Ricky -
I wouldn't sweat this one in the slightest. Despite the vicious S2000 references (the connection was far too easy for anybody to pass up, even SRT owners), you had several things working against you before you made your first pass:
1. Inexperience launching the Viper. It is a tough car to launch even with experience. With the pressure of a crowd and having never drag raced a Viper before, your results were normal. Although very painful given the competition.
2. Vipers are not great in the 1/8 mile, especially the SRT. With the taller rear tires and stock 3.07 gearing, it takes a little more room to get this car up to its greatest potential. You would have kept it a lot closer in a 1/4 mile race, even with wheel spin. Also note: Expect to lose if you ever autocross an S2000 or many of the "weaker" imports (or Neons). Like the 1/8 mile, most autocross layouts never allow the car to get up to the point where it is lethal to just about all takers.
3. This was not a drag strip or even a well maintained street surface. The pictures show some grass/weeds growing up through the cracks, as well as some uneven surface. The minute those massive tires catch even an inch of space (cracks, etc.), the torque will break them loose almost every time. Get on a prepped track with VHT (to make the car stick on the launch) with few (if any) cracks or bumps, and the car will change 100% for the better.
Bottom line: Get some practice launches in where you can do so in a safe environment. Find a 1/4 track that is fairly well maintained and actually preps the launch area. You will soon harness the demons and put them to work smoking your competition. And you will open up a whole new world of Viper experiences. Enjoy!
Chris
