What a blast. If you haven't been to a Viper Days event you aren't enjoying your car or the Viper experience to it's fullest.
I attended, but did not drive, at Virginia Int'l Raceway and got hooked. I then hauled my butt, borrowing a trailer (for the car) to Putnam Park 12 hours away in Indiana.
I logged 61 timed laps. This is about 25 minutes driving to and from for each one and a half minute lap (or so). I was thrilled with a rookie time of 1:259. That was actually my last lap on dry track. Would I do it again?
ABSOFRICKENLUTELY.
1. There is more Viper specific driving and car knowledge at a Viper Days event available within 100 feet of you than one person will ever know.
2. The people with that knowledge will share it - happily - just to help a fellow Viper owner. Try finding that at non-Dodge events...
3. The instruction (classroom and on track) is excellent and specific to Vipers. You didn't buy a $30,000 four door sedan - get the performace training specific to your car!
4. Safety is paramount - but you are allowed to drive to your capibility. Not too much pressure and no artificial restrictions between you and experiencing the cars potential.
5. Staff. Skip Thomas has likely forgotten more about Vipers than I will ever know, but I was invited to ride with him in his race Viper first thing Friday morning. Hot laps in a hot car with a great driver (worth the trip alone). Courtney and Tracy don't just do the job at the track - they carry the social events. and Bruce... well. what can one say. If your talking to Bruce you've probably screwed up. He's a class act keeping it safe and sane on the track. Great sense of humor too. (by the way Bruce, thanks for letting me "Dodge" that last woodchuck!)
6. Value. Anyone who owns a Viper likely has $60k or more in the car, accessories, tow vehicles, trailers, travel etc. For $600 bucks you can experience a great track, meet the finest autosports members around, and MOST IMPORTANTLY get to learn what that car you bought can do (and more importantly can't do!) WE ARE TALKING ABOUT 1% OF YOUR CAR COST. LESS THAN TAX. And a heck of a lot less than a ticket or repair required because you found the cars limit on a public street!
Watkins Glen still has room! Viper Days doesn't take everyone - they can't. You will get plenty of track time, instruction, and support because they limit the attendees. Don't even think you are going to show up and be left to figure everything out by yourself. You'll have all the help and support you want. First timers are so welcomed you will think you own the place. Sign up NOW. Go to
www.viperdays.com or email Courtney at
[email protected]. It's a track you've seen and heard about for years - go. YOU WON'T REGRET IT!
