What to do in Detriot

[ACRBruce]

I came in third in stock class during the recent WZR autox and someone ahead of me couldn't go, so I received an invitation from VCA to fill in and attend the 2009 Viper Autox Challenge against SRT next month. For those who are not familiar with how that works, SRT invites the top two autox finishers to Detriot to run against them every other year. I was so excited to have received the invitation so I booked plane tickets to fly there to attend immediately. The event is on a Saturday and I won't be leaving until Sunday's 5 PM flight I know nothing about Detriot and thought to take advantage the time I'm there to have a look around. What are the cool places to go on a Saturday evening and Sunday, car related or not?
For those who have attended this event before , will course be on a short track or around cones in a parking lot? What is the format? Any practice in the AM? Etc. I want to know as much as possible but will probably get my butt kicked by the SRT guys anyway, just don't want to lose too badly.

 

[Chrissss]

MGM Grand casino is great. Detroit itself? Well......

 

[j-rho]

Anybody have any more information about these Viper-specific autocrosses? Is it some sort of real series?

Who's driving for SRT, Winkler?

 

[Paul Hawker]

Bruce.

Watch yourself driving in within the Detroit city limits. You can get yourself into a bad area within just a couple blocks. Keep your car tank full so you do not need to fuel up in an uncomfortable area.

That being said, Chrysler museum is great. Henry Ford Museum is world class. Greek Town is fun for dinner, but not alone. Belle Isle can be a nice cruise, or a trip over the bridge or through the tunnel to Winsor Canada. (Bring Passport).

At the autocross it will be in a flat area around cones. Dodge will supply the Vipers, so everyone drives the same cars. You will have practice time. Take advantage of spending time with other fast guys from around the US, as well as getting to meet and race against some really cool SRT guys. It runs rain or shine, so be prepared for most anything.

Some of the best areas for cruising are just outside of Detroit in the Suburbs. Might be races that weekend at MIS or local drag strips.

Check and see if the Viper assembly plant is open for tours. Would not want to miss that if available.

Cider Mills might be open at that time. Think a nice one is in Franklin Village. Fresh Cider and a warm donut competes against a White Castle burger quite well.

The SRT guys design and build some fantastic cars, but they drive like old Grannies. Best suggestion is to get them Drunk the night before, and keep them out really late. Most of them are regulars at ******* and local clubs. Sometimes they cheat by placing small wooden blocks under VCA guys gas pedals. (Even so they should be easy to beat).

Don't forget to bring back and post some pictures.

 

[dtenney]

I am attending from SE zone, along with another David. Look forward to meeting everyone there. Hopefully I am not too rusty in a Viper as all of my track events lately are piloting a WC SRT-4.

-David

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

I vote for the Henry Ford museum. Besides autos, it has many other "machine" technologies that are fascinating.

I've been to the VCA-SRT AX twice before. It is big and not your typical AX. Check your ***.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

I want to say they won't allow cameras in the Proving Grounds, so bring your cell phones.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Funny how none of the responses have been from the locals. For a starting point what weekend is it as that can influence what is available.

 

[DLTARNU]

Detroit has many entertainment options, including, but not limited to:

- Getting shot
- Getting mugged
- Getting robbed
- Getting *****
- Getting carjacked
- Getting shot

Enjoy!

 

[Newport Viper]

I think this is the one where you took out the timing lights

YouTube - NewportViper's Channel

 

[Bandit3]

Funny, UNRATLD

 

[snakebitdave]

Get in one of those Vipers, aim west and hit the go pedal hard and don't stop until you get to Grand Rapids.

 

[GTS Dean]

I was in Grand Rapids this summer and a suprisingly enjoyable stay. The Hop Cat Lounge was really great - 50 premium beers on tap, live jazz and lots of women!

 

[ACRBruce]

Bruce.


The SRT guys design and build some fantastic cars, but they drive like old Grannies. Best suggestion is to get them Drunk the night before, and keep them out really late. Most of them are regulars at ******* and local clubs. Sometimes they cheat by placing small wooden blocks under VCA guys gas pedals. (Even so they should be easy to beat).

Don't forget to bring back and post some pictures.

Paul,
You crack me up and I'll for sure check for wood blocks under the go padel, AND will stay out of the city. Do they have bullet proof rental cars available at Hertz?

 

[ACRBruce]

I think this is the one where you took out the timing lights

YouTube - NewportViper's Channel

I wanted to add more drama to the run as Lance was taking pictures...

 

[ACRBruce]

Funny how none of the responses have been from the locals. For a starting point what weekend is it as that can influence what is available.

Oct. 10th.

 

[NK BREKR]

Hey Bruce,

Give them hell and bring back some White Castle burgers for Lance. Best of luck

 

[Marv S]

Congrats Bruce. You will represent Team VCA very well and have a great time. Paul geve you some exc. suggestions and pointers.

No doubt Tom will share some super secret tips in his pm. I've ridden with Tom on an auto-x course ~ it was an "E ticket" time and a demonstration of how to toss a car.

 

[01sapphirebob]

Very funny....but kinda true.

Detroit has many entertainment options, including, but not limited to:

- Getting shot
- Getting mugged
- Getting robbed
- Getting *****
- Getting carjacked
- Getting shot

Enjoy!

 

[GTSnake]

Funny how none of the responses have been from the locals. For a starting point what weekend is it as that can influence what is available.

Ha, good point. It seems everybody knows more about Detroit than we do.

Depending on how far you're willing to drive there are a few places worth checking out. If you're going to be in Chelsea you could run down to Ann Arbor for food and fun. The Wolverines will be away that weekend so it won't be too crazy.

 

[ACRBruce]

Appreciate all the suggestions guys. Looks like the Henry Ford Museum is a must visit on Sunday, so that leaves Saturday evening. Besdies Ann Arbor, what about going east toward the coast? Any place good around there as it seems to be closer to the hotel.

 

[02 Graphite GTS]

Good Luck Bruce ! You'll do great I'm sure.

DEFINITELY be careful in the city. Gary and I ventured out a little and the comfort zone disappeared very quickly....Not a good feeling at all and truthfully not worth taking the chance.

I'm sure you will meet a lot of great VCA members and hopefully they have some activities set up for you guys.

Bring home another trophy and show them cones No Mercy !

Talk to you soon,
Lance

 

[GBS]

I worked downtown Detroit for many years. I was only robbed at gun point once in Detroit. Best to watch your back and come home alive.

 

[GTSnake]

Well if you're going to the Henry Ford see if you can go on the truck plant tour. You get to see actual production in progress. However, they may not be running on the weekends though.

If you go down town you can check out Greek Town or the casinos or maybe catch a Tigers game if they're in town. And if they're still playing.....

 

[SilveRT8]

Detroit has many entertainment options, including, but not limited to:

- Getting shot
- Getting mugged
- Getting robbed
- Getting *****
- Getting carjacked
- Getting shot

Enjoy!

Where can I get ***** ?

 

[white out]

MGM & Tigers game.
There are quite a few good bars too.
Just don't wander too far away from decent areas at night and you will be fine.

Nick

 

[terminator02]

best burger: Either Redcoat Tavern at 13 and Woodward or Miller's Bar at Outer Drive and Michigan Ave (On MI Ave).

Best Stip Club: Flight Club (good looking girls high end club)

Cass Ave: Great for an 8 ball and a ******

Franklin Cider Mill great Cider and Doughuts

If you are west of Woodward make sure you blast some Lil Wayne and throw out your hand and toss up a West Side....you may get out alive....

 

[Sellshomesdrivesviper]

Go to a Lions game, I hear they are undefeated since their last game.