Vipers flipping, speeding., etc.. in IL

[SmoknTires]

Given the two interesting incidents we've all been discussing regarding the Viper that was speed and got confiscated by the police and the other guy just a short time later flipping his car on a residential street....

We've been in contact with the police station. While they haven't released info on the driver involved int eh speeding incident (127 in a 35), I don't believe it's a member. I got a lot of calls about it and so far no news through the grapevine.

We all speed, but this was bad. While there might be mixed feelings, I'm sure the consensus against him would be even greater if this guy hit someone. I'm not a fan of crazy drivers. And if you want to drive fast, hit the track (we'd be happy to oblige!). It's a much better way to do it and you may even learn a few things.

Same goes for the Viper that hit a fire hydrant and flipped (2 blocks from my house) in front of a school on a residential street. Again, can't confirm identity, but doesn't seem to be a member. Didn't look pretty though. The water was shooting 5 stories high for an hour. Caused a flood, backup up traffic, etc...

With great power comes great responsibility! I heard non-Viper owners in my neighborhood actually criticize the car (due to its power). These cars are wonderful, but much like guns... if you hand it to someone who doesn't respect it, don't blame the car!

For this reason, I've been in contact with both police stations. The IL Viper Club is working to put on a charity event with the Police of both communities to help show our support for the police, community, AND the car. This way we can benefit everyone and put a good spin on some bad incidents! So far I'm getting a good response... We're going to hit this hard and put a good spin on it for the sake of the car and the club. News to follow!

[wigginz]

I completely agree with you about both incidents. We should all feel privileged that were able to enjoy our Vipers despite the fact that they are machines that are designed to be driven fast and hard. Given this, it's our responsibility to respect the safety of others on and off the road and not drive irresponsibly.

Unfortunately I'm not in the IL area, but if possible please provide the charity information so that those owners who might be out of the area can still donate and represent the club.

[mike & juli]

Good for you and your IL Viper Club, SmoknTires. We also agree with you, we need to respect our vehicles and, of course, thru residential areas, ANYTHING CAN AND WILL happen. You are absolutely correct--with great power comes great responsibility. We respect these cars enormously and they CAN and WILL get away from you. Kudos to your club for wanting to put on a charity event to support the police, community AND the Viper community as well.....please post info for the rest of us not in IL if you will.
THANX~~~juli~

[ruckdr]

Wanta race, wanta race, wanta race - I get this all the time. My answer is YES any time, AT THE TRACK. I sometimes even give them dates and times to be at the track.
Maybe I am old fashioned, but I drive my Viper on the street more sanely than my regular street cars. Although, the police are not to profile cars, our cars just naturally get the attention off all.
There were 2 caught racing here in Washington, north of Seattle last night; don't know what they were driving, but the radio news said they were clocked at 145mph , stopped and arrested -- really stupid !!!!

Later,

[wastntim]

It's difficult at best to resist the urge to do stupid things in a viper, especially when it's so easy and quick. Mash the gas for mere seconds and you are well blowing through all posted speed limits, as well as exposing others and yourself to great risk. With streets becoming ever more populated with distracted and bad drivers, I struggle to drive my car the posted speed limit without nearly getting killed.

The best remedy by far is to get a day at the track. Alex and Aaron, along with all of the other volunteers do a great job of setting up track days, which allows the members to "stretch their legs" in a safe and LEGAL way. I feel that by participating in the track days, I am less inclined to get myself into trouble on the street, not to mention the fact that driving in a controlled environment, such as a track, educates you on the limitation of your driving skills and maybe even, if your good enough, the car. If I could, I'd be at a track every other weekend.

Definately the way to go, and Alex I will do my best to participate in any IL VC event.

[agentf1]

Sounds like an excellent idea. It is a shame but a few bad apples can spoil it for everybody.

[dun4791]

This is an excellent idea. Im glad that I sent my VC application for Illinois in a few weeks ago, it will make me proud to be associated with the members on the board here.

Lyle

[kcobean]

I will withhold my personal opinions about your associating the VCA with the Plainfield PD. Based on the thread regarding the speeder, there seems to be almost unanimous agreement regarding the legality/constitutionality of the seizure of that individuals car.

That aside, I think it's great that your region is stepping up to put some good PR in place for the responsible Viper Nation. What charity will this event be supporting?

[Cop Magnet]

I am in, unless:
1) It's a Wednesday
2) The proceeds benefit the local PD
3) It's in Schaumburg

[SmoknTires]

Heheh, you guys kill me. Needed that laugh today. CM, we'll do our best to accomodate.. Though might be only me and you at that event if we go with your prefences! ;.)

Hey kcobean, I do agree. I'm actually not a supporter of it being confiscated, only a supporter of driving maturely and learning how to drive the car. My thoughts aren't with the fairness of the punishment, not my area of expertise so I reserve judgement... I know I personally wouldn't get myself in that mess to begin with, so I don't spend too much time dwelling on his fate. But I hear what you're saying.

The event I'm hoping to create is one centered around children. Our club members enjoy doing charity events like this and I'm attempting to put together a DARE event. Given the publicity this has gotten (in IL it's been nuts), we could likely get the Viper Club of America some good publicity while getting the Viper in front of folks and helping a good cause.

[radta7]

Cop magnet,

What's wrong with Schaumburg???

[kcobean]

Originally Posted by SmoknTires

The event I'm hoping to create is one centered around children. Our club members enjoy doing charity events like this and I'm attempting to put together a DARE event.

Good luck with the event. I personally wish you'd pick a different organization to support given that DARE got about $50K worth of free advertising from the Viper Nation already, but I realize my political opinions don't count in the greater realm of your trying to do something good. "For the kids" is right on the money in my book, and I hope the event is a great success!