VOI 6¼ - lotsa photos!

[Y2K5SRT]

The pictures will take a second to load, so allow me to set it up for you: Despite a late night, I woke up early this morning. Something was gnawing at my subconscious and it had four 18" wheels. Knowing my duty to the local Viper club (Treasurer, Communications, and a few Events), I knew that I had the task of scouting out some locations for some summer fun. As I awoke, my day became clear - I would participate in TWO great events in one afternoon! I hurriedly showered and dressed, ran out to the car, cleaned her up a bit, and began my trek.

First stop: The Woodlands in Kansas City, Kansas. This greyhound/horse track has a big, beautiful parking lot and is host to the Crown Autocross Club's frequent autocrosses. I arrived in time to sign up for the fourth and final heat, expected to kick off around 2:00 PM. I was penciled in as a course worker for the 3rd heat, with the understanding I might be a little late. I then jumped back in the car and headed over to my next venue some 30 miles away: Kansas City International Raceway!

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Here we see The Snake with her two badges of courage: The autocross numbers on the left, and the drag strip numbers on the right.

As an early bird, I got paired with a pretty serious Mustang - twice. Gee, is that air I see under his tires?

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So, did he whip we something fierce? Not really! Oh, he beat me fair and square, but I gave him a run for his money. If only we had another 1/8 of a mile...

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I made a few other runs and they were OK. The track is still slick, so I never could cut a sub-2.0 60' time. I had a lot of fun and they couldn't believe I was heading over to the autocross to hone my skills in that venue! Oh, and a special thanks to Steve (owner of a low 11's Supra) for shooting these pictures and even a video I will try to post later. OK, so I finish up my runs, grab my free burger (Racer Appreciation Day), and zip back to the autocross.

I arrived back to the Woodlands just in time. I would fulfill my duties as a course worker for the 3rd heat and have plenty of time to get in five runs for my own heat. These people are amazing to watch, with skills I can barely dream of. As a course worker, I watched as many of the imports would lift a rear wheel like a dog about to nail a hydrant. Some would go around a sweeping corner that way for the whole turn. Fortunately (I think), when it came to be my turn all four wheels stayed firmly planted:

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So, how did I do? TERRIBLE! I knew it going in that it would be a learning experience, but I still had a ball. Oh, and what was the highlight? My fellow course worker that was working the same turns with me and later rode with me. It turns out he got 13th in his class at SCCA Nationals last year and is a really great guy. He drove his '99 Vette last year. What are he and his wife driving this year? Well, see for yourself as we compared rides:

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That Z06 really rocks and he set the best time of the day in it. His wife also drove it and did extremely well. They have both been doing this for several years. He was telling me that the low end power really surprised him in the Z06, having owned numerous Vettes over the years, including his current 650 HP '88. He really enjoyed the ride in the Viper (first time he has seen one up close) and said that he will undoubtedly try one at some point. He likes the numbers on the 2003, but is lukewarm on the styling (as was just about everybody that mentioned it at both tracks today). I suspect we will have him as a fellow owner at some point soon!

The day wound down, and I had a blast. It was a fantastic day to be a Viper owner. Indeed, you could see a smile on my face no matter where you looked...

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I can't wait until NEXT weekend!

Chris

PS. Thanks also to the course worker (name unknown) who shot the pictures of me at the autocross, as well as the ambulance crew at the drag strip that shot some interesting shots for me as I crossed the traps. You meet some GREAT people at these events!

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Oh, and since it wouldn't let me post a couple other pictures in the original post (limits the number), here they are:

The Viper arriving on the line before the crowds start to fill the stands:

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The Viper as it crosses the traps at around 120 mph:

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Cruising between the tracks on wide open highways (speedo must have been broken, never exceeded the posted speed limit - much):

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A shot of the Z06 as it finishes up a quick run on the autocross:

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As I made my way back home (another 25 miles) I noticed a car in my rearview mirror:

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Yep, a brand new silver Porsche. He ran up on me a couple times (I maintained a steady speed), but never could bring himself to pull beside me. Perhaps it was the rubber in the rear wheel wells. Maybe it was all the numbers in the back window. Or it could have been the cone I had been dragging for 16 miles (kidding!) Whatever it was, he taunted but never came within striking distance. Just as well, as I was pooped and I was being good about confining my racing to the appropriate venues.

Fun stuff indeed!

Chris

 

[Performin Norman]

Chris, let me first of say that you are a mad man. hahahaa I am sure glad you enjoy your ride like you do. I need to learn from you. My buddy said he saw you at the Woodlands and said you were going back and forth to get your runs in. Now that is nuts. hahahaa Thanks for the great pictures. Enjoyed them.

 

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

Chris -
Great pics, thx!!

Of course I don't encourage street racing, but had you met up with that same mustang on the street, the outcome would have been much different. His 60' time won him the race..... on the street however, he would have been an easy target.

A great example on how 60' out can dictate a win at the track.

Regards,

 

[Y2K5SRT]

What is funny is that he clearly took me off the line, but I was catching him fairly quickly. His lead was down to less than half by the time we crossed the traps. Given the 8 mph difference in speed (and a ton left in the Viper), it would have been a riot on a nice closed off section of highway. Either way, it was a blast!

Oh, and Doug: As I was leaving, they were just rolling out a GORGEOUS dark cherry '65 Pro Stock Vette from an enclosed trailer. Didn't have time to go back and shoot pictures, but was reminded of your awesome beast. Did you ever replace that baby?

Chris