Viper Days question

[Wild Bill]

Hopefully Bill P. will have me behind the wheel before the Viper Days in Texas .

I want to attend to better learn how to tame this beast but the wife (who's buying it for me--God I love her ) also wants to drive.

Is there a way for two people to take the rookie class but with only one car? Can't afford two at this time so that is not a option.

Thanks

Bill

 

[Bernard]

You could drive in intermediate and the wife in novice, or the other way round. They do that all the time.

 

[Wild Bill]

Neither one of us is qualified intermediate and the cost of the Skip Barber class vs. Viper days is quite significant!

We were hoping to get our basic instruction durring the Viper Days and them maybe try the driving school--seemed a better value for our money not to pay Skip Barber 9 or another school) to teach us the 'basics'.

Maybe I'll let her take the first Viper days weekend and I'll do the second. Can you learn enough in one weekend to move up to the intermediate class? We do not have any racing experience but love to drive

Thanks

Bill

 

[NCVCA]

You will have to be the final judge, but there are 4 run groups at most Viper Days events. They are generally grouped as follows:

Green = beginner
Blue = intermediate
White = advanced
Red = Race group

They are on the track at different times. The intermediate group and beginner group passing rules are the same at most tracks - that is point by on the straights only with no passing in the corners at all.

Talk to Courtney at Viper Days about how you could make this work. Blue group is not that much different than Green. In fact the Blue group drivers are GENERALLY better about handling traffic, faster and slower cars. I have run in both and while Green group is slower overall the first few sessions of any group are cautious as drivers familiarize themselves with the track.

Be EXTRA cautious about checking brake pads, tire pressures, and fuel as you will be consuming them at twice the rate of other participants.

You probably already know but the email and phone info for Courtney is available at www.ViperDays.com

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Contact Courtney.

 

[ntmatter]

If you have a few track days in a high performance car (Porsche or Vette), then you might be comfortable doing the Intermediate class and having your wife do the beginning class. If this is your first track day each, then I would strongly recommend one of you doing this one, and the other going to Thunderhill in March. Or, better yet, have one of you get an Arrive-and-Drive car. If this is your first day, you don't want to drive with the blue group.

 

[Bernard]

If you were to participate in two groups at the same event, you'd both have access to great instructors. Your comfort level would be high at the end of the first day in either group. I just can't see one of you watching the other have fun without wanting to get out there. Blue group is generally civilized and will be considerate if you acknowledge the passing rules.

 

[Mark 00 RT10]

My wife and I have both drove the same viper for a few years at Viper days. No need to worry about previous experience/track time. Viper days is SAFE,fun,....ect and you learn in your own car with excellent support. That's what makes it so much better than Barber, ect...

"A safe controlled environment to test and maximize the limits of your car."

There were a few things we found we had to do to our "stock" car after the 1st event to make it more reliable. 16 hours of track time in a weekend is a lot for some factory parts.

If your serious about attending please e-mail.

[email protected]

Mark Stearns
Viper days National Champ 2002 Modified

Angie Stearns
Viper days 3rd place Nationals 2002 Modified

 

[Tom Shapiro]

Wild Bill there are two ways to accomplish your goal. I'm pretty sure this is the way Courtney works it at Viper Days. As Chuck says definitely give call her a call to make sure nothing has changed. Option #1- Pay for one driver, share the car, share the instructor, and share the time in each Green run group. Or, you could each take one full run group in the morning and one in the afternoon for a total of 2 each in the Green group. Option #2- Pay for two drivers, share the car, you run 4 times in the blue group and your wife runs 4 times in the green group. Take up Mark Stearns offer and e-mail him if you are planning to go. He'll give you some good advice. For sure go with fresh brake pads and fresh Dot 4 brake fluid(i.e Motul 600, Castrol SRF, etc)

Tom Shapiro
Illinois VCA
Performance Driving Director

 

[CT]

THANKS for all of the help guys! It looks like I can quit me job and you can take over!! Wild Bill, all of the answers are correct. There are many ways to go about the weekend with 2 cars! If you would like some in depth info, please feel free to call me at 847-594-8477 and ask for Courtney. I would be more then happy to help you out!

Hope to see more of the husband and wife teams at the events!!

Courtney Thomas
Viper Days, Inc.
www.viperdays.com

 

[SoCal Rebell]

Hope to see more of the husband and wife teams at the events!! Courtney ThomasViper Days, Inc.www.viperdays.com

Courtney, marry me, that'll make one more husband and wife team