning we look out the window and in fact it was raining but the show goes on. We left for the track that was 20 minutes to the north. When we got to the track it was only drizzling and we went about with set up. This was a “Test and Tune” day for instructors, racers and any experienced driver who wanted more track time. By 9AM the rain had stopped and we opened the track. We learned a lot about the high desert, in ½ hour the track was dry and everyone was up to speed. By 11AM the sun was out and that was how it ended up. Yes - it was cool but better than 17 degrees like Chicago!!
Friday night reception was a big hit. Everyone stuck around and enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. The food and drink was all gone by 8:30 and then it was off to bed or the bar.
The track opened at 6:30 and the Vipers started to slither in and got ready to strike! The track went hot at 8:30 AM and did not cool off until 5PM. During that time we heard that the “Grapevine was closed due to snow” but as we looked towards the mountains we saw clouds and rain go north or south of our location. The sun shined all day!!! Those who stayed home because of the weather missed out, our weather was great!!! Jon Scott said that this year was the year of the snake and we would have good weather at all Viper Days events. We are hopeful that Jon is correct.
The banquet was held at the track and John’s Catering prepared the best charbroiled T-bones and chicken! Everyone had a great time. The charity auction brought $700.00 and will be donated to the charity that the VCA of Southern California designates. We auctioned off the hat Tommy Archer wore on the podium at an American LeMans Race, a personalized and autographed replica of Ron Levi’s Grand Am car driven by Eric Messley’s and a front corner section of the Tommy Archer Viper that won at an American LeMans race. The next event will also have a few moments in history available for auction, be there!
Sunday sunrise was beautiful and the weather crisp and clear. The sun shined all Day!!!
The day proceeded and the drivers did a great job of learning this fast track and constantly improving. The 43 Viper owners present had more track time then they could endure.
The race was held both days and the Saturday race was won by Frank Parise and Dan Downs won the Sunday feature race. A more detailed analysis will be out shortly.
The next event is at Thunderhill in Willows. CA. This northern California track is outstanding and the host hotel and food are also outstanding. Make your reservations now! Call us at 847-594-8477 or e-mail us at [email protected]
Upon arriving at Lancaster, CA we were told that the weather was going to be BAD! Rain and snow all three days. We came 2596 miles to be rained out, I hope not. We looked at the weather station and the forecaster said “this was the worst winter storm to date”. Now we went to the bar a grabbed a drink.
Friday morning we look out the window and in fact it was raining but the show goes on. We left for the track that was 20 minutes to the north. When we got to the track it was only drizzling and we went about with set up. This was a “Test and Tune” day for instructors, racers and any experienced driver who wanted more track time. By 9AM the rain had stopped and we opened the track. We learned a lot about the high desert, in ½ hour the track was dry and everyone was up to speed. By 11AM the sun was out and that was how it ended up. Yes - it was cool but better than 17 degrees like Chicago!!
Friday night reception was a big hit. Everyone stuck around and enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. The food and drink was all gone by 8:30 and then it was off to bed or the bar.
The track opened at 6:30 and the Vipers started to slither in and got ready to strike! The track went hot at 8:30 AM and did not cool off until 5PM. During that time we heard that the “Grapevine was closed due to snow” but as we looked towards the mountains we saw clouds and rain go north or south of our location. The sun shined all day!!! Those who stayed home because of the weather missed out, our weather was great!!! Jon Scott said that this year was the year of the snake and we would have good weather at all Viper Days events. We are hopeful that Jon is correct.
The banquet was held at the track and John’s Catering prepared the best charbroiled T-bones and chicken! Everyone had a great time. The charity auction brought $700.00 and will be donated to the charity that the VCA of Southern California designates. We auctioned off the hat Tommy Archer wore on the podium at an American LeMans Race, a personalized and autographed replica of Ron Levi’s Grand Am car driven by Eric Messley’s and a front corner section of the Tommy Archer Viper that won at an American LeMans race. The next event will also have a few moments in history available for auction, be there!
Sunday sunrise was beautiful and the weather crisp and clear. The sun shined all Day!!!
The day proceeded and the drivers did a great job of learning this fast track and constantly improving. The 43 Viper owners present had more track time then they could endure.
The race was held both days and the Saturday race was won by Frank Parise and Dan Downs won the Sunday feature race. A more detailed analysis will be out shortly.
The next event is at Thunderhill in Willows. CA. This northern California track is outstanding and the host hotel and food are also outstanding. Make your reservations now! Call us at 847-594-8477 or e-mail us at [email protected]
