How safe is Viper Days?

[ntmatter]

I'm giving some serious thought to doing Viper Days next year, but I'm concerned about the wheel-to-wheel racing. Although the rules say that body contact is forbidden, can anyone give me an idea of how often a car ends up biting the dust at these events? Is there any way to get insurance on your car for Viper Days events?

 

[Mike H]

There is very little incidents, but they can occur. You would need roll bars, fire system, and some other safety measures to race in the wheel to wheel race. In the regular Viper days event you race for time and is much less chance you will ever hit someone else. This is times and instances that drivers lose their concentration and have off road excursions. At least your regular insurance will cover this as it is a "drving" school. There is insurance that does cover full blown race cars, about 5-7K per event for a race in a 75 K car.

 

[Henry Cone]

Andy, Viper Days is as safe as you want it to be. First, remember that there are really 2 concurrent evets going on - the Michelin Challenge Series and the Viper Racing League wheel to wheel series. I will address each separately.

Michelin Challenge Series - this is really a driving school designed to get you a maximum of VERY SAFE seat time. You will be grouped in run groups of about 15 cars based upon your experience. Rookie drivers will all have instructors with them until they are signed off as being capable. Passing is limited to certain designated areas on the track and only with a point by. Cars are spaced out so that you are not running nose to tail with someone. Timing is only done to enable you to learn how you are learning. Given all of this, the biggest factor in how safe the Michelin Challenge Series is how safe the driver and his car are. Yes, there have been off track incidents in the Challenge Series - but NEVER any car to car contact.

Viper Racing League - this is the wheeel to wheel race series. You car will need to have a cage, fire suppression, 5 or 6 point harnesses mandatory, etc. This is an entirely different deal than the Challenge series. You really need to be an experienced driver to go wheel to wheel racing. Safety rules are strongly enforced and though there have been a couple of instances of car to car contact they are extremely rare and the drivers involved are usually put on probation for a year. A number of drivers start in the Challenge Series and later move up to the wheel to wheel series.

The above is a very simplified explanations of what does on at a Viper Days event. There is simply no better way to learn to drive your viper in a safe, constructive, and fun environment. And the comeraderie is the best!!!!!

Don't hesitate to come to an event. I can promise you that you won't be sorry...

 

[WCKDVPR]

Ted,
Shouldn't you be working on my car getting it ready for the next Viper Days event?

Andy,
I have been running Viper Days since late last year. I have found it to be very safe and professionally run.

It is a great learning experience to push your car to the limit in a controlled environment and understand it's unique characteristics. I find my confidence level much higher that I can handle an adverse situation should something occur when driving on the street.

Having gone to the events with me this past year, my wife is now interested in giving it a try.

I highly recommend you come out and run an event or just show up to check it out. Look me up, I would be happy to give you a ride.

Mike Horzewski
408-828-3694

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

It's as safe as you make it. It's something you should do a few times to really learn the limits of yourself and the Viper.

 

[NCVCA]

Perhaps the question that should be posed is "How safe is NOT doing Viper Days"?

Harking back to the early days of Viper Days (and don't permit me to sound like an old hand - I'm sure Skip will join in this thread as soon as he has a moment for first hand info) the events were started because it became very obvious that the power of the Viper was such that it could easily get away from many drivers.

Viper Days is designed to provide everything from familiarization with the cars capibilities (and limitations) under controlled conditions up to wheel to wheel racing. You will not be thrown on the track with race class cars being passed in all areas - separate groups completely.

The speeds are as high as you are comfortable with. You are provided with an instructor and there is valuable classroom instruction provided as well.

Go for it. You won't regret it! Bottom line it's fun.

Jeff

 

[Ulysses]

First you should find out if your car is covered under your insurance if you have an incident at a driving school. Most will cover you but there are a few that won't.

I doubt you will have contact with another car unless someone is doing something they shouldn't. Contact with a ditch or a wall is a possibility, depending on the track. How safe it's going to be depends on you.

A driving school is a must to learn about your car, but if you have any hesitations about ruining your car and still want to go to a school, Skip Barber is an example of one where you can run their cars and not crack up yours.

Have fun, don't get nervous, concentrate on what you are doing. Believe me, I know what it's like to lose concentration

.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Agree with the above answers... with special emphasis on the SAFETY aspects of the driving school as taught by Skip and Associates. In my opinion, one is FAR MORE LIKELY to suffer "an adverse event" in a Viper on the street than at Viper Days. The current "rookie" format is a very carefully controlled arena in which one is introduced to the basics of mechanical function, maintenance care, and Viper dynamics in PLAIN ENGLISH as taught by a truly PROFESSIONAL TEAM. They know the car, know driving, and they have "seen it all"...helping one learn WITHOUT repeating ALL the mistakes of previous students. This translates directly into SAFETY on the road as one gains far more insights into the necessity of constant awareness, evaluation of road conditions, and one's owm limitations....while sampling all the amazing performance that our Vipers offer. With the potential for accidents that obviously exists (as noted on THIS board), I personally hope to see more of us ALL take advantage of Skip's program.

 

[tmcalist]

I have a 97 RT/10 with only a soft-top. Do we need to have a hard top and helmet for the Challenge Series?
thanks,
tm

 

[Tomcat]

ok, I am hooked, talked to JonB today and he was, as always, very helpful. If doing it right it could be expensive, for me. Federal employee and all. If I want to try Viper Days, what do I need (yes I have read the VD site)and what should I expect to spend. Any recommendations for helmet, suit, etc.

thanks

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

Helmets - Helmet City (find their address, etc on the N.CA wed site) offers VCA members a 10% discount. Which from my shopping searches is the lowest price. I would buy the best helmet possible. It is your head that is being protected. The lighter helmets put less stress on your neck. Full face for max protection and required for open wheel cars at schools like Skip Barber(schools do provide helmets).

I suggest taking a few Skip Barber programs before do open track events. There is a lot more to learn than most drivers realize.

VCA members get discounts from Skip Barber ranging from 10-25%

 

[Gary Lashinsky]

Viper Days offers you the opportunity to learn how to safely drive you Viper with confidence and push your limits in this car in a safe enviorment. The Challenge Series is where you want to start. You will learn much about yourself and Viper with instruction in the car and classroom. It's as safe as you want to make it. If you listen you will learn.

 

[JonB]

Andy........ You have run the VCA events at PIR. Solo-format.
Viper Days Challenge Series is essentially the same thing. Instructors, safety workers, ambulance standby. "Software" training in classroom before you go out. A mean-*** chief steward to keep participants in line.

Insurance hint: ALWAYS SIGN IN AS "STUDENT." Never as participant, driver, racer, etc. If records get subpoenoed (and they will in a dispute) Your MOTIVE was clearly learning. There should be no mention of entry in a TIMED EVENT or contest. Do not even put a transponder in your car. Do not enter the competitive series and keep times, except for the LEARNING TOOL they are...to see if you are smoother and therefore faster.

In my opinion, based on giving depositions in 3 claims (all won by drivers) if you WANT to compete for times/awards/prizes, you put your auto insurance at risk two ways: a)No claim; or b) claim paid and insurance cancelled.

Hint # 2 for Skip / Bruce: If this hint is used ONCE in 5 years, you will be glad you did.......... IF you do NOT keep a copy of the "PRIMARY MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD" of every student/entrant, along with any Med-Stat requirement, you should. In case of injury, it is so much simpler/faster/easier if "SOMEONE" besides the injured person has a copy of the insurance papers for prompt admit at local hospital. Most of us carry a health insurance card.....Get a copy of Drivers License and Health Ins card before allowing anyone on track. Keep in med-stats file, preferably near the ambulance.

 

[Skip at Viper Days]

Viper Days appreciates all those who jumped on the board.
Viper Days is many things:
a. a driving school
b. a safe venue where you can drive a track at speed and learn your car.
c. A great social event where friendships are made and information about the Viper is plentiful.
d. For those interested a "Wheel to Wheel" race series.
We try to keep it safe.We have NEVER had two cars touch in the school or challenge series!! Just look at the posts on this site as to the number of Vipers involved in an accident or totaled. It is frightening. We are hopeful that we have imparted knowledge that has saved some Vipers and kept our friends safe!!
Please visit our web site for more information. www.viperdays.com

If you have any questions we are a phone call away.
847-594-VIPR (8477)

 

[ntmatter]

Thanks for the information everybody. I guess I was most concerned about the safety in the Challenge series, since it is wheel-to-wheel racing and there's no way my insurance would cover me. From the sound of it, ViperDays is not like an SCCA race series, for instance, where you might expect to need to go through some body parts each year. As long as this isn't the case, then I'll start looking to put the event dates in my calendar for next year.

A.