Special VCA National Officer Appeal

Vipergtsbob

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Friends and Members of the Viper Club of America:

If you have already registered for VOI, please accept our sincere thanks for supporting the VCA and the Viper! If you have not already registered for VOI 10, I am writing today to request your consideration of attending what could be one of the best, if not most important, Viper Owner's Invitational in our history. As you may be aware, Chrysler, JRT and the VCA have been hard at work to provide one whale of a good time at VOI 10. Nonetheless, leading up to this event was a substantial amount of speculation that Chrysler was going to discontinue the Viper, cancel any VOI, etc.

As your National Officers, it was our profound duty to protect the VCA's interests in assuring that there would be a VOI. This was important for obvious reasons, not the least of which was that with wholly new private equity ownership of Chrysler, (and the traditional cut backs, transfers, and transition downsizing, etc.), we were especially concerned that those who knew and protected the Viper would be leaving also (many did!). Despite the Viper being one of the greatest automotive icons of all time, it was, and remains, a limited hand assembled/low production model that, to date, has successfully survived in the "Greening" of the automotive industry. Fortunately, Viper remains in very high demand and absolutely sells.

Understanding the obstacles is one thing. How do we fight back? Tireless interaction and education of new (and in some cases, old) Chrysler Executives; relentless communication of the sincere PASSION that the VCA has for our snakes; media interfaces, and a constant reminder that we all buy a hell of a lot of Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep products after, in many cases, being introduced or reintroduced to the brand through the Viper. And what better way then to get the message across than at a Viper Owner's Invitational where you have a huge herd of Viperholics who simply love our cars! But no VOI = lost opportunity.

Fortunately, Chrysler heard our early message and the VOI was funded. But now comes the hard part. There is no question the US economy is hurting. We have a "wait and see" election year cycle. The entire world is screaming "GREEN, GREEN, GREEN." Cutbacks in every industry and profession are common; worst still foreclosures. Money is obviously tight. How do we reconcile these two situations? Despite these economic conditions, WE NEED GOOD, NO, GREAT ATTENDANCE AT VOI 10. This is important to demonstrate in front of the world's auto media the power and presence of the Viper Nation. This message will not be lost on Chrysler either as many of the key executives/owners will be in attendance at the world class/highly publicized Penske's Belle Isle/Detroit Grand Prix event. THIS IS OUR BEST (and last?) CHANCE AT PRESERVING THE VIPER!

How can you help? PLEASE make every effort to attend and urge your fellow members to join everyone together to not only have a memorable time, but to also support the preservation of the Viper and the VCA. We understand that the costs are significant, but this VOI, more than any in history, could be the most important to ensure the Viper's future. This is a key reason why the VCA has committed to spending as much as $110 per membership for those attending VOI 10. Never before in the long history of the club have we underwritten so much to help our members attend a VOI.

You already know we have a tremendous line up of nonstop action events for our membership. We have a once-in-a-lifetime, full-access pass to the historic Chrysler Proving Grounds for our autocross and driving events. We have a fantastic riverboat cruise lined up aboard the Detroit Princess. There will be tours at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, the Saleen Plant and the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. We’ll get a sneak peak at the the Belle Isle course the Friday night before the big race. And, of course, there will be the usual highlights from past VOIs including fabulous accommodations, informative tech sessions, sumptuous banquets and an extensive Viperabilia display. And, don’t forget — for the first time ever, we’ll be drawing the winning ticket for the VCA Raffle at a Viper Owners Invitational itself. On Friday, Aug. 30, someone will win a brand new Dodge Viper right there in front of the Viper Nation. So get your tickets, come to Detroit and be prepared for one of the most exciting nights of your life!

Despite what promises to be the Greatest Viper Event on Earth, we have heard that some members simply can't afford to attend and bring their cars so they are staying home. If you are among these folks, we certainly understand. Nonetheless, we hope and need you find some way to attend if you possibly can. Even without your Viper, we will assure that you will enjoy an opportunity to drive a fabulous new 2008 Viper in one (or more if possible) track events. We only have about 2 weeks left to register and we don't want to shut anyone out. We can't promise more, but hopefully the opportunity to enjoy the many special and diverse events and good times at VOI (and still get a little seat time in a exciting 08) will motivate you to join us in this once in a lifetime event. Space will be limited. Indeed, one of the host casino hotels is already filled and time is running out for your chance to add your voice to the Viper Nation when it needs you the most. Please try to attend this historical event if you possibly can. Lastly, if there is anything we can do to try to help you, please advise us ASAP.

In closing, thanks for your membership in the VCA and please understand that our club is very important to the efforts of many to preserve the Viper. Help demonstrate the PASSION and the power of the Viper Nation and join us in Detroit. Under all circumstances, thanks for your consideration of this heartfelt request.

Bob Carroll and the National VCA Officers

:usa:

Bob Carroll
National President
Viper Club of America
[email protected]
732 714 8500
 

Y2K5SRT

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And don't let the cost of lodging scare you off: I stayed across from the Opryland Hotel at VOI 7 - and saved $130 a night. Parked my Viper at the Opryland with the rest of the Vipers (secure) and walked back to my cheap-o motel less than a block away. A quick search for properties near the VOI 10 host hotels found these:

detroitvoi.jpg


A. Corktown Inn - (313) 496-1400
B. The Leland - (313) 962-2300
C. Holiday Inn Express - [SIZE=-1](313) 887-7000
D. Milner Hotel - [/SIZE](313) 963-3950

Now I can't vouch for any of these. The Holiday Inn Express properties are fairly consistent so that would probably be my first choice. Regardless, you can enjoy ALL the fun and excitement of VOI and possibly save some bucks on the hotel at the same time!
 

2000_Black_RT10

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Since my 37 years of life living in Windsor across from Detroit.. I'd vouch for staying in Windsor, Canada. Windsor is significantly much safer and you can walk the streets in the middle of the night with no worries, nice hotels and bars, and a decent casino. It's literally a 10 minute drive across the border.

Windsor, Ontario - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Here are some shoreline pictures I took in a winter of 2005 in Windsor.. it's similar to Chicago, beautiful walkway, very nice shoreline in the summer, outdoor cafes / patio bars, etc.

Detroit across the river (that ship is just passing over the tunnel in the above map)
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Chrysler Canada HQ (Hilton beside it)
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Casino Windsor, but now it's Caesars Windsor, see the link for hotel booking info
Caesars Windsor
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Another pic of Detroit
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Ambassador bridge (you can either cross in the tunnel or over the bridge for Detroit)
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Best regards,
Mike
 
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Venomiss

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The picture of the boat. Is that the river boat cruise.

No, you have to ride on the elephant.:D This is the boat. I hope you'll be at VOI!
Also want to mention that two hotels I checked on today in Windsor across the river were $103 and $113 a night.

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Vipermann

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I registered yesterday, but having 2nd thoughts now.

Flying in and can't get there until Thursday, and just found out CAAP will be closed Friday. In fact, no tours of CAAP after early Thursday afternoon ...So what's the point of going to VOI in Detroit if you can't tour CAAP? And I doubt that I'm the only one who can't fly in until Thursday :mad:
 
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Venomiss

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I registered yesterday, but having 2nd thoughts now.

Flying in and can't get there until Thursday, and just found out CAAP will be closed Friday. In fact, no tours of CAAP after early Thursday afternoon ...So what's the point of going to VOI in Detroit if you can't tour CAAP? And I doubt that I'm the only one who can't fly in until Thursday :mad:

https://www.voi10.com/schedule/schedule.html

Tours will be on Wed & Thurs for CAAP. Hopefully you can catch an earlier flight and make arrangements!
Don't forget Saleen, the museum, dinner cruise, Chelsea, not to mention Belle Isle Grand Prix.
Or that little raffle car they will be pulling someone's lucky name for at VOI.
 
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Venomiss

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Do you need a passport to cross back and forth?

Don't they have new rules now?

It you are driving you need ID and copy of birth certificate.
Passport makes it easier for sure but if you don't have one you can use your drivers license and birth certificate.
 

Vipermann

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https://www.voi10.com/schedule/schedule.html

Tours will be on Wed & Thurs for CAAP. Hopefully you can catch an earlier flight and make arrangements!

Honestly, get real. That answer comes up short. :nono:

Originally the schedule was Thursday & Friday - now the tours have been moved up to Wednesday - when the majority of folks will only be arriving - so those folks also have less of a shot of making the tours, as well. How in the world could this thing have been planned and scheduled without knowing the plant would be closed on that Friday (as the website originally indicated tours would run Thursday and Friday)??? And, here in the real world (with jobs, and other obligations), getting there on a Thursday (as many people will do) should be enough to attend key events. :rolleyes:

Vegas was a great event. Still considering whether to cancel for this event.
 

GRNBGON

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Honestly, get real. That answer comes up short. :nono:

Originally the schedule was Thursday & Friday - now the tours have been moved up to Wednesday - when the majority of folks will only be arriving - so those folks also have less of a shot of making the tours, as well. How in the world could this thing have been planned and scheduled without knowing the plant would be closed on that Friday (as the website originally indicated tours would run Thursday and Friday)??? And, here in the real world (with jobs, and other obligations), getting there on a Thursday (as many people will do) should be enough to attend key events. :rolleyes:

Vegas was a great event. Still considering whether to cancel for this event.

Why not just go to show support for the club! Why does it have to be just about what you want! We are living in some really bad times in the country as a whole. Maybe you are doing OK but for the rest of us it is a struggle. I should not be going to VOI but, to show support for the club and the passion for the Viper, I have spent the money I shouldn't have just to show support. If we do not stick together there may not be any more VOI! How about That!
 

Y2K5SRT

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Honestly, get real. That answer comes up short. :nono:

Originally the schedule was Thursday & Friday - now the tours have been moved up to Wednesday - when the majority of folks will only be arriving - so those folks also have less of a shot of making the tours, as well. How in the world could this thing have been planned and scheduled without knowing the plant would be closed on that Friday (as the website originally indicated tours would run Thursday and Friday)??? And, here in the real world (with jobs, and other obligations), getting there on a Thursday (as many people will do) should be enough to attend key events. :rolleyes:

Vegas was a great event. Still considering whether to cancel for this event.
Unfortunately, the VCA can't really control planned plant closings. Indeed, we and many, many UAW volunteers worked overtime to try and get Friday tours approved. However there are both security and liability issues in a closed plant - issues that simply could not be solved no matter how hard we tried (and we worked overtime).

I agree with the GRNBGON that it is fantastic just to be able to support the Viper as a whole. There are a hell of a lot of people that are putting a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this event for YOUR benefit and to try to help keep the Viper alive. The fact that they couldn't make it absolutely perfect for everybody is unfortunate, but hopefully you can put that aside and support the greatest muscle/exotic/track car on earth.
 

Vipermann

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Why does it have to be just about what you want! We are living in some really bad times in the country as a whole. Maybe you are doing OK but for the rest of us it is a struggle.

Ha!!!!

I shouldn't even be buying the car right now ...but I've had one on-order since 5/07, since I traded my 2005 Viper. I'm buying a new Viper in 2008 (still in D 'something' status) -- that's paying/doing more than most can say who may be attending on the basis of owning the same Viper they've had now for 3, 5 or 7 years or more, with no recent new purchases.

And I don't live around the corner -- it will be a total of another $3,000+ just to get to Detroit for 3 days.

The last CAAP tour on Thursday is scheduled for 2:15 pm. I can't make any tour much before 3:30 pm (catching an early morning flight to land at about 1:00 pm).

It's just getting harder and harder to justify the expense of the trip. :usa:
 

Coloviper

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Far as I know, you still need a passport to cross into Canada. The ole birth certificate thing will not do anymore. I thought they only waved the passport aspect for trips to Puerto Rico for some reason, to boost tourism.

Would hate for you to show up there and find out you needed it.
 

mike & juli

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It you are driving you need ID and copy of birth certificate.
Passport makes it easier for sure but if you don't have one you can use your drivers license and birth certificate.

Luckily, NY is (or has, I haven't checked lately) gonna pass a NEW DRIVER'S LICENSE that does AWAY with passports/birth certificates. You only need your drivers' license!~! :2tu:
~juli
 
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Venomiss

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Far as I know, you still need a passport to cross into Canada. The ole birth certificate thing will not do anymore. I thought they only waved the passport aspect for trips to Puerto Rico for some reason, to boost tourism.

Would hate for you to show up there and find out you needed it.
Agreed.
This website has all the answers.

Canada

If flying you need a passport. If driving passports make it easier but if you don't have one you can have an ID(Drivers License) and copy of your birth certificate.

JRT sent an -email with the same information in it.
 

InjectTheVenom

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Luckily, NY is (or has, I haven't checked lately) gonna pass a NEW DRIVER'S LICENSE that does AWAY with passports/birth certificates. You only need your drivers' license!~! :2tu:
~juli

Heh, over here we already have that for some time in that a driver's license is a valid proof of identification as well. Why show a passport when you're not traveling outside of the country right?
I don't think it would fly when crossing the Canadian border though, they might require proof that you like their country by showing them a bottle of maple syrup or some other traditional stuff :eater:
 

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