Special VCA National Officer Appeal

Vipergtsbob

Former VCA National President
VCA Officer
Joined
Oct 2, 2000
Posts
243
Reaction score
1
Location
Point Pleasant, New Jersey, USA
Friends and Members of the Viper Club of America:

If you have already registered for VOI, please accept our sincere thanks for supporting the VCA and the Viper! If you have not already registered for VOI 10, I am writing today to request your consideration of attending what could be one of the best, if not most important, Viper Owner's Invitational in our history. As you may be aware, Chrysler, JRT and the VCA have been hard at work to provide one whale of a good time at VOI 10. Nonetheless, leading up to this event was a substantial amount of speculation that Chrysler was going to discontinue the Viper, cancel any VOI, etc.

As your National Officers, it was our profound duty to protect the VCA's interests in assuring that there would be a VOI. This was important for obvious reasons, not the least of which was that with wholly new private equity ownership of Chrysler, (and the traditional cut backs, transfers, and transition downsizing, etc.), we were especially concerned that those who knew and protected the Viper would be leaving also (many did!). Despite the Viper being one of the greatest automotive icons of all time, it was, and remains, a limited hand assembled/low production model that, to date, has successfully survived in the "Greening" of the automotive industry. Fortunately, Viper remains in very high demand and absolutely sells.

Understanding the obstacles is one thing. How do we fight back? Tireless interaction and education of new (and in some cases, old) Chrysler Executives; relentless communication of the sincere PASSION that the VCA has for our snakes; media interfaces, and a constant reminder that we all buy a hell of a lot of Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep products after, in many cases, being introduced or reintroduced to the brand through the Viper. And what better way then to get the message across than at a Viper Owner's Invitational where you have a huge herd of Viperholics who simply love our cars! But no VOI = lost opportunity.

Fortunately, Chrysler heard our early message and the VOI was funded. But now comes the hard part. There is no question the US economy is hurting. We have a "wait and see" election year cycle. The entire world is screaming "GREEN, GREEN, GREEN." Cutbacks in every industry and profession are common; worst still foreclosures. Money is obviously tight. How do we reconcile these two situations? Despite these economic conditions, WE NEED GOOD, NO, GREAT ATTENDANCE AT VOI 10. This is important to demonstrate in front of the world's auto media the power and presence of the Viper Nation. This message will not be lost on Chrysler either as many of the key executives/owners will be in attendance at the world class/highly publicized Penske's Belle Isle/Detroit Grand Prix event. THIS IS OUR BEST (and last?) CHANCE AT PRESERVING THE VIPER!

How can you help? PLEASE make every effort to attend and urge your fellow members to join everyone together to not only have a memorable time, but to also support the preservation of the Viper and the VCA. We understand that the costs are significant, but this VOI, more than any in history, could be the most important to ensure the Viper's future. This is a key reason why the VCA has committed to spending as much as $110 per membership for those attending VOI 10. Never before in the long history of the club have we underwritten so much to help our members attend a VOI.

You already know we have a tremendous line up of nonstop action events for our membership. We have a once-in-a-lifetime, full-access pass to the historic Chrysler Proving Grounds for our autocross and driving events. We have a fantastic riverboat cruise lined up aboard the Detroit Princess. There will be tours at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, the Saleen Plant and the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. We’ll get a sneak peak at the the Belle Isle course the Friday night before the big race. And, of course, there will be the usual highlights from past VOIs including fabulous accommodations, informative tech sessions, sumptuous banquets and an extensive Viperabilia display. And, don’t forget — for the first time ever, we’ll be drawing the winning ticket for the VCA Raffle at a Viper Owners Invitational itself. On Friday, Aug. 30, someone will win a brand new Dodge Viper right there in front of the Viper Nation. So get your tickets, come to Detroit and be prepared for one of the most exciting nights of your life!

Despite what promises to be the Greatest Viper Event on Earth, we have heard that some members simply can't afford to attend and bring their cars so they are staying home. If you are among these folks, we certainly understand. Nonetheless, we hope and need you find some way to attend if you possibly can. Even without your Viper, we will assure that you will enjoy an opportunity to drive a fabulous new 2008 Viper in one (or more if possible) track events. We only have about 2 weeks left to register and we don't want to shut anyone out. We can't promise more, but hopefully the opportunity to enjoy the many special and diverse events and good times at VOI (and still get a little seat time in a exciting 08) will motivate you to join us in this once in a lifetime event. Space will be limited. Indeed, one of the host casino hotels is already filled and time is running out for your chance to add your voice to the Viper Nation when it needs you the most. Please try to attend this historical event if you possibly can. Lastly, if there is anything we can do to try to help you, please advise us ASAP.

In closing, thanks for your membership in the VCA and please understand that our club is very important to the efforts of many to preserve the Viper. Help demonstrate the PASSION and the power of the Viper Nation and join us in Detroit. Under all circumstances, thanks for your consideration of this heartfelt request.

Bob Carroll and the National VCA Officers

:usa:

Bob Carroll
National President
Viper Club of America
[email protected]
732 714 8500
 

RTTTTed

Viper Owner
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Posts
6,438
Reaction score
1
The Viper represents Dodge. It presents to the World, not just North America, what this company stands for, namely - the fastest, most reasonably price performance automobiles ever built.

The Viper won so many races that it gets the worst restrictor plates for racing, reminiscient of the Nascar Hemi days.

The Green stuff is bull. Is the world trying to shut down Ferrari, Porsche? The only people that didn't enjoy my Viper were so stupid that when I told them my car got 20mph, they refused to believe me. Thank god those people aren't smart enough to have an intelligent opinion. The idiot was driving a Focus wagon. Why ***** about my not driving a smart car while driving a stationwagon?

Everyone loves my car. I remind people that with my upgraded Gen 3 brakes it's one of the quickest stopping cars in the world and the handling makes it one of the safest cars in the world. The general public usually says, "Really?"

Chrysler has proved it's abilities and reasonable pricing with the Viper and that's what presents the companies face to the world. The Viper changed the world. No longer is GM's vette considered the best North America has to offer, since '92 it's been the Viper. The SRT10 Dodge pickup has also set new world records and along with Cummins Diesels has increased Dodge truck sales tremendously.

Chrysler/Dodge has always shown the world what's the best they can buy. History proves that Kcars, SRT10;s, Hemis, Diesels can 'be more' if they're from Dodge. The Viper proves that North American middle class is equal to Europe's wealthy.

Quit the Viper? That would send the message that Dodge no longer builds the fastest, most reasonably priced performance in the world. Just in case that isn't obvious to the new management everyone should go to V0I and tell them this.

Many of the people that come over to admire my sc'd Viper drove there in their Caliber or other "mileage miser". They're proud of their Dodge ... because of My Viper - I'm living their DREAM! That's how Vipers sell high mileage cars.

Go to Youtube and see all the fully modified Honda that barely managed to beat a stock Gen 1 Viper. This proves that the World considers the Viper the "car to beat" and shows World recognition.

Ted
 

Y2K5SRT

Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 26, 1999
Posts
7,891
Reaction score
0
Location
Overland Park, KS
And don't let the cost of lodging scare you off: I stayed across from the Opryland Hotel at VOI 7 - and saved $130 a night. Parked my Viper at the Opryland with the rest of the Vipers (secure) and walked back to my cheap-o motel less than a block away. A quick search for properties near the VOI 10 host hotels found these:

detroitvoi.jpg


A. Corktown Inn - (313) 496-1400
B. The Leland - (313) 962-2300
C. Holiday Inn Express - [SIZE=-1](313) 887-7000
D. Milner Hotel - [/SIZE](313) 963-3950

Now I can't vouch for any of these. The Holiday Inn Express properties are fairly consistent so that would probably be my first choice. Regardless, you can enjoy ALL the fun and excitement of VOI and possibly save some bucks on the hotel at the same time!
 

Blue Pilot

Viper Owner
Joined
Dec 29, 2002
Posts
572
Reaction score
0
Location
N.E. Ohio, US
I had full intentions of attending this event, however I am completley dissapointed and disgusted in the age requirements for children. As per the VOI-10 website, children must be at least 16 years of age to attend any invitational activities, and must be 12 to attend the Viper plant tour. My son is 10 and loves the Viper as much as I do, in fact he has 35+ various models, diecasts, etc. and would love to see where the viper is made.
With these age requirements puts him out of all the fun activities that I (we) wanted to do, so I said to myself ' why bother wasting my time and money on this if I can't enjoy it with my son'. My wife could care less about Vipers or any car for that matter, so she is out also.

I decided to take my son to the EAA airshow/convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin instead and spend my money and time there, as we also like airplanes. They are more kid friendly, and even encourage kids of all ages to get involved in aviation with programs such as the Young Eagles.

I guess Dodge could care less about kids (the future buyers of their products), and it is a shame that VOI is not more kid friendly.
 

RTTTTed

Viper Owner
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Posts
6,438
Reaction score
1
Yah, insurance *****. Or maybe Worker's Compensation won't allow (under any circumstances) children in a working factory - no matter how much insurance you buy?

Don't blame the VCA, Dodge or VOI on government "safety issues", North American "safety laws". The public asked/demanded that children be NOT ALLOWED in working factories. Insurance also screws us ever since 9/11. The VCA is exceptionally child friendly, but our governments believe in protecting our children, and it's no longer the land of the free.

Pretend you're a Politician and lie about your son's age? Then the insurance won't cover your son - if there's an accident.

Ted


Ted
 

RTTTTed

Viper Owner
Joined
Jun 6, 2007
Posts
6,438
Reaction score
1
Because the gov. paid millions for a survey and that's the age they decided was dangerous?

Dunno, most of us feel for ya.

Lots of members put out special effort for kids. KC even does a Xmas hospital visit to let the kids climb through their cars and hand out Matchbox Vipers.

Ted
 

RedEnuf93

Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 14, 2002
Posts
2,591
Reaction score
2
Location
Lancaster, PA
I would like to come, but unfortunately cannot justify the overall cost to the family of 4.

Unfortunately no matter how much I love the car, I cannot do it at 900 bucks per head. (plus all other costs)

You guys have fun, I'll have to wait here and listen the great stories later. What can I do...
 

99 R/T 10

Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 4, 2001
Posts
10,314
Reaction score
0
Location
Enterprise, AL USA
I would like to come, but unfortunately cannot justify the overall cost to the family of 4.

Unfortunately no matter how much I love the car, I cannot do it at 900 bucks per head. (plus all other costs)

That's why I am going alone.............................................:D:D

Plus school starts the first week in Aug. :(
 

ViperTony

Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 3, 2006
Posts
7,554
Reaction score
0
I would like to come, but unfortunately cannot justify the overall cost to the family of 4.

Unfortunately no matter how much I love the car, I cannot do it at 900 bucks per head. (plus all other costs)

You guys have fun, I'll have to wait here and listen the great stories later. What can I do...

I'm a similar situation plus the fact that I'm not working at the moment doesn't help either. I'll be there in spirit! :2tu:
 

georgethedog

Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 4, 2007
Posts
2,982
Reaction score
6
Location
Near Peoria, IL
That's why I am going alone.............................................:D:D

Plus school starts the first week in Aug. :(

I cannot go because our college classes start on the 18th and I gotta be there whether or not my students listen to me!!! :lmao: (Also, it is a bit expensive and my kids are way too young).
 
S

SUN RA KAT

Guest
Count me in - I gotta make sure the educational material materializes in the goodie bags. ;)
 
Top