<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chuck 97 GTS:
Spin Us a tale, Uncle Jon............
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well, one of the promised highlights of VOI-3 was to be a couple of parade laps on the famous IMS, by 600+ VCA members. First-rate professional photo at "The Pylon" at the pit entrance....
Strict protocol, pace trucks, spotters. etc. Surface of track 100% refurbished and spotless after qualifying in prep for race day. Speeds about 60-70 mph. We were scheduled in 6 "flights" of 100 cars over the day. This included my ride/drive w/ Bob Lutz in the REAL PaceCar, a viper trivia contest I won at VCA prez meeting.
First 2 groups (me included) go off without a hitch. 3rd group has a ***** 18-19 year old GUEST of a dealer (not a Viper owner-member) who decideds to do a BURNOUT in the 1st short chute. Steward decends on him and warns him but lets him go. ***** turns the next corner and does a BIG LURID burnout, and the steward-cops are now in pursuit. At the next turn he does it again. 3 sets of black skid marks on track.
USAC black-flags VCA, and Lutz himself ! 400+ Rides CANCELLED!
Later, several rowdy VCAers led by _____ start a {literal) lynch-mob mentality, threatening identify him, to destroy "his" car and beat him up. Dodge Marketing later decides they cannot legally pull his credentials, but they send him a letter warning him that they cannot guarantee his safety. I have a copy somewhere! He (supposedly) leaves next day, with a security guard watching his car all night. (White 96 RT/10, with dealer "JEEP" plate from Georgia.)
Vocal mob led by same _____ decides to "blackmail" Dodge by stopping payment on credit cards for VOI, due to "non delivery of the services" --- the promised laps. Ron Smith, Maurice Liang, and myself, pleaded w/ USAC Stewards. As the only SCCA member involved, my plea "You cannot justify black-flagging the whole team due to one infraction of one driver" seemed to hit home with them. USAC agreed to allow owners extra track time AFTER the race. Maurice and I made the announcement. But even Bob Lutz's and my "special" ride remained cancelled.
In my opinion, we almost LOST VOIs after the mob event and gripe letters.......Definitely the all-time lowlight of all 6 VOIs. Partially in response to all the mob-rabble demands, Dodge appointed a "VOI Steering Committee" of VCA presidents to help plan VOI-4......
Sorry you asked??????
P.S. Since these are "personal" highlights, and VOI-6 was the only 1 where I did'nt have my car, was in my old hometown, it was **-hum for me Vs. 1,2,and 4. Would I miss a VOI? NOPE!