WHAT....No Drag Racing During this years VOI???

[Tom Welch]

Hello All,

I received my VOI7 registration packet today and ripped the envelope open with excitement only to read that there is NOT a drag race event included with the admission!

Several things come to mind;

1. This years admission is 100 bucks more per person with less
diverse track activities. Someone explain that to me like Im a 6 year old please.

2. Three (3) Vipers were wrecked-totalled at last years VOI on the road course..and I know of a more than a few Vipers that were damaged during the road course events at some of the Regional "Mini-VOI" events held this last summer.

3. Performance is all about ACCELERATION. Period. Magazines, tv shows, and advertised vehicle specifications all list 0-60 times and quarter mile performance numbers, NONE advertise how many seconds it takes a car to navigate a road course(an occasional skid pad number is shown for a very few supercars)

4. The vast majority of amature competition and smack that we look forward to laying down at our annual gatherings deals with drag racing. To not have an event for the MAJORITY of enthusiasts shows lack of foresight, caring and planning on behalf of the club management.

I can only hope that this thread will entice all of you enthusiasts to voice your opinion on this matter to all who are in charge of this event. To not have a drag race(acceleration test) event at a VOI is like not dancing at the prom!

There are a few great drag racing facilities within a 2 hour drive of Nashville who Im sure would love to have a once in a lifetime photo opportunity of seeing several hundred Vipers in the staging lanes.

Everyone step up make this event WHOLE..please!!

Tom
Http://btrviper.com

 

[VOI9 ASP]

I can remember a few cars damaged extensively at the drags at some of the past few VOI's. I do not believe damage potential is restricted to road course activities.

The regional Viper club presidents will be in Nashville this weekend to preview the activities planned for this years VOI. Make sure you contact your regional president to voice your opinion and also ask for information after the weekend meetings. I'm sure there will be posts here after the weekend meetings.

 

[SNKBYT]

I agree with Tom, I was also hoping to see a drag event at Voi-7. It's too bad they didn't plan a cruise to a nearby drag strip!

 

[Mike Brunton]

I agree that drag racing is a very desirable activity for a VOI.

I love road racing, I like AutoX, and I LOVE drag racing. I doubt my SRT will be at VOI, but nonetheless I would like to see the guys like Tom W, Doug L, and the TX boys strut their stuff. Like Tom, I think VOI without drag racing is cutting out about 1/3 of the fun.

 

[Hisser]

No big intertainment names either like the past years. Wonder why they cut that out or is the answer to that one too obvious?

 

[SoCal Rebell]

No Drag racing!!!!!! I think I'll pass going this year.

 

[Joseph Houss]

Here's the scoop:

The Superspeedway WILL have drag racing.... but, at last discussion, not in time for VOI as it is still being constructed.

I'm on my way to Nashille, and will see the track, and how close they are to completion, and will gladly report back.

Other Drag Strips in the area, were visited and were deemed not up to the standards that our members would expect.

 

[pauls]

Go get em Tom!!! Everyone talks drag racing but no one ever shows up? VOI might be one of the few places it's part of other activities and gets some attention. However; drag racing at VOI is LAME. Might as well be time trials. No classes no glory.
Drag Racing is the one performance measure that is equal anywhere you go. 1320 ft. Everyone needs a time slip. Road Courses are all different. No assimilation. VOI definitely needs a coordinated Drag Racing program. Maybe a triathlon, Combination road course, autoX and dragstrip times. In any event we need some Class winners in Drag Racing.

PS We will be Drag Racing at the Viper Nationals the week prior at Norwalk OH Sept 15-16> Sponsored by the Ohio VCA

 

[TOOOFST]

With Tom.
You can only smack it so long without results.Most people want to see how other snakes with different mods working at the track.VOI7 is/was the perfect opportunity.

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

One might ask the question...If there was not a track nailed down in Nashville for the VOI7 event...why was Nashville chosen.
Earlier rumor had Detroit as the place..the birthplace of the Viper for the unveiling of the production Gen III car.

Steve

 

[Joseph Houss]

Well, that's a good question, and one that was discussed with many people. There are only so many venues that can:

a) Fit the scheduled date
b) Accomodate a thousand guest
c) Have banquet facilities
d) Be in VERY close proximity of a Superspeedway
d) Have 5 star accomodations and food
e) Have absolutely safe and secure parking

.. the list goes on and on

Since I have to leave for Nashville now, I won't be able to add any comments to the numerous responses that I know will now occur. I'll be glad to answer them on Monday.

Needless to say, it's not like Dodge avoided a drag racing venue... it just didn't work out this time around.

Stay tuned!

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

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

The Superspeedway WILL have drag racing.... but, at last discussion, not in time for VOI as it is still being constructed.

I'm on my way to Nashille, and will see the track, and how close they are to completion, and will gladly report back.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

They're in the process of building the dragstrip??? We don't need lights or clocks just give us a strip to line up. Tell them to lay down 1320 feet of asphalt and let's go.

 

[pdmracing]

I agree. Drag Race or Bust!!!! By the way Nashville is a happening town & I am sure everyone will enjoy it. I normally spend time there as the halfway point on the way to Formula 1 at Indy, that happens to be the same weekend. What were you guys thinking? No drag strip, the largest international auto race in the country the weekend? I am sure it VOI will be a sold out anyways.

 

[Performin Norman]

I really enjoyed VOI.6. After the initial shock in cost, I was okay with it after we were there and really enjoyed the event. I too am a fan of drag racing and wish they had it for VOI.7. I have decided to skip this years event to attend another car gathering.

I hope all who go have a great time.

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

At this point, We are planning on attending in spite of the cost or drag strip. Make no mistake--I think the cost is very high. We are likely attending another car club event this summer. The entire package for 2 minus the room is $380. It includes one full day of track time at Summit Point, One full day at the Mason/Dixon Dragway, Dyno testing, T-shirts, hats, opening night reception, tech session, and banquet. I think the VOI should have been scheduled in either a different place or different time frame in Nashville to accommodate the many who wish to run their car at a drag strip.


Steve

 

[King GTS]

Viper Owners Invitational and no racing = no fun.

 

[Venom 1000TT]

Count me in John!

 

[Viperrick]

Steve from MI, what kind of food do you get, what does the banquet hall look like, and how nice is the goodie bag? Will you get to talk to the executives, engineers and managers from the manufacturer? Pleeeas don't compare any, and I mean any, national car convention, local ,or regional car club gathering to a VOI. If you do than I doubt that you have been to an Invitational. If you have, and you feel confident that you are comparing apples to apples than please let me know who's event this is and I will make a point of attending it to see for my self. Been there and done that for 20 years with cars and I can say that there is nothing like a Viper Owners Invitational. Your entry fee hardly covers the cost of the food at a VOI. now add the track costs, the professional instructors, transportation, special venues exclusive to the attendees and the list goes on and on.

Regarding the Drag Racing issue, we were told that the local 1/8th mile track (what the ---- is an 1/8 track, did they run out of space or asphalt?) was dangerous in a fwd rental car, let alone a 400 h.p (plus) Viper.

For records sake,
1)I believe more cars have been tweeked at the drag strips during VOI's than on the road courses. Probably because EVERYONE can drag race and they think they don't need an instructor.
2) There was no road course driving at any of the Zone Rendezvous. The incident that was written about was during an Autocross (where major brain faid occured).
3) John (HMS), maybe in Texas they leave the left lane open for Texas Vipers (because it's flat and straight for 900 miles) but, in Nashville they got curves so, you better stay in the right lane. There more run-off area for yoa'll when the road bends. Is that the kind of smack you were look'n for?

Just havin some fun so take take it too serious.

3)

 

[Viperrick]

Actually, I think that your offer to help instruct should be commended. Many people think that drag racing is just a matter of pressing the loud pedal and holding on. I have seen a couple of Viper drivers find themselves dangerously way out of shape on the strip. We had a member and his brand new 96 GTS smack the wall the first trip down the 1/4 back in 96. The problem was a big ego and no knowledge on how to avoid an accident. All this guy needed to do was get out of the gas. Instead he tried to steer out of it. He did a loop and smacked it broadside. Thankfully nothing happened to him but the car has been parked since that day.

It sounded like Kingman was on the phone with you from Nashville last night. Heard he and some of the other Texas presidents were working on organizing a drag race in Bowling Green. You must have been part of those discussions. Remember to stop by the Vette plant and lay some rubber down in their lot. Just to show them how it's done.

 

[Joseph Houss]

Great News!

Kingman, Prashant and many other volunteers will be developing a post-VOI drag racing event! Just like the Viper Days race that takes place after VOI, this venue will be set up for those Drag racing guys that want to go for the gusto!

Stay tuned for more details!

 

[Tom Welch]

Sorry Rick but I disagree,

(3) Vipers were totalled on the road coarse at VOI6..AND ALL OF THE CARS HAD INSTRUCTORS IN THEM!! The autocross was in a parking lot where no one could hit anything but a 3 inch tall cone..or there would have been more wrecks.

Lets converse in laymens terms for a moment. I can get in my Viper and accelerate it in a straight line from traffic light to traffic light as many Viper owners do. VERY FEW Viper owners have the **** to take a sharp corner at high speed in their Viper especially on the local highways and roads, hence limited time behined the wheel practicing means inexperience which leads to disaster.

(1) Viper was damaged on the drag strip at VOI6.

NO VIPERS were damaged at any of the regional rendevous on the drag strips..but there were accidents on the autocross/road course events.

Anyways, its just a shame that the safest and purest form of real performance for the car and driver is not going to prevail at this years event. I can't understand why Dodge would not have a say in this as they just won the Pro Stock title this past weekend(Mac Tools Gatornationals) and have an ever growing presence in Pro Stock and SuperStock classes..not to mention that the Hemi engine powers all of the Top Fuel cars.

My original question has yet to be answered..Why is the entry fee $ 100.00 per person more this year with less track activities?? Hello?

Tom
Http://btrviper.com

 

[Joseph Houss]

On the contrary, only ONE Viper was totalled on the roadcourse at VOI.6 (Tom, please call me if I am wrong, as I just confirmed this with Event Solutions) and this particular occurance had NOTHING to do with an owner, but rather was done by an overzealous instructor.

VOI.6 DID have it's share of Drag racing incidents as well. I believe 2 or 3.

...but:

Viper Headquarters would like to make it clear that Drag racing wasn't intentionally avoided, but due to many factors (scheduling, travel issues, etc), it just couldn't happen. The superspeedway is awesome, and WILL in fact, have a dragstrip... but not in time for this incredible VOI.

It would be hard to answer the second part of your question ($100 additional), but I can assure you, after visiting the venue, this will be a 1st Class Event, and well worth the admission!

 

[pauls]

Let's not get too many chefs in the stew. Bowling Green is a great facility. Next thing any good is Memphis, and it's three hours West. Go North young man. Plus, they'd have a coronary with a parking lot full of vipers at the Corvette museum.

 

[Wing King]

Guys, as some of you have already indicated above, there are several people already negotiating and working toward having a first class drag racing event happen such that owners who attend the VOI in Nashville will be able to take advantage of it. This is all we can really say for now.

Please just give us a little time to work out the final details and we will notify everyone right here on this board, as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep a smile on your face and that right ankle in good shape!

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

Viperrick, No we haven't been to a VOI yet, that's why we're going and looking forward to it. My previous post wasn't intended to compare the overall experience...it was meant to show that you can rent a track, drag strip, and dyno for about $250. At Road Atlanta, we paid $100/car for the day and had a couple of hours of Panoz instruction. I think we had 100 cars at the track. The drags ran around $30 a car for an afternoon. I guess when you attach the word "Viper" to these events, the price quadruples. Too bad.

As for talking to executives, engineers, and managers....that shouldn't cost us anything. Dodge should just send them down. I'm sure they attend lots of PR junkets over the course of a year where the attendees pay nothing. On the other hand, we already paid big money for the vehicle if bought new. Many used Vipers have also provided ongoing revenue to many Dodge dealerships. As long as they continue to build the car, Dodge should provide these people as part of their contribution to the event. In no way should we be subsidizing their cost to be there.

Some of the above factory people own Vipers and will be there.

Food---If $1400 "barely covers the cost of food" for 4 days for 2 people, then that is part of the problem. I definitely don't need that level of cuisine.

Drag racing---if the Bowling Green strip is only 45 minutes from the hotel, why wasn't this looked into prior to picking the dates? A 45 minute ride is hardly enough time for a cup of coffee.

I know this all sounds like sour grapes to many previously satisfied VOI attendees. I guess I'm just trying to be a little realistic about cost. I don't have a problem with $700 for me..it's the second $700 I have some heartburn with. My wife will not be driving any events. She'll be spectating or riding. I'll guarantee she'll never eat almost $700 of food over 4 days. From other posters on this board, it appears there will be less doings than last year at $100 more per head. Last I checked, inflation was running under 3%.

Finally, believe or not, I would like to add that I know it is a monumental task to organize an event of this magnitude and I do appreciate the efforts of those doing the legwork. You will never please all the people all the time.

One last question....Why was Detroit nixed? I believe it was held there once before. There are tracks and drag strips available.
And no, it has nothing to do with proximity to me. Detroit is 500 miles south of us. Nashville will be a fun ride. The journey is a good part of the fun.


Steve

 

[Dr Roof]

I am in on the drag racing for sure!!! John or whomever puts it on i am there!!!

 

[Jason-Middle Tennessee]

Ok John to answer your question about Eric Johnson's drag racing event in AL. The track is 1/4 mile and is about 200 miles south of Nashville. He said that this will be a for sure thing if he gets enough people that whats to do this. So if there is enough Vipers for this Sunday event it is a for sure thing. I think the cost is around 100 bucks per entry. Eric also said that if there are enough Vipers the track will be closed to Vipers ONLY!! If you have any questions please post them here and I will let Eric know ASAP.

Also it was great to meet all of you this weekend (Wing King, Tony Estes, Joe Houss & everyone else that I know I forgot to mention.

 

[Ray W]

WINGKING,I'm in for something 200-300 miles south in Alabama or
Missippi on Monday Sept 30th. Then down to New Orleans for a few
days before heading back to S.Fla.

 

[99 R/T 10]

Jason,
is this the track in Montgomery?

 

[pauls]

OK, Now we got three people working on a drag race? It's gona get screwed up and no one will know where to go. Keep the original concept and get some VCA backing fo Bowling Green.