The Pit

The Viper Invades Niagara trip is now over and it couldn’t possibly have been any better! The Viper Club of Illinois made history as we put on the largest event ever hosted by a single region! With over 225 people, 140 total cars and 122 of them Vipers – we made our presence known! This was a milestone event for all members, our cars, the towns we visited, and of course Chrysler & Dodge. The publicity before, during, and after this event is magnificent.

This event began its design in the middle of 2008. The concept behind the “Viper Invades” event, is to take the club to a place that is just as interesting as the cars. As we explore the area, we have some fun with our cars and we’re given the opportunity to do some very special things by the places we visit. Niagara Falls was no exception!

Registration for this event began in January of this year and had grown well beyond what we could have expected. As the event approached, energy was extremely high. The participation from VCA members from all regions was amazing, we even had people fly in from Germany! But no one else did it like the IL VCA with 84 members in attendance!!!

The day came, and the earliest beginnings of this trip took place as the largest group of cars was being corralled in northern Illinois which was to become one heck of a media blitz even before we reached Niagara. The plan was to meet in Illinois and caravan to a “pre-event” in Detroit which was free and available only to those who were doing the Niagara event.

As Vipers converged at the meeting spot in Illinois, it was evident this would going to be a heck of a trip. Over 2 dozen Vipers began their caravan to Detroit and in usual style made swift work of the 5 hour drive.

The group joined other Vipers already at the host hotel (Marriot) in Detroit. A quick dinner was arranged for the entire group to kick off the week. If this dinner was any indication of people’s moods, we were going to have a good time!

The morning began with a very special “Pit Stop” pre-event arranged by IL VCA president Alex Ristanovic and good friends Ralph and Doris Gilles. This was a day of true privilege! Ralph, who is V.P. of Chrysler Design, allowed us to visit a near secret warehouse chocked full of Chrysler concepts and historic cars. Buses were arranged for all club members to kick back in style and be carted to the location.

After years of seeing these things in magazines, we were actually now able to see them and touch them! Too many cars to name, but we’ll leave it a secret that will rest with only those in attendance. No cameras were allowed, so don’t expect to see any pictures soon…

The buses brought everyone back to the hotel but the fun wasn’t over. Upon returning to the hotel, the media was in full effect and ready to greet the club members. There were news crews, radio personalities, and reporters there to cover our pit stop in Detroit!

Many members got interviewed and many photos were taken. When it came time to leave, all Vipers were pulled into the main parking lot and a great photo was snapped. The caravan was set and as Vipers pulled out of the lot, news crews captured video of the revving engines and in some cases smoking tires. News and video was on the internet already that night! But it still wasn’t over…

Ralph Gilles, Jon Brobst, Herb Helbig and others shared little stories until we called it a day and it was time to hop in the cars. We bid farewell to all our Chrysler friends and it was time for the final leg of the journey as Viper’s Invaded Niagara Falls!

A trail of 50+ Vipers alone came to the Sarnia border in Canada. It was a sight to behold. Among the many trucks and vehicles you typically see at the border, you'd witness a staggering number of colorful Vipers crossing the bridge. What an entrance!

Simultaneously, there were Vipers pouring into the town of Niagara Falls from every border and every direction! By 8:00pm on Wednesday night, the Niagara Falls area would never be the same as there was a Viper on every street and engines could be heard from all directions! Everyone in the city was aware to our presence because of the publicity surrounding the event. We made front page news of the newspaper as well as countless website and flyers being handed out around town. The host hotel was the Hilton Embassy Suites. Everyone arriving was met with a very well choreographed parking plan which allowed the Vipers to immediately pull straight into two levels of their underground parking garage dedicated solely for the Vipers. It was fast and convenient!

The lunch stop was coordinated so that food would be cooked and ready. We hit Dave & Busters and had a room dedicated to the group of nearly 200 people overlooking Clifton Hill. It was a swift break and a great time to eat and exchange stories. Members were also thrilled to do the Spanish Aerial Cable car that took you over the Niagara River and the whirlpool. The whitewater walk was also fun as you walked along the raging rapids (class 6 – deadliest in the world) on the boardwalk. This river was moving and the scenery was gorgeous. Members also visited another very popular “must-do” at Niagara, the Skylon Tower! This gave us a 360 degree view of the Niagara area and of course an overhead look at the falls. It was breath taking. Members also toured the power plant that generates electricity from the falls. In addition, everyone was given free coupons to visit the butterfly conservatory which boasts one of the most spectacular collections of butterflies in the north east. What a day!

The tour operators were a true joy, members loved the personalities selected to give all the tours. Everything ran on time and to perfection. We retuned back to the hotel in the early evening to freshen up and get ready for a big night!

The evening was a special dinner arranged at not only one of the most poplar restaurants in the area, but in a fashion many haven’t experienced before this. Members walked out of the hotel front doors to be greeted by a huge Viper display on the streets and paddock of the hotel. They crossed the street to enter the Copa Cabanna which was rented out completely for the Viper Club. This is a Brazilian Steakhouse serving 20+ choices of meats which are skewered and brought directly to your table. The meats are sliced right on your plate and you pick whatever you want and as much as you want! Many people were taking photos of the nice presentation, watching the server with these large skewers and long knives. The energy was at a fever pitch as the live band played the night away and people were feeling content. What a day!

The next day was built as a Viper cruise day. The cars were all shined up and ready to take over Niagara and all the neighboring towns. Have you ever seen nearly 100 Vipers cruising through the countryside? It was a sight to behold! The caravan was lead by an Embassy van and followed up with traveling security who watched over our cars wherever we parked! The group first cruised to one of the most popular wineries in the area – Chateau Des Charmes. Vipers had a dedicated lot and filled every inch of it. The parking lot itself was a glorious site. Members headed into the winery and were blown away by the tour that was arranged. They were taken on a behind the scenes tour of the storage barrel, the vineyards, store, and of course a special wine tasting of multiple selections (in hindsight – maybe NOT the best stop for a car club on a CRUISE). The visit was awesome. Members next piled into their cars and drove out in a long line to the next stop.

The weather was great for cruising, sun and 70 degrees. We drove the streets of Niagara and headed to one of the best known stops in the area – Niagara on the Lake! This is known as the loveliest town in Ontario. Shops, restaurants, theatres, wineries, farmers markets, and historical sites were abundant. There wasn’t nearly enough time to do it all, but lunch was mandatory as everyone took a breather and selected whichever eatery suited their palette.

The engines once again fired up and the group was off through country roads to our next stop Port Dalhousie! A cute little town right on the lake that had a huge beach, marina, small town, and 100 year old carousel. Club members took photos and relaxed in the sunshine. Kite surfing is popular here so we had some great entertainment on the water. Members also rode the carousel and perused the town.

The last leg of our journey was the most scenic. The roads were great, the route selected had many elevation changes and some really great turns. The further down the Viper caravan you were, it seemed the wilder it got, as the rubber banding effect led to some “fast fun”.

The nice tour of the country led us past a lot of neat places, including Wayne Gretzky’s winery. We eventually arrived to the popular Lock 3.

The evening was also a very special one. We reserved a segment of the huge Keg Dinner Lounge. Here we had stadium seating overlooking the falls in the evening and were served a great dinner. The whole club was together as we enjoyed a great view with great people and discussed the day.

It wasn’t over. After 9:00pm, the illumination of the falls began. It’s was a stunning light effect projected onto the running falls into the late evening. And at 10:00pm, the fantastic fireworks over the falls began. Many members made their way down to the falls to watch them up close, while others chose to stay in the Keg Lounge or go to their rooms to watch the view from above the fireworks. What a way to end the night!

The last day of the event would be the biggest! It was big not only for the Viper and the club, but for the City of Niagara. Much publicity followed this event, but the culmination would be a Viper only car show in the middle of the city.

Streets were shut down by the city in the early morning. The day’s weather might very well have been one of the best that the city had, the skies were a blue you couldn’t describe! How lucky we were! Members prepped their cars and began to arrive shortly after 10:00am. Cars were parked on an angle running down nearly all three blocks of Queen Street! It was a sight that just had to see!

Queen Street was also popular due to its many shops, bars, and restaurants. Members had a great time hanging out, checking out other cars, and perusing the merchants. People came from all over the surrounding towns. Some saying they drove hours to view the Vipers. The children were completely in awe. The club also designed Viper frisbees which were given out randomly to spectators and kids. The energy was high, this was truly special. You could see club members interacting with the crowd. VCA members love a good car show!

It wasn’t over. Previous plans to fly a helicopter over the area to take aerial photos were reversed at the 11th hour by those who control the airspace. Given the number of people on the street, a special helicopter would be needed, for the safety of those walking the streets. Alex Ristanovic made a quick call to his friends in the city and they came through big time. As an alternate plan to the helicopter, the club paid to have 150 foot crane at our disposal to take not one, but multiple angles on the huge show.

The crane was rented for 4 hours and was broken down and set back up at the beginning, middle and end of the row of cars. Alex Ristanovic and Rob Buckman volunteered to be the ones in the little basket dangled high above all the buildings and cars. Aerial photos were taken of each individual car as well as some gorgeous group photos from above. What a spectacular sight to see (and even better form the air!).

The car show concluded around 3:30 and Vipers began to disband. The rest of the Saturday was left open for members to enjoy as they wished. Many visited the Butterfly Conservatory while others had fun at the popular Clifton Hills area or revisited the falls. In the evening, members frequently bumped into each other as the restaurants were packed with Viper owners. Viper shirts and caps could be seen in every direction. No more would a minute go by than you’d see a Viper driving down the busy streets on this Saturday night. You could always hear a Viper engine in the distance and the hotel was streaming Vipers all evening long as they came and went.

Sunday was also left open so people could enjoy time with their family and friends and allow the freedom to do what they wanted. It was also a time to say goodbye as this was the day the vast majority were departing for their journey home. Once again streams of Vipers began to leave the Embassy Suites, this time for their last exit, as they roared one last time through the streets of the city.

This was a monumental event which affected so many people. The publicity for this event was enormous as webcasts, newspapers, radio, and TV showed clips of the Vipers visit. The energy in the town was huge and the club truly felt welcome. It’s impossible to thank all those who helped so much with this event (in and out of the VCA of IL). There were over 40 people involved in some way with the planning, design, and execution of the event. But some of the most important folks were our sponsors, who after witnessing the high volume of people who would be attending, stepped up to help with the additional costs incurred by so many more people than we expected. They helped shoulder this cost to make this trip not only affordable but REMARKABLY cheap. Big thanks to our biggest sponsors Dodge, Partsrack, and Roanoke Motor Company. Other sponsors included Prefix, Details by D, Northern Trust Bank, OnTrack Insurance, and the IL VCA.

Many have asked about the aerial photos and other photos taken during the event. The IL VCA is compiling a DVD packed with hundreds (likely near 2,000) pictures and HD video clips of the event. It will also include some clippings and the flyer made by the city of Niagara. The DVD (which is for your computer – not to be watched on the television) will contain all the original data files from the cameras. You can generate your own prints from them or watch them on your PC. The DVD’s will cost $45 which already includes shipping. Simply write to us if you would like a copy: info@illinoisvipers.com.

There’s been a lot of speculation on whether we’ll have another Viper Invades event. While the event series is expected to continue and take us to more interesting places, none may ever match the truly extraordinary trip we had this week. Vipers Invaded Niagara Falls on September 16th of 2009 – and the place will surely never be the same again!

Below is a listing of some of the runs (sorry, we may have missed documenting a few people). The numbers are listed by rear-wheel horsepower, rear wheel torque, and estimated total engine horsepower. The best of the two pulls are listed. There were a combination of cars old and new as well as stock and modified. We saw some interesting #’s. None of them disappointing and some real surprises. And in the end, it reminds us of the fact that we’re driving factory built race cars! The amount of power these cars put down is amazing, not a single car under 475 horsepower! We had a great time. Thanks to all those who came, we saw a few new faces to the club! Now go do something with all that power!

We have a history of working with the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative (IFI), a charity focused on connecting children and fathers by promoting responsible fathering and helping equip men to become better fathers. The IFI hosts an annual Celebrity Golf outing to raise money for its charity.

David Hirsch is the founder of the IFI and just happens to be a Viper owner and member of the Viper Club of Illinois! He's asked us to play a role each year by creating a Viper display, giving rides, etc… This years celebrity golf outing took place at the Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington, IL. The Viper Club has once again been asked if they would be involved with the event this year. This time around we’ve been asked to park cars at the roundabout in front of the main entrance to the club.

Members began to arrive at 4:30pm. While the temps and location were perfect, the precipitation interfered. Drizzle made it a wet one when we arrived (drying out later) but pretty much everyone still brought their Vipers out (we have a hardcore gang)! A nice display was made for people to observe as they entered the building. We seem to always make our presence known and it sure made for easy parking, we were 5 feet from the door!

Cocktails were served before the event, there was an open bar so our gang was in heaven. Folks began to sit down around 5:30pm and then things kicked off at 6:00pm.

A short history about the IFI took place as well as introductions of the celebrities who were present. Our gang was together near the center of the room, we had good seats. Some video presentations took place and others were welcomed to the event. The Viper Club also got a special mention at the microphone as David Hirsch acknowledged key people in attendance. Very nice of him!

As dinner started, a live auction was held. Members Larry and Nancy Friend ended up winning and auction for a wild package which included tickets to the Wrigley Field concert of Elton John! They got a great deal, the package included many different types of sports tickets (Sox, Blackhawks, etc…).

As dinner progressed, the IFI bestowed their annual award to supporter and well known comedian, Tom Dreesen. Tom then led a hilarious (this was actually extremely funny) comedy routine. As desserts were served thank you’s were shared and the raffle was held. Our own Steve Loudin was one of the lucky ones, he took home several golf gifts!

Dinner was over and the group disbanded. As people exited, comments were shared about the cars and with sunset in the distance, the Vipers fired up and headed home. Thanks for all those who volunteered their time to support the IFI and share a nice night out. Even bigger thanks for dealing with a drizzle and everyone driving their cars out to create a spectacle!

The Viper Club of Illinois teamed up for the first time ever with the YMCA for a very special charity fund raiser Wisconsin! The event was held in Beaver Dam and focused on promoting tourism of Beaver Dam and support for the YMCA. The theme of the event was “Modes of Transportation” which highlighted the many types of transportation… some of which aren’t so common!

The Viper Club was asked if they would have a Viper section which would create a spectacle and offer charity rides to those spectators who offered a donation to the charity. The club answered the call and many club members from Illinois and Wisconsin got together for a day of unique fun! Some of them driving hours to make the event!

Members were then led to the grounds where the event was going to happen (at the YMCA). There was a large area of grass and a small attached lot dedicated to the club’s activities. The club setup 60 feet of tent to shade everyone from the sun, drinks and food were on hand for everyone.

After arriving, members took a parade lap through the preplanned driving route so that they were familiar with the road. Once they returned, the cars were parked in a row along the club tents. Members broke out their folding chairs and grabbed a spot in the cool shade.

By 11:00am things were in full swing. Spectators were enthralled by the Vipers, some never having seen one in person.

Of course our club members are always willing to please, these folks got a lot for their money…! Engines could be heard as Vipers left and returned from their trips. Smiles could be seen from a block away. The crowd really enjoyed it.

The event had other really fantastic transportation related exhibits. There were a full host of all kinds of emergency vehicles on hand. The Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile was also there. The Wisconsin Ducks made their appearance, leaving the Dells for only the 2nd time in 50 years! They gave 25 minute rides to all paying visitors which included a foray into the water as well.

A real hover craft demonstration was also held. You could event take a ride in a real hot air balloon.

There were a host of interactive exhibits like the “drunk cart” which simulates driving while under the influence (our members had a ball…). As you can see from the picture, we even had a simulated arrest of one of our club members (yes, the police are big people in Wisconsin) – though we couldn’t post the picture of the strip search. There were also food vendors and a live DJ for the duration of the event. It was a large event for a small town!

Viper rides continued until about 4:30. Members spent the day lounging around the tent, seeing other exhibits, and giving rides when their car was requested. It was a very relaxed day for everyone. The event had coverage in the town newspaper with a picture of the Vipers doing their thing. It was a good time for the spectators and for the club members. Check out the videos below for some of the action..

Big thanks to all those who came out to make this happen. It was a volunteer effort and of course our club answered the call. We’ve already been asked to return next year, we’re a big draw for the community! All we need is an excuse to get our cars out, and it becomes an event!

Never in the history of our club, or across the entire Viper Club of America world, have so many members shown up to an event from a single region! This even set a milestone for attendance, as 171 people registered for this event!

It was 15 years ago in April that this club began. At that time it was a very modest group of members (about a dozen) supported by a budget less than what most of us carry in our pockets daily. These humble beginnings grew as the Viper population increased and soon developed the IL Region culture of racing, cruising, and closeness.

Fast forward to this day. Our club is just over 200 members strong and the vast majority were arriving to the hotel to be greeted by a truly magnificent venue. The location was the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. Known for its class, luxury, and size! Many members planning to spend the night, checked into their rooms and got comfortable. The rooms were amazing, and the Viper Club price was only $99! What a deal.

The date for the event was Valentine’s Day. Every member that arrived to the event was greeted at the registration table and handed a WILD goodie bag, raffle tickets, a rose for the ladies, and a couple light up goodies.

Upon entering the room eyes exploded as they witnessed a spectacle. The sheer scale of the event was something even this region hasn’t before seen. Vipers were parked all over the inside of the ballroom! A row of every generation of Viper greeted you as you entered. It didn’t stop there, panning to the left, members not only Saw Gen1-4 cars, but also the hot Red/Black ACR sitting under bright lights.

And there was also a little surprise… just to appease all the car fanatics. Sitting all by itself in the corner, was none other than the Chrysler ME412. Yes folks, the car that took 6 million dollars to build was sitting there in front of everyone. The members were awestruck! The car was open to sit in and check out. What a special treat!

The evening began with cocktails at 6:00pm. People had some appetizers and grabbed a few drinks as they perused the massive merchandise display that was on hand. Folks could buy anything from club shirts, to Viper banners, to crystal letter openers with the club logo. It’s the only time where you can see all the clubs merchandise in one place. It took a span of 80 feet to display it all!

Also on display were the raffle items for the evening. Members browsed the items they hoped their luck would bring them. The raffle was completely free and prizes ranged from hats, to many items like parking sensors for your garage, all the way up to navigation systems and free racing season with the IL VCA! There was also a women’s raffle that included gift baskets, candle sets, gift cards of $100, and even a Swarovski diamond bracelet.

Further toward the front of the room rested the silent and live auction items. The silent auction items were amazing, items ranging from custom painted Viper refrigerators, to special Viper team collectibles. The live auction included a custom painted Viper hood (for wall hanging display), an IL club logo made entirely of aluminum and painted to match the logo to every detail, and a Viper go-kart painted in the ACR paint scheme (with the red stripe and wing!).

As 7:00pm approached, members began to grab their seats as the party was to get underway. Our President, Alex Ristanovic, kicked the night off by welcoming everyone to the event. He spoke of the history of the club, the present day, and the near future for what was to come for our 15th anniversary year in 2009. Hang on!

Soon thereafter, dinner was served. The Renaissance did a magnificent job serving artwork on your plate. The main courses were also fantastic and appeased the full gamut of palates with chicken, sirloin, or cod. During dinner, Alex Ristanovic and Gary Grube initiated the raffle and gave away some astounding things. By the time dessert was upon the group, the club was on its way to begin the entertainment segment. Were they in for a surprise!

Alex once again fired up the mic and began by introducing the club officers. Among them was retiring officer Brian Karstensen (treasurer), who received a beautiful marble and glass sculptured service award. Also retiring was Aaron Vanassche (race director), who received a fitting race jacket with Viper logo.

After introducing all of the club sponsors, we heard a few words from Tom Antonelli in regards to former Viper Days (now NARRA - North American Road Racing Association).

Next up were the guest VIP speakers. A full compliment of past, present, and future was at hand. Steve Ferguson (with his wife Kim), the clubs first President, spoke of the history of the club, and the pride he felt witnessing its evolution over the last 15 years. He told stories of when the club first began and how special this was.

Next up was newly appointed VCA President, Chris Marshall! He came all the way from Kansas City – sadly his wife Mary who also made the trek, was sick, upstairs in their hotel room. He spoke of the raffle car, the VCA, his impressions of the IL Region, and the future of the club. The club members were very appreciative that he came all this way to visit the historic gathering and speak to the group personally on the national VCA's behalf.

Next up, the 2009 club banner was unveiled. The theme for this banner was “King of the Ring”, depicting the ACR’s performance at the Nurburgring! The live auction followed, the economy definitely showing its effect, this was a real bargain for those bidding. The Viper hood was a STEAL along with the go-kart and IL Logo!! Wow. And in the end, some great money was raised and some folks were really happy with their winnings!

The centerpiece giveaway was next. Now these centerpieces weren’t just your average centerpieces. Our wizard, Tim Waedekin, once again used his mastery to create 15 inch tall replicas of our club logo with a base that had “15th Anniversary” stamped on it. The process for winning the centerpieces was random. And when the winners were revealed, you could hear the cheers. These were great and valuable keepsakes.

To round things out, Alex had a lot of folks to thank. Over 30 people were involved with this event. Thanks goes to those who donated items: Roger Dittrich, Scott Miller, Tim Waedekin, Nancy/Larry Friend, Scott Miller, Ralph Gilles, Kim Peterson, and Tom Antonelli. Those who prepped their cars on display: Gus Pablecas, Matt Pablecas, Glenn Davis, Scott Brown, Roanoke Motor Company, and Chrysler. Big thanks for our VIP’s who took time from their busy schedules and came from great distances: Steve Ferguson, Chris Marshall, Ben Swears, Dick Winkles, and Ralph Gilles. And additional people helping with the event: Jo Schumann, Jackie Dubnicka, Swede Carlson, Karl Adair, Kristina Ristanovic, Howie Frank, Gary Grube, Angela Berger, Mark Schumann, Jhan Dolphin, and Gale Merz. And last but not least, hosted by Gary Grube, a standing ovation for our club President, Alex Ristanovic. He was truly humbled by the recognition. It was a great end to the high point of the party.

The video hit the big screen for a repeat as members began to once again mill around, shop, bid on silent auction items, and chat with one another. The party didn’t end until midnight! As the gathering subsided, members returned to their room for some needed shut eye. For the next day, many of them headed to McCormick Place for the Chicago Auto Show! A great way to cap off a great weekend.

The IL region has always prided itself on being active, close, and capable of doing special things. This gathering was an example of what passion, skill, and large numbers can make of an event. Cheers to all those 170 who attended, you came from far and wide!! You’re the reason, this club is what it is!!