VOI 7 Nashville-Sept.2002

[Janni]

An Owner's Invitational is centered around the Viper and the Owner. There are not a lot of kid friendly activities. Racetracks and drag strips are usually not the right places for kids. The car only has 2 seats (as Steve so eloquently pointed out..) so family themed activities are a little difficult to plan around the Viper... But the fact of the matter is, tech sessions, drag racing, road course rides / instruction, shopping at Viper vendor booths, adult themed entertainment, etc. are not going to be fun for kids anyway. They cannot be on the track due to insurance liability issues, its usually hot and boring for them, and its hard enough to plan an Invitational without having to plan and coordinate another full set of activities that cater to the younger crowd.

And for those you guys that may have wives that won't go unless there is shopping or sightseeing involved, I don't know what to tell you - my idea of a vacation is blasting around a roadcourse. I don't think you need to be a complete Viper nut to enjoy an Invitational, but you do have to enjoy the comraderie of the ViperNation. And if you do it right, you won't have TIME for anything not Viper related anyway, i.e. VOI5 - "What casino?"

 

[tmcalist]

As an African American, I'm looking forward to getting back to my country music roots. See yall there.

 

[Steve Ferguson]

Chad thanks for your rational. First you hate the location, but then I am supposed to understand that it is about a wife that passed away? Get a sitter for a few days and go have FUN. If you think there is someone sitting in a room trying to see how to exclude people from attending a VOI them you are wrong. Like I said, they have many programs which cater to many DIFFERENT needs. Caravan/Kids, Viper/adult fun. This conspiracy theory notion is dodo!

 

[Jason-Middle Tennessee]

As Janni stated for the women that want to go shopping there's the new Opry Mills mall right next to the Hotel. Theres over 200 stores and 1.2 million sq. ft. Check out there site for more info ladies Opry Mills Web Site

There's also the General Jackson Showboat which I'm sure Dodge has something planned on it for maybe Sat. night. Great food & entertainment. Check out the Hotels web site at Opryland Hotel

 

[Steve Ferguson]

Eric, anyone who complains about the time, location, dates, is impinging on mine and others FUTURE VOI's. The point, and the whole point from the beginning is some of us (and that includes many with children) would go to a VOI no matter where and when it was held. Others would rather complain that it does not meet their requirements. That is it. You bash me because I do not have children so I guess that gives me the right to return the favor by telling you not to use children as an excuse.

BTW, is calling someone a yuppie supposed to mean something?

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Eric Schieve:

And if it's cost you're concerned about, I don't care ... charge the kids full price, I'll gladly pay it.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gladly pay full price for kids???

You'd be the only one.

 

[Serious Eric]

"Deutschland, DodgeLand uber alles!"

You're right! My treasonous plea for a summer VOI so that lowly families might attend in the presence of you high clubby muckety-mucks is a clear breach of the 'natural order of things' and is certain to incur the wrath of Dodge, the end of VOI and the downfall of western civilization! Shame on me!

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Steve Ferguson:

if you are looking for a Family vacation or gathering may I suggest taking advantage of the mini-van promotion at Disney World
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've told you ONCE and I'll tell you AGAIN - This isn't about you being the grand defender of VOI against the complaining hordes (as you'd like to paint it). It was started by YOU in the above assinine post. Dodge hearing only YOUR narrow view of what VOI should be about is a threat to the future of MY VOI enjoyment.

 

[Nsane1]

I normally don't step into firefights. But I'm also not one to keep his opinions to himself. Call me every name in the book, from yuppie, to snob, to **** , that's all irrelevant to me. I would MUCH rather spend my free time with adults than children. If I had ANY say (which of course I do NOT), my one vote would be cast in charging double for children to these events.

My darn company has become child-friendly enough, I don't think I want my hobby/free-time/vacations/stuff I spend my money on to be inundated with children either.

Just my vote, and I certainly respect the fact that others have the COMPLETE opposite opinion, but I would find it the ultimate travesty to rearrange a car event based on child-friendliness.

 

[Joseph Houss]

Steve, Eric, and all others, CHILL!

I know for a fact, that this time around, a setting was selected that would allow families (yes, children too) to have an opportunity to consider this THEIR vacation too. Nashville provides shopping, entertainment, and a hotel with lots of amenities for everyone to enjoy. Does this mean your kids will be allowed to participate in Viper oriented activities? I doubt it, but it surely will allow you to spend some quality time with the kids, if that is your choice, and still participate in our VOI.

We know it's during the school year, but it does include a weekend. As I mentioned before, there are so many issues to contend with in selecting a date.

The point here is that a VOI DOES focus on VIPER RELATED ACTIVITIES, but those that were the decision makers are quite aware of ALL our members "wish list" for what the ultimate invitational should include. You can't please everyone, when there's hundreds of guests involved, but you can sure try!

Hey, with 3 kids I would love a Disney VOI, with Mickey and friends babysitting the kids, free popcorn at every meal, and exclusive use of all the parks.... but ... Nashville sounds great as well... (I'd still like the Mickey babysitter idea)!

 

[viperdrummer]

Joe is right. I would also add that this is a privilege and certainly not a right. It is a huge headache for those planning it. I have a Ford, 2 Isuzus, have had Caddys, Lincolns, Toyotas, and many others--some expensive, and no one else invited me anywhere for anything. So I think the mere fact that we are in a position to carp about such a nice little outing says a lot.

 

[slaughterj]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tmcalist:
As an African American, I'm looking forward to getting back to my country music roots. See yall there.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Haha! As a non-Neck Southeasterner (yes, some of left coasters can't believe there is such a thing), I'm looking forward to this event, but not to any country music roots!

 

[VIPORXXX]

There should be a new rule on this board.....
<FONT size="5">NO WHINNERS ALLOWED!!!!!</FONT s>

This is going to be my first VOI and all I can tell you is I'm
excited and honored to be going. I could think of a dozen places I would have rather gone to if it were up to me, but it wasn't mine or your decision to make. If you ask 3 people their opinion they will give you 5 answers...you can't please everyone!

I am looking forward to this Viper Love Fest and look forward to meeting a lot of you from this board. Wherever and Whenever this event is held we should be appreciative of Dodge and the VCA for doing it.....we are the ones who benefit!

Fast Eddie

 

[VIPERESS]

In my opinion Nashville is as good of a place as any to hold VOI7, because afterall, it's not the place, but the people who "make" the party. Bring together a group of individuals who share the same passion <FONT size="4">VIPERS!!</FONT s>, and a good time will be had by all, regardless of the location. So long as there is a race track nearby, a safe place for all the cars, a decent place to sleep, and good people...sounds like it will be a success to me!!
Hey, do you think there is a place nearby where we can do some of that mechanical bull riding?? I've always wanted to give that a try!!

Laura

ps. Also hope the rooms have a Jacuzzi.

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Well, let's see if I can do this in 1,000 words or less:

First off, I am VERY fired up about the upcoming VOI. Nashville? Detroit? Key West? Anchorage? I DON'T CARE. Why? I am looking for three basic things:

1. <LI>Some decent track venues to exercise my Viper
   <LI>A nice place to cruise with that same Viper
   <LI>Fellow Viper owners from around the world to have a GREAT time with!

I attended my first VOI this past year in St. Louis. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE. Was St. Louis the most glamorous location? Hardly. The track was great, the cruise was superb (once you navigated the construction downtown), and the people were fantastic. I was stunned at the amount of time, effort, and money that DC (and the VCA) put into this event. Throw in very good meals, a vendor area to die for (both at the hotel and the track), and some great night time entertainment, and you had yourself a trip to remember for the rest of your life. And all with fellow Viper owners that share so many of the same interests!

Now, the "kid" thing: I have two wonderful boys of my own, ages 11 and 14. Both are car fanatics and in love with Vipers. I was mildly disappointed as we left for St. Louis last year, leaving them home with a sitter. Once we had arrived, I quickly realized that the boys would have been uncomfortable during most of the gatherings. No question they would have enjoyed the vendor area at the hotel (and the remote control Viper racing). They would have probably enjoyed some of the time at the track, but not spending the entire day there. The cruise would have been fun, but the Viper is indeed a 2-seater. The nighttime entertainment was definitely not kid-oriented.

Did I miss my kids? Of course. Did they miss some neat stuff? You bet. Would I bring them to a VOI if I had the chance? Probably not. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids more than life itself. I try to spend as much time with my family as is humanly possible. Nevertheless, there are times when adults should have a little time to themselves for adult-oriented activities. My wife and I had some quality time "alone" and made that relationship even stronger. I got to meet some wonderful people and spend time with folks I have come to really enjoy (the Woodhouse gang for starters). Not once did I have to worry if my kids were behaving, if they were having a good time, or if I should run upstairs or back to the hotel and check on them. It turned out just fine. Besides, our local club has many events where I bring my boys. No sense in Viper overexposure!

The bottom line is that you will LOVE VOI7. You will be just as amazed as I was and just as thrilled. If kids are allowed, wonderful. If they are not, that won't offend me at all. If they move it to beautiful Murdo, South Dakota, I won't hesitate to make the trip. It's about Vipers and Viper owners. You will never find a better place to see them all.

Chris

PS. Only 550 words, including these. Not bad!

 

[Biff Brown]

Perfectly put Chris!!!...From the movie Field of Dreams "Build it and they will come"....It ain't about the location, you can pick ANY location you like, ANY time of year that you like, and go on ANY vacation that you like...BUT, unless Dodge is sponsoring it YOU WON'T SEE ANY VIPERS!!!!Again that is what this is all about!...Viper's and Owners...
DODGE BUILT IT AND WE'RE GONNA COME....in DROVES!~!!!!
P.S.....PLEASE don't ever stop these Invitationals, seeing all of my old friends as well as new ones is PRICELESS....Thank-You!!

 

[Jim Peffers]

Chris, well said! I agree completely. Hope to see you there. If I can get my GenIII in time, we will have two Vipers there - my wife in the '97GTS (bought new) and me with the GenIII.

 

[Biff Brown]

Perfectly put Chris!!!...From the movie Field of Dreams "Build It And They Will Come".....It's not about the location, you can have ANY location, at ANY time of the year, BUT...if Dodge isn't sponsoring it you WON'T SEE ANY Vipers!!....That is what this is all about, Vipers and Owners (Viper Owners Invitational)....Dodge built it and we will come, IN DROVES!!!!
P.S....Dodge, PLEASE don't ever stop these Invitationals, they do more for our Viper community than you'll ever know....Thank-You!!

 

[Biff Brown]

Time-out!!!...I don't understand all of the fuss about "Kids"... Are they being "banned" from Nashville, or is it that Nashville isn't a good place for kids??... If a parent wants to bring their kids why can't they?? or is the problem the fact that there aren't "Kid's activities" planned??... I have NO PROBLEM with kids, as long as they aren't rubbing their hands all over my Viper (heck, I'm still a kid at 41)... Before I step into the "abyss" someone PLEASE explain this to me .....Feel free to send me direct e-mails so we don't tie up board space.... Ladies and Gentlemen, PLEASE don't forget that we are "the exception to the rule" when it comes to our Viper Community, lets try to "keep our heads above the crowd" and work this thing out amicably (?)....I'm off my soapbox now....Sorry!

 

[Serious Eric]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Vipermad:
I don't think Chad is saying he is looking for a family vacation...just the ability to include his child A FUTURE DODGE CUSTOMER PERHAPS!??????? Time for YOU to get real.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

BINGO!

Thank you Tony, you put it perfectly. I might have gotten my point across as succinctly if I hadn't been so mad. None of us (Chad, myself others) were asking for Mickey and Minnie to host the awards banquet or for in-house child entertainment or to make it a kid-oriented VOI. We just wanted the OPPORTUNITY to bring our families to Nashville. Period. End of story.

We're a self-sufficient group, and we'd have found plenty of entertainment on our own without any assistance from Dodge. My kids love vipers and would have a blast looking at the cars in the paddock, watching the track activities and just being involved in one of their Dad's hobbies. They're bigger car fans than their Mom, so when they finally get bored, she's more than happy to take them back to the hotel or out on the town to scrounge up some more fun. They don't go to tech sessions (duhh), don't attend banquets OR the adult entertainment. They're happier in the evening hanging out in the hotel room chowing room service and watching movies ... so none of you sensitive big-shot types would have to be offended by the &lt;gasp&gt; HORRIBLE presence of kids in your midst. I speak of what I know ... I've had the family to two previous VOIs, so don't tell me it can only be enjoyed in one narrow sort of way.

Unless there's a change in the climate of this club, it looks like VOI5 will have been our last. I would have really liked to go and meet some of you that I've met on this board ... Oh well, the undercurrent of sentiment in the VCA clearly says "Families Need Not Apply."

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Biff Brown:
someone PLEASE explain this to me
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The biggest problem is logistics and maybe additional insurance cost for allowing kids.

It's like allowing women on battleships. They had to add facilities (restrooms, sleeping quarters, chopper rides to the mainland for when they get pregnant) at great expense to accommodate them.

That analogy oughta get some responses.

 

[VIPERESS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chuck 98 RT/10:


It's like allowing women on battleships. They had to add facilities (restrooms, sleeping quarters, chopper rides to the mainland for when they get pregnant) at great expense to accommodate them.

That analogy oughta get some responses.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
NO COMMENT CHUCKIE I suppose wanting a Jacuzzi in the room is another thing you can make an analogy to!!

 

[Serious Eric]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chuck 98 RT/10:
The biggest problem is logistics and maybe additional insurance cost for allowing kids.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hogwash Chuck. Total HOGWASH.

They're not gonna be bungee jumping, skydiving or riding in vipers on the track. My kids hang out in the garage area whenever I go to the track and NO track has ever brought up insurance and liability as an issue.

Dang! It's so hard to get you people to understand a post without reading more into it than there really is. All that Chad and I and others are politely requesting (for future VOIs) is that Dodge consider holding it in the summer. Period. Nothing else. Is that such a godawful negative blasphemous thing to say?

this is nowhere. over and out.

 

[Jay Herbert]

Remember, this is from a person who has no children (just a wife and five dogs)...

I really think the children comments have more to do with the requirement to take them out of a day or two of school (if flying in).... If people are driving, then the problem is it would be more like a week or more of missed classes.

So from that standpoint, it makes it tougher for the Viper Owner with children to be able to participate.

I think the date chosen has to do with the fact that this event is also about the SRT-10, did you see that in the VIPER Mag blurb it announced a special gift for SRT-10 buyers at VOI?

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Eric Schieve:
Hogwash Chuck. Total HOGWASH.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Beats me Eric. Maybe so, but between all the insurance and taxes I/we pay would it surprise you if there was additional insurance cost for kids?

On a related note, I never met a parent (except my own

) that DIDN'T say they had the greatest kids in the world. But there are too many idiot parents out there that would be strolling their infant out in front of a Viper cruising through the paddock and then give the Viper driver the dirty look when he has to slam on the brakes. They're usually the same idiot parents that prop their kid next to me at the bar.

 

[Gerald]

Nahsville, Yeeeehawww, Close enough to drive! Better get that VCA membership money in! Now the 100 bucks can actually be used to something I enjoy (not in to roadracing or monthly lunches talking about roadracing)

Bring the kids...always need fesh roadkill....

J/K

Seriously, Nashville sounds awesome!

Gerald

 

[bad viper]

Right now I'm Viperless(sold the "bad Viper 6 months ago) I have a deposit down on a comp coupe so I still feel part of the "family".I could think of many other sites I would have preferred.
BUT I CAN THINK OF NO BETTER GROUP OF PEOPLE AND THE
ENSUING GOOD TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!
I'D GO IF IT WERE IN KABUL!!!!!!!!!!!
Most of you don't realize or appreciate what a great thing we have with the VCA and Dodge. I've been a member of The Ferrari Club,The Lambo club, the Porsche club these clubs can't compare
event-wise,comadre-wise,and fun-wise with our national or local chapters let alone the Manufacturers support!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Andrew2KRT10]

First, where does everyone get the time to keep on top of these posts so quick?
Second, I thought Aerosmith was performing at VOI 7?
Third, KIDS? My wife has no interest in traveling, thank God. And although I would love to have my kids there, I just assume hit a few Nascar races with the kids and leave VOI events for myself.

AC

 

[Biff Brown]

I wanted to thank those that sent me e-mails explaining the situation about "Kids and Nashville". Needless to say there are valid reasons for the parents of "Viper Children" to be upset, it seems that missing a couple days of school isn't that simple anymore....I hope this (time-of-year) conflict doesn't affect too many parents....Hope to see ya there!

 

[Vypr GT2]

Just to clarify, it really isn't just the time of year that is a problem. Unlike some of the previous VOIs, VOI 6 in St. Louis was strictly under a "no-kids" regime. At that VOI, children could not be paid participants in the VOI. There were no night-time daycare/activities provided in conjunction with the hotel. Kids weren't allowed in for breakfast or lunch. If you brought a child to the event anyway, one of the parents would have to babysit during every activity, skip the VOI breakfast and lunch (or eat separately from the spouse after trading babysitting duties), miss every banquet, skip the nighttime entertainment, etc. Each parent paid $600 or so for all the activities that they would have to skip, as I recall. When we attended VOI 4 and VOI 5, one could pay a fee for the kids and hotel day care and activities were provided at night so the parents could attend the dinners and entertainment, and families were welcome at the other meals. Hopefully, these small provisions will be made at all the VOIs in the future.

 

[jimandela]

Any update on this?
I thought we were getting info in the mail in early JAN.
so we can start to make plans (vacation time request, hotels, etc.)

hope to make it there!!

jim