What are benefits of becoming VCA member?

[Firecat F7 Viper]

I am a fairly new viper owner and very new member to this forum.
I would like to know the benefits of joining the VCA and also how I can benefit The VCA if I decide to join and become a member.
One thing that is making my decision on joining difficult is that my job and other interests don't leave a whole lot of spare time for me. I am afraid that I would be able to attend very few events.

Thanks and Merry christmas to all,
One helluva proud viper owner

 

[1TONY1]

I get more than my $$$ worth from this site, not to mention the events/freebies. Join.....you won't be sorry.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

N.J. club is very active, you won't be disappointed with the amount of events and variety.

 

[opnwide]

for 2003, I've scarfed a $20 subscription to Viper Mag, a $25 Christmas dinner and $30 in booze, $45 entrance fee paid for the V-10 nationals, and $150 in prizes from Maxwell Dodge in Austin. Membership is worth every penny!



for 2002, I did similar, but nailed a $300 coupon for Viper Days as a Christmas Party prize. Did I mention that membership is worth it?

 

[luc]

You will get:

1/ A membership card
2/ Access to Member's only forums
3/ Right to buy raffle tickets
4/ Access to the club Financials
5/ 4 issues of a self-promoting magazine

You don't need it to:
1/ Enjoy your Viper
2/ Use this site

Most peoples that,like me are past members, didn't renew not because the $100 fee or what you "get" for it but because we dis-agree with some of the policies (some periods of heavy censorship/Magic Wand) and with some of the National Officers.

Luc.
00GTS

 

[Firecat F7 Viper]

I have to admit that this site alone, even though it is free, has been more than worth $100 to me in what I have learned about vipers from all you guys. A great bunch of people here. Everyone helping each other out.I have only been here a short time but have learned about recalls,performance mods, trouble tips and just the joy of ownership. I am 99% sure I will be joining the VCA family.

 

[ACR Joe]

$100? Most of us regularly blow that on one dinner. The magazine is an excellent source of information (so the editor's promote the Viper - Hello, it's called Viper Magazine). The club events are awesome (VOI's are a total blast); I enjoy the camaraderie, the member's only forum, access to raffles, vendor discounts, track events, and on and on. VCA membership is worth every penny. Oh, to those that are so worried about having access to the club's financials - "get a life"!

You can't be a part of the Viper community unless you're a VCA member. Period!

 

[joe117]

The fact that I often post on this site makes it well worth the $100.

 

[plumcrazy]

I personally DONT see the need. but thats me.

not worth it for the magazine, but the discounts ARE good for the VCA members from a lot of the vendors. so it is probably worth it just for THAT

 

[1TONY1]

If you do events/meetings with your VCA region you will get the $100 plus back in food and events if it is like the Ga. region.

 

[Mopar Steve]

Just Do It

 

[RedEnuf93]

- You can come to Englishtown and play/race with other Vipers!
- NJ club is one of the most active ones in US, I am sure that even with a tight schedule you'll find something interresting to do.
- Viper Magazine is a whole lot of fun to read!
- It's only 100 bucks
- Discounts you'll get

I ahve a tight schedule too and attend only couple of things a year, but it is well worth it. I have never regret joining VCA. It is a nice club with lots of interresting people.

Join us!

 

[pauls]

Guess it depends on what you plan to do with your Viper?
If you plan to enjoy it at track events, cruises, social events and want the fellowship of out Viper owners, your money will be well spent. A good part of your dues go to your local club. Those who take time to participate get a good return on investment!!

 

[George Murray]

The number one benefit of joining the club?

The people in the club.

 

[luc]

"..you can't be part of the Viper community unless you're a VCA member.Period." ACR Joe

WRONG,

The only thing that you need is your love of the Viper.

The Viper community is very diverse, I belong to a sub-group that have in commun our love of the Viper and RACING.
We get together may be 15/20 times a years,not at events sponsored by the VCA, but on race tracks to have fun and compete against each other.
We enjoy each other company (camaraderie) and we all have the same addiction/sickness (racing).
We don't care nor NEVER ask if someone is a VCA member or not.

For us, the most memorable event of 2003 is when we all got together at Laguna Seca to suport our late friend,fellow racer and "member" PMUM in his 2nd professional race.

The highlight off the weekend,beside the Saturday dinner that we all had with Paul,was watching Paul win the race from an hospitality tent (graciously offered to us by a fellow Viper owner) next to the Audi tent.

We were all proud for Paul and for the Viper and we were all PART of the Viper community.
You should have seen the faces in the Audi tent when,on the cool down lap after his victory,Paul stopped in front of us,waved to us and did a HUGE burn-out.


Enjoy your magazine and VCA membership and we will enjoy our vipers the way WE want,not by YOUR rules.

Luc.
00GTS

 

[1TONY1]

But you sure do hang out on the VCA site Merry Christmas to you from all of us VCA members.

 

[Jay Herbert]

You'll definitely enjoy membership if you are in the NJ area, they have a very active club which holds some great events that cover the entire range from drag and road racing to social and cruises.

If you are a social type person, you'll really enjoy the club, VCA discounts from many suppliers are also a big plus.

Even our little region now has six great events every year and we get a nice annual membership gift from the region (This year an embroidered shirt).

You also get free classifed ads and VCA notes newsletter (supposed to be between issues of VIPER magazine.... but since it is done by volunteers, timing varies). You are supposed to get four issues of a regional newsletter as well. Many regions have high quality newsleters...

You don't need to be in the VCA to enjoy your Viper, but it certainly increases the opportunities to do so. There are some folks that are "just not club folks", but I can say that the people in our region sure seem to feel it is worth it. $55 of the membership goes directly to the region, so you are really joining two things (National VCA $45, and your VCA region $55).

 

[luc]

1Tony1,

Thanks you and same to you.
I DO like the VCA site,especially for technical informations (the best on the web in my opinion)but as you know,membership is not a requirement to post/use it.

Also, some peoples believe that the VCA purpose is to serve it's members only,this is not correct, as described by the bylaw:

Some of the Purpose of the club:

... To be a unified voice for Viper OWNER...
..To serve as a medium of exchange of ideas, information and parts for OWNER of the Viper..

So,obviously and logicaly,Viper ownership is the only requirement to be part of the "viper community",not to be a VCA member and using this site as a "non-member" fulfill some of the purpose of the club.

Luc.
00GTS

 

[kenvw]

Joined last year because of the new Viper purchase but just renewed my membership for 2004. So far never been to any Viper meet whether regional or national. Doubt I will go to any this year because of moving overseas. However, did get a lot of help from the Pres. in my early months due to some car problems and some good deals on parts via the VCA discounts.
Car is worth $85 g's, so I think $100 is small change especially for all that is done via the VCA club.
Ken

 

[RedSnakeGTS]

"..you can't be part of the Viper community unless you're a VCA member.Period." ACR Joe

WRONG,

The only thing that you need is your love of the Viper.

The Viper community is very diverse, I belong to a sub-group that have in commun our love of the Viper and RACING.
We get together may be 15/20 times a years,not at events sponsored by the VCA, but on race tracks to have fun and compete against each other.
We enjoy each other company (camaraderie) and we all have the same addiction/sickness (racing).
We don't care nor NEVER ask if someone is a VCA member or not.

For us, the most memorable event of 2003 is when we all got together at Laguna Seca to suport our late friend,fellow racer and "member" PMUM in his 2nd professional race.

The highlight off the weekend,beside the Saturday dinner that we all had with Paul,was watching Paul win the race from an hospitality tent (graciously offered to us by a fellow Viper owner) next to the Audi tent.

We were all proud for Paul and for the Viper and we were all PART of the Viper community.
You should have seen the faces in the Audi tent when,on the cool down lap after his victory,Paul stopped in front of us,waved to us and did a HUGE burn-out.


Enjoy your magazine and VCA membership and we will enjoy our vipers the way WE want,not by YOUR rules.

Luc.
00GTS

"you are so money and you dont even know it"


i cant agree more! who is to say that you have to be a member of the VCA to be included in the "club." give me a break

 

[RedSnakeGTS]

$100? Most of us regularly blow that on one dinner. The magazine is an excellent source of information (so the editor's promote the Viper - Hello, it's called Viper Magazine). The club events are awesome (VOI's are a total blast); I enjoy the camaraderie, the member's only forum, access to raffles, vendor discounts, track events, and on and on. VCA membership is worth every penny. Oh, to those that are so worried about having access to the club's financials - "get a life"!

You can't be a part of the Viper community unless you're a VCA member. Period!

so you are saying that the money you spend towards a membership doesnt give you the right to know where the officers are spending the money? man, no wonder they get away with it so easily!

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

I spend my money to support the club.....I usually get very little in return because I am not motivated enough to get off my butt and take advantage of what there is to offer. No matter what you do or where you go....you will not be 100% happy 100% of the time. Firecat....send me your details. I'LL pay for your first year so you can see if you think it is worth it! Being in NJ....you are in like Flynn! Those guys up there hit Englishtown regularly...the Zone deal is there, Tators B-B-Q. As I said....drop me an e-mail with your details and I'll take care of you.

BTW....all of you who are freezing? I am spending Christmas with my wife (USN stationed in Key West) at her house on Cudjoe Key....sweating my butt off!!! Compared to Virginia Beach it is HOT here. Everyone keeps saying it is too bad we came when it was so cold!! LOL!!!

 

[Mopar Steve]

"...where the officers are spending the money? man, no wonder they get away with it so easily!"

Get away with what? some indiscretion? something shady? Is there something we should all know about?

I think that he was saying, in the big picture $100 is not that big of a price for the value received.

 

[RedSnakeGTS]

"...where the officers are spending the money? man, no wonder they get away with it so easily!"

Get away with what? some indiscretion? something shady? Is there something we should all know about?

I think that he was saying, in the big picture $100 is not that big of a price for the value received.

acutally, he was ridiculing the paying members for questioning where the money is spent. no, i know the vca isnt up to anything, we have already been through this over and over. i was referring to the fact that they were able to go a year w/o suppling the info when specifically asked. the reason it is easy to get away with is b/c "they" get support from some of the members saying that it shouldnt matter...

 

[RedSnakeGTS]

I spend my money to support the club.....I usually get very little in return because I am not motivated enough to get off my butt and take advantage of what there is to offer. No matter what you do or where you go....you will not be 100% happy 100% of the time. Firecat....send me your details. I'LL pay for your first year so you can see if you think it is worth it! Being in NJ....you are in like Flynn! Those guys up there hit Englishtown regularly...the Zone deal is there, Tators B-B-Q. As I said....drop me an e-mail with your details and I'll take care of you.

BTW....all of you who are freezing? I am spending Christmas with my wife (USN stationed in Key West) at her house on Cudjoe Key....sweating my butt off!!! Compared to Virginia Beach it is HOT here. Everyone keeps saying it is too bad we came when it was so cold!! LOL!!!

that is awesome vipermad!! sounds like a he!! of an offer, and one that is hard to beat!

 

[Y2K5SRT]

I'll see what I can remember:

NATIONAL

VIPER Magazine (it's okay, but far from perfect)
Support from officers when things go wrong (try to help resolve issues)
Raffle (which I have resigned myself to never winning)
The VCA SRT-10 Ram (49 chances to buy this one - for VCA members only)
VCA discounts from most vendors (a simple exhaust mod can cover your membership)
Zone Rendezvous and other VCA events
Right to objectively ***** about membership - rather than whine from the outside

REGIONAL (Kansas City members)

FREE Viper Calendar ($22.50 value)
FREE Dyno Day ($70 value)
Discounted KC Viper Club embroidered shirts ($10 off on each)
Discounted drag racing (to be determined, but should save $30 per car at least)
Whiteman Air Force Base air show: "Viper Corral" on tarmac
"Viper Day" at a professional baseball game this summer
Development of new track in KC (VCA was invited specifically)
Cruises, racing, and many other events throughout the year
Regional web site and free picture hosting
Tech Day at local dealerships
Regular e-mails on tech issues, recalls, events, promotions, and more

Now, do I think the club is overpriced at $100 per year? YES. Especially when you consider you can join the Durango Owners Club for $45 - for three years (including a brass license plate frame, embroidered hat & patch, brass key fob, etc.). I believe our region (among others) gives a very good return on our portion of those dues ($55 or less - we only get $25 on new owners). I can't say that I am convinced I get my return on the other $45.00.

Do I think the VCA is perfect? Not even close. I think more than a few things are goofy and a couple things are downright stupid. I pay $100 a year for my right to objectively complain about it and actually try to affect some change. I also think that if your region is active (as ours is), you will get far more for $100 a year than you get even in the Durango Club. And while I certainly agree that the camaraderie can be found even if not a VCA member, I know that few of us are full time track rats (although many of us wish we had the time and $$). For the average Viper owner there is simply no better group to join.

Chris

PS. And for anybody that would like to join the Kansas City Region of the VCA, we would be delighted to have you as an associate member regardless of where you live. $55.00 gets you ALL of the regional benefits listed above. C'mon down!

 

[luc]

Chris,

You always have been one of the great asset of this board and of the Viper community.

If some of the higher-up in the VCA food chain will conduct themselve and the club business the way you do it instead of acting like little kings,I will certainly become a member again.

Probem is not what you get or don't get for the membership fee.
The core issue is should you or not support with your money, policies and peoples that you believe have no place in a car club ?

Since you were "involved" in it, you will remember perfectly the periods of heavy handed censorship (AKA the Magic Wand), of threads disappearing for NO reasons at all,members/viper's owner being banned, in more general terms, the lack of respect displayed by some of the higher-up toward some of the members for the ONLY reason that those members didn't agree with them.

Well, I made the decision that as long that those peoples are still at the VCA, I will not be a VCA member.

Luc
00GTS

 

[VOI9 ASP]

Wow! I think I'll join the Kansas Region!

 

[Jeff Torrey]

Seems to me if you buy the car, you join the car club.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Wow! I think I'll join the Kansas Region!

Me Too!