Latest information on VOI 10 as of 7-19-08

[Y2K5SRT]

Since you’ve already signed up for the 10th Viper Owners Invitational next month, you know how much fun and excitement awaits you on your trip to Detroit to join hundreds of your fellow Viper owners in a celebration of America’s premier sports car. But what you may not be aware of is the variety of different venues and activities that Detroit has to offer members of the Viper Nation.

For example, if you’ve been to previous Invitationals, you know that a trip to a local race track is always part of the event. For VOI.10 however, something truly unique and special is planned. Instead of travelling to a standard race track, you’ll be part of an unprecedented visit to the Chrysler Proving Grounds (CPG) in Chelsea, Mich. The CPG is usually strictly off-limits to all but a few highly placed Chrysler employees as it’s the site used for testing Chrysler’s top secret new models and concept vehicles. But VOI.10 attendees will have an all-access pass to Chrysler’s most historic site.

The 3,850-acre CPG, which opened in 1952, covers an area approximately two by three miles wide, and contains approximately 95 lane-miles of test roads, two straightaways 1.5 and 2.25 miles long, a skid traction facility, a 14-acre paved vehicle dynamics area with a three-mile oval, a handling and evaluation road and several accelerated durability roads.


In addition to testing new vehicles, the CPG has twice been the site of two world speed records. The first was set July 20, 1969, by Buddy Baker in a high-winged Dodge Charger Daytona stockcar. Running high-speed tests prior to its NASCAR launch, the car went 203 mph, marking the first time anyone had ever gone over 200 mph on a closed course.

On February 2, 2004, the Dodge Ram SRT10 made history, entering the Guinness Book of World Records as "The World's Fastest Production Pickup Truck." The Dodge Ram SRT-10 — driven by NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series star Brendan Gaughan posted a two-lap, both-directions average speed of 154.587 mph.

Your trip to CPG will include a couple of performance events to test your driving ability. An autocross course will be set up and Viper owners will be able to drive their cars on the road course that has been used for ride and handling testing on all Chrysler products since the 1950s. As a bonus, you’ll also have the chance to drive specially prepared Dodge Caliber SRT4s and other SRT vehicles. Obviously, this is no typical track event. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s only for VOI.10 attendees.

The trip to CPG is just one of the special venues Detroit has in store for Viper owners. In addition, there’s a trip to legendary Milan Dragway for straight-line speed fanatics. There’s also a voyage aboard the Detroit Princess, a riverboat which offers a spectacular view of both Detroit and Windsor, Canada, as it cruises between the two countries.

On Friday evening, Aug. 29, VOI.10 guests will also be treated to a sneak peak of the race course on Belle Isle as dinner will be served at the Dodge trackside chalet. A highlight of the dinner will be a visit from one of the World Challenge Viper Competition Coupe drivers who will be competing on Sunday.

As you can see, this will be an event unlike any other—and we’re extremely glad you’re going to be there. Below in this e-mail is the latest VOI.10 agenda. Please review it and if you have any questions, call us at 800-998-1110. See you in Detroit next month!

VIPER OWNERS INVITATIONAL DETROIT, MIAUGUST 27 – 31, 2008

THIS TENTATIVE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Upon Arrival (2 Host Hotels) Hotel Registration – Motor City Hotel and MGM Hotel (depending on where you are staying)
4:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. Early-Bird Event Registration – Motor City Hotel only
(Shuttle service will be provided between Motor City Hotel and MGM Hotel)


Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Upon Arrival Hotel Registration – Motor City Hotel or MGM Hotel
7:00 a.m. – Noon Conner Plant Tours (Select groups only)
8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Event Registration – Motor City Hotel only
(Shuttle service will be provided between Motor City Hotel and MGM Hotel)
Noon. – 5:00 p.m. Memorabilia Display (MotorCity Garage)
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Welcome Reception and Dinner at the Motor City Hotel
-Guest Speakers
9:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m. Memorabilia Display (Motor City Garage)

Thursday, August 28, 2008 – The group will be provided into two even groups.
Group A, Follow This Schedule on Thursday/Group B, Follow This Schedule on Friday.

6:00 a.m.– 6:30 a.m. Group Departs for Driving Venues
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast at Driving Venues
6:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. Shuttle Service between Driving Venues and 2 Host Hotels
7:00 a.m. Sharp Panoramic Photo at Driving Venues
7:30 a.m.– 11:30 a.m. Driving Activities begins
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Lunch
12:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Driving Activities Continue
3:00 p.m. Driving Activities End
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Cruise and Dinner on the Detroit Princess River Boat (For both Groups A and B)
9:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m. Memorabilia Display (Motor City Garage)

Friday, August 29, 2008 – The group will be provided into two event groups.
Group A, Follow This Schedule on Friday/Group B, Follow This Schedule on Thursday.
7:00 a.m.– 9:00 a.m. Buffet Breakfast at both Host Hotels (MotorCity and MGM Hotel)
9:00 a.m. Leave from respective Host Hotels to Plant Tours
Groups A and B will be broken down into smaller groups for tours, time rotation will be determine depending on the size of the group
Tour Possibilities:
Group A1 – Conner Ave Plant
Group A2 – Saleen Plant
Group A3 – ChryslerMuseum Tour
7:00 p.m.– 9:00 p.m. Dinner on Belle Isle at Trackside Chalet (For Both Groups A and B)

Saturday, August 30, 2008 – RACE DAY!
Note: All attendees driving their Vipers will have special Viper-only parking in the Viper Corral on the island both race days.
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast on Belle Isle
Noon – 5:00 p.m. Race on Belle Isle – ALMS Race
- Trackside Chalet with closed circuit TV - Food and Beverage
- Pit Passes/Grandstand Seating - Viper Parade Lap
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. VCA Reception and Dinner at the Motor City Hotel
- Guest Speakers - Awards/Raffle Viper

Sunday, August 31, 2008 – RACE DAY!
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Breakfast on Belle Isle
All Day Race on Belle Isle – IRL Race
- Trackside Chalet with closed circuit TV - Food and Beverage
- Pit Passes/Grandstand Seating - Viper Parade Lap
6:00 p.m. Race ends Event Ends Evening on your own!

[RTTTTed]

I'll be there driving my GTS.

Ted

[Y2K5SRT]

And we will be there driving the ol' SRT10...

[RTTTTed]

I knew YOU'D be driving. After all you did make the trip to Jasper last year. I'm about 600mi. farther west than Jasper. I'm guessing that I'll probably add another 6,000mi. to my odometer by the time I get back home again. Detroit is almost as far as where I bought my car from in Ohio. Of course I only got to drive the car 1 way that time. Looking forward to it!

My wife's favorite holiday is on board a cruise ship. Mine is spent in the driver's seat of a highly modified Viper!!! Now I just need to figure out how to get paid for it.

Ted

[DavidSB]

Question about Sunday schedule:
IRL/ESPN show the race TV coverage starting at 3:30 PM. What's happening prior?

[Y2K5SRT]

Click Here for Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix - Event Information

Sunday, August 31, 2008

7:00 am Paddock Open to Registered Participants (NO parking permitted on the island – Participant parking in 6000 East Jefferson Lot)

7:30 am Track Safety Meeting

8:00 am - 3:00 pm DBIGP and IndyCar Series Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory Building, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)

8:00 am - 11:00 am SCCA SPEED World Challenge Credentials Open (Detroit Naval Armory Building, 7600 East Jefferson Avenue)

8:00 am Gates open to the public

8:15 am IndyCar Ministries’ Non-denominational Chapel Service (Media Center – 2nd floor)

8:30 am - 9:00 am Qualifying – SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship

9:15 am IndyCar Ministries’ Non-denominational Chapel Service (Media Center – 2nd floor)

9:25 am - 10:00 am The Incredible Viper Corral Parade Laps

10:15 am - 10:45 am Warm-up – IndyCar Series

11:00 am - 5:00 pm Meijer Family Fun Zone activities are operational

11:00 am - 12:00 noon IndyCar Series “Hot Lap” Rides (by invitation only)

11:00 am - 12:00 noon DBIGP Fan Forum (featuring IndyCar Series and DBIGP personalities)

11:00 am IndyCar Ministries’ Catholic Mass (Media Center – 2nd Floor)

11:30 am IndyCar Series Drivers’ Meeting

12:30 pm SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Series Pre-Race Activities

12:45 pm - 1:35 pm SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT Championship Race

1:35 pm - 2:45 pm TBD Concert presented by XM Radio (XM Stage in GA Area)

1:40 pm - 2:00 pm SCCA SPEED World Challenge Victory Ceremonies (at Victory Podium area adjacent to Media Center)

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Tupperware Parade Laps (paced by 1911 Model T)*

2:30 pm - 2:45 pm Track clean up for various dropped Tupperware parts*

2:45 pm - 3:45 pm IndyCar Series Pre-race Activities

3:45 pm - 6:00 pm Detroit Indy Grand Prix presented by Firestone (IndyCar Series – Round 15 – 90 Laps)

* Just funnin' with our Corvette buddies...

[02 Graphite GTS]

Quick question regarding the driving events at CPG.........
Since I will be flying in and sadly not bringing my Viper, will there be helmets available for us at CPG?
I assume they will be required...??? Better to bring our own ???

[Viperless]

Originally Posted by 02 Graphite GTS

Quick question regarding the driving events at CPG.........
Since I will be flying in and sadly not bringing my Viper, will there be helmets available for us at CPG?
I assume they will be required...??? Better to bring our own ???

I would assume yes until told otherwise. I'm bringing mine regardless. My 6-points will be clipped in as well.

[Y2K5SRT]

As I recall they ALWAYS have loaner helmets available...

[Flyntgr]

I have always driven my own Vipers to the VOIs I have attended, so what arrangements will be made for me and other viperless attendees to drive the courses and CPG? I'm coming, but I hope I don't just watch other Viper members having fun without my joining in the games. thanks.

[CajunViper]

Flyntgr,

If you can't find a car you can drive mine.

[Flyntgr]

Thanks ami. I'm glad to know you'll be in that number, when the Vipers come rollin' in......

[Y2K5SRT]

Originally Posted by Flyntgr

I have always driven my own Vipers to the VOIs I have attended, so what arrangements will be made for me and other viperless attendees to drive the courses and CPG? I'm coming, but I hope I don't just watch other Viper members having fun without my joining in the games. thanks.

You will have access to the 2008 Viper for the CPG events - alternating with other "Viperless" owners. No worries!