The Pit

How much better can a day be for driving on the road course? The day was sunny, 80 degrees, no precipitation at all, with a  slight breeze! A great way to end our driving year at one of our favorite venues - Autobahn Country Club!

It was a well attended event, however the company we lease the track from was light on attendance, this left the whole day pretty wide open for the Vipers, to the point where we had more track time than most folks needed (a rare occurrence)! It also left a lot of space between cars on the track - a great opportunity to get clean laps and practice that line.

Also, due to a Viper racing event in another state, many veterans weren't in attendance. However, there were many first time drivers at this event! And while a great quality track, it's a long one! Almost 2 dozen turns! Instructors were on hand for the new drivers and classroom instruction was also available to everyone.

The day started with a drivers meeting for our club, then led into a track wide drivers meeting with the club we shared the track with. By 9am cars were out an about. The day proceeded about as smooth as could ever be anticipated. No incidents, lots of fast times, and smiles on faces.

However, this day is also an important day because it's the culmination of the season long Triple Crown event which picks the single best driver across the entire group of classes, across all three track days. And this year's winner of the Triple Crown Challenge is... Chris Klimowicz!! Congrats Chris, excellent driving all season and a ROOKIE driver with the club. Amazing talent.

It's always hard the last track day of the year, you don't realize it until you wake up the next morning and realize that you won't be racing again until after the snow thaws. But until then, keep thoughts of the race track on your mind. Thanks to all who made this a great season. We'll see you next year!.

Unlimited Class
Seth Palatnik
Ben Madey
Marshall Dickler
Gary Grube
Tom Shapiro
Dave Catalanello
Gus Pablecas

2:36.167
2:38.704
2:42.169
2:43.736
2:44.991
2:47.088
2:55.167

Super SRT
Russell Landis

3:09.859

SRT
Chris Klimowicz
Kim Peterson
Paul Krant
Jim East

2:47.133
2:55.770
3:07.173
3:12.978

Super Stock
Nate Coate
Randy Mather
Jack Klimowicz
Dan Spata
Ed Valich
Joe Weber

2:53.938
2:58.807
3:04.679
3:07.470
3:08.108
3:25.085

Women's Class
Tammie Mather
Barb Dickler

3:04.844
3:28.335

Officers
Alex Ristanovic
Mark Schumann

The club perhaps had as close to a perfect autocross as is possible. The weather was 90, dry, and with a cool breeze (not the usual threat of rain). The venue was Maywood, one of our favorites, a vast expanse of pavement for Vipers to destroy. And the course setup was very refined, lots of power, speed, and decreasing radius turns requiring finesse. And Everyone was treated to a parade lap and 12 total runs. A sell out event with nearly 40 drivers! You just can't beat that!

The morning began with it's typical tasks. The course was setup on time and after a drivers meeting at 9:15am, the track went hot. The course was very easy to figure out, even by the second lap, members were pushing their cars hard as could be evidenced by the tails that were wagging on hard corners. There were several new folks on hand, while this particular course was higher speed, they all did very well.

The course did not require a shift into 2nd, but frequent visits to the high rev range in 1st gear was normal. The course was over a minute long even with the fastest drivers, so there was plenty of time to use up the adrenaline that was pumping. The course contained many large sweepers, tricky transitions, and a VERY fast slalom. There were 5 laps done in the morning, then the group broke for lunch. When everyone reconvened another 7 laps ensued for everyone.

The sunny weather was wonderful. The breeze was fantastic, under the large club tents it was a heck of a good spot to watch the action. As the day wore on, folks finished up their laps and began to pack up their cars. Lap times were impressive for everyone, this is a hardcore group. This being the last autocross of the season also meant that our 2010 Triple Cross champ would be crowned. Awards and goodbye's took place at the end of the day. Aside from the class winners, there was only one winner of the coveted Triple Cross trophy, your 2010 Triple Cross winner is... Andy Ferguson!! Congrats Andy!

Thanks to everyone for coming, so many folks helped out during the day, it worked absolutely seamless. The best club on earth just pulled off a heck of a finale for its autocross season. Kudos to everyone for a fine day!!

Unlimited Class
Dale Naffziger
John Gastman
Aaron Vanassche
Vince Cannestra
Scott Miller
Spencer Schumann
Cam Hahn
Gus Pablecas

1:05.566
1:07.691
1:08.760
1:08.966
1:09.102
1:11.052
1:12.239
1:12.851

Super SRT
Gary Grube
Rick Manfredonia

1:08.683
1:15.462

SRT
Chris Klimowicz
Dave Catalanello
Paul Krant
Ani Vemulapalli
Rob Buckman
Kim Peterson
Roger Dittrich
Chris Bond
Matt Delawder
Steve Anders
Larry Catcott

1:09.491
1:09.664
1:09.919
1:10.494
1:11.257
1:11.443
1:11.849
1:12.867
1:13.667
1:14.502
1:17.904

Super Stock
Andy Ferguson
Steve Hill
Randy Mather
Al English
Wes Bank
Marshall Dickler
Jim Cichy
Larry Bond

1:10.160
1:12.018
1:12.691
1:12.985
1:13.487
1:14.775
1:15.598
1:23.378

Women's Class
Kristina Ristanovic
Tammie Mather
Jaime Buckman
Kelli Tidmore
Angie Delawder
Barb Dickler

1:10.487
1:13.604
1:15.864
1:17.480
1:20.839
1:23.685

Officers
Alex Ristanovic
Mark Schumann

With our autocross season in full swing (and now we're past the halfway mark) we threw a little curveball into the mix with an autocross at Rockford Speedway. Aside from the fun of autocrossing at such a special venue, it's also different type of autocross, a little more abrupt, it's fast and slow at the same time, and definitely cool since we use the tracks embankments!

And as always, the weatherman was not even on the same planet as the rest of us. The day called for strong scattered thunderstorms. There was nothing that even resembled rain outside of the little white puffy clouds. The weather was hot but a very strong breeze helped to keep folks cool. The club setup its tents and everyone had a shaded ringside seat to all the fun.

But that wasn't the only neat thing, a huge surprise to everyone, our very own Ralph Gilles (CEO, Dodge Brand) popped in for a visit while he was in town - WOW, everyone was so surprised and honored to have such a great guy join us. He's a good friend of ours and over the years we've grown to be fans of him and his work. Ralph is a car guy through and through, a humble and approachable person to everyone around him. And yes, he drove... We're once again taught that these cars can go even faster than most of us think - when in the hands of the people who know to drive them well! Ralph was among the fastest of the day (and when the day was over he went a few more times and shaved even more time from his previous best lap!). You're the best Ralph!

The driving this day was intense. The course was a 60 second course and had everything. There was some good speeds, lots of direction changes, lots of acceleration, and a few sharp turns which kept everyone off balance. This was definitely a cone killing day as most everyone punted a cone or two out of the way! It's all part of the fun.

There were almost 40 drivers, we were jam packed. We had lots of veterans, the ladies came out to have fun and drove well, we had a few novices, and even a handful of our Iowa members made the drive out to join us for a day of racing! The day progressed extremely smoothly thanks to our new timing system, well trained staff, and great members. We put in an initial 6 laps, one of them being a parade lap to allow folks to acclimate themselves to the course. We then all had another 3 laps in the afternoon for a total of 9. We always try to fit in 10 laps, but just couldn't fit it in this time. We raced through lunch, given the size of our group we were able to keep running while everyone alternated getting their food. The day ended around 4:30 and everyone truly had a great experience.

Everyone got together for a final meeting and awards were handed out to the best drivers in each class. But that wasn't all.

Our good friend Ralph Gilles spent the last part of the afternoon signing the intake manifold on people's Vipers. Before you knew it, there were over a dozen cars sprawled all over the infield with their hoods up awaiting his signature. This guy is a legend with the IL region! This was a really unexpected treat for everyone at the track that day!

After a great high, everyone packed up and headed for home. We got rained out of Rockford last year, it's a rare circumstance. But this year we couldn't have had more opposite weather. Thanks to all who came and a special thanks to so many people who helped out , it really made our day go smoothly! The results of our day are listed below!

Unlimited Class
Ralph Gilles
Dale Naffziger
Aaron Vanassche
John Gastman
Vince Cannestra
Curtis Babbit

57.772
58.512
61.079
62.000
62.372
70.588

Super SRT
Steve Loudin
Gary Grube
Tom Shapiro
Roger Massie

60.647
61.144
62.846
62.990

SRT
Kim Peterson
Paul Krant
Chris Klimowicz
Chris Bond
Roger Dittrich
David Catalanello
Rob Buckman
Larry Catcott

60.866
61.090
61.167
61.439
61.839
61.847
66.234
67.232

Super Stock
Andy Ferguson
Bill Kennedy
Steve Hill
Randy Mather
Scott Brady
Natham Barnhill
Jim Cichy
Aaron Roby
Brandon Beale
Todd Sears

59.314
62.324
62.462
63.510
64.423
65.785
65.851
66.431
69.162
73.706

Women's Class
Kristina Ristanovic
Tammie Mather
Melissa Barnhill (Tie)
Jaime Buckman (Tie)

63.519
66.074
71.760
71.760

Officers
Alex Ristanovic
Mark Schumann

There is probably no better example of not letting the weather scare you away - than our last track event at Autobahn. The day came and we were surrounded by storms. The early am had slightly cloudy skies, then suddenly in the distant horizon an incredibly ominous front that had a razor sharp edge was approaching. It looked tornadic! It was the type of formation that caused people to whip out their camera's.

The IL VCA leadership was undaunted and went about their duties. When 8:00am came the front passed over head, everything went near completely dark. The clouds seemed to go on forever with no hope in sight, but they were moving fast. Oddly, only a few drops were felt as the wild cloud formation passed overhead.

Only 10 minutes later it began to lighten up! All was not over however, as members went into their drivers meeting - a downpour began. It couldn't have been better timing and the rain didn't last long. Shortly after the drivers meeting, cars were already out on the track. A wet track is actually a great place to learn.

Concerns over the weather were on everyone's mind as the forecast called for storms all day. But by 10:30am - the skies continued to open until we had not a cloud in the sky, 90 degrees, and bright sun the REST of the day. It's amazing that we were hardly inconvenienced by the storm! Viper Club 1, Weatherman 0.

We had lots of new folks joining us for the first time. Autobahn is a great place to learn with the exception that it's a large track - lots of turns to remember. However no one seemed to struggle at all. It was a great mood as the day progressed and you got the genuine sense that we're finally full bore into our racing season. The IL club pound for pound has more ACR's in its club than anywhere else - and they were in full effect! Many of our best drivers were also spending considerable time instructing others, what a great group we have when folks spend so much time to help others get better.

We lease the track through a company who also had other cars out on the track at times with the Vipers. Porsches, Race Miata's, etc... Ever see a Miata pass a Viper in a turn? It happens at times, those things are light and nimble. But have you ever seen a Viper pass a Miata on a straight...? It can only be described in video. The thundering sound of Vipers at full throttle can be felt even before they approach.

As the day went on, the lap times fell dramatically. It was amazing how the folks new to the track caught on so quick. And the veterans are now consistently creeping into the low 2:40 and 2:30 range. By the end of the day, everyone got their runs in and the group was exhausted, having their fill. Everyone had a darn near perfect day for racing! Everyone convened to get a group photo and hand out trophies to the fastest drivers in each class. Afterward, the Vipers drove off into the sunset with thoughts of where that storm went that we were supposed to see all day! Thanks guys for another great track day!

Unlimited Class
Seth Palatnik
Tom Shapiro
John Gastman
Marshall Dickler
Gary Grube
Manoj Mehta
Vince Cannestra
Dave Catalanello

2:35.181
2:40.013
2:43.134
2:43.149
2:44.855
2:49.430
2:52.397
2:52.682

Super SRT
Scott Miller
Roger Massie

2:56.298
3:10.969

SRT
Chris Klimowicz
Joe Baessler, Jr
Kim Peterson
Larry Catcott
Paul Krant
Joe Baessler

2:50.337
3:01.251
3:05.295
3:09.705
3:11.038
3:12.830

Super Stock
Randy Mather
Brian Striggow

3:01.000
3:08.176

Women's Class
Tammie Mather
Barb Dickler

3:30.583
3:44.578

Officers
Alex Ristanovic
Mark Schumann

The IL VCA Longest Day Competition is a long running performance driving event that combines both autocross and road racing into one great weekend. This action packed weekend is always a popular gathering and one heck of a test of endurance. This year was absolutely no exception and we were again so lucky with the weather (as we usually seem to be)

This weekend began with Gingerman road racing. While typically the IL VCA rents its own track, we teamed up with Viper Days to help support their Gingerman event and also support Dodge with its ACR-X debut on the race track.

Members began arriving as early as Thursday to see the ACR-X tear up the track (running a 1:22?!?! - Wow).  Friday was a test 'n tune day for folks wishing some extra track time before the event. But Saturday was the day, Vipers came from far and wide and we had everything from GenI's  to competition coupes on hand.

The day had rain in the forecast, but none ever fell. The temps were perfect. The mix of members had a good number of novices along with veterans. Viper Days offers a great place to learn since they really put on a formal show and they complimented our event nicely. Rookies hit the classrooms for some vital training as veterans began the morning warming up the track. The day progressed and the sound of Vipers thundering down the raceway filled the ears of anyone within a square mile.

Lots of folks familiar with the track improved their lap times while those new to the track took their first steps on this small but technically challenging track. The Viper's race series also took place at the end of the day, so it was a joy to watch these race cars go wheel to wheel.
As the day progressed, so did our luck with weather. Not a drop of rain until the very end of the day as people packed up their cars. Couldn't have been any better.

The next day's forecast was actually a very good one and the weatherman didn't disappoint. It rained overnight, but by 8:00am the skies were clearing up and sun was coming out.

Our location was Wings stadium, the club reserved the entire north lot which was fairly large. Alex Ristanovic, Mark Schumann, and David Catalanello got to work in the early hours of the morning to put together one heck of a track (those alarm clocks go off at 4:00am...). The hits continue as this was again one of the best autocross courses the group had designed in some time. The track was just under a minute long, fast, and lots of throttle all over the place. Even a couple comp coupes flexed their muscle because the scale of the course could accommodate them.

Typically 10 is considered a jam packed day and we'd be lucky to have that many. But on this Sunday the group completed a parade lap and 15 additional laps!! You REALLY got to know the course and by the end of the day you'd be pushing the car in a way that you may never have been able to, at past autocrosses. What a day and a new club record!

The day was extremely fluid. The timing equipment worked perfectly and everyone helped out at the event. This was one of the smoothest autocross we've ever had. The entire group initially ran 7 laps by lunch! Then we broke for a bite and then continued into the afternoon. Everyone completed another 8 laps! It was lots of fun and WOW did people really improve their times. This was a rare opportunity to have so many runs, you could experiment and truly see what worked. The afternoon wore on and after everyone was done, the club declared an open track session which allowed everyone to get back out there and make more runs while the scores were being computed.

Finally the day drew to a close (almost 2 hours earlier than we usually get done!) and everyone congregated around the tent for awards and goodbyes. Lots of people were recognized. We're so proud of those who improved, all those rookies who joined us, and especially the ladies who continue to stay involved with autocross (especially at these great distances!).  While the autocross also had individual trophies, the entire weekend was scored across the whole group (and all classes) for the overall Longest Day Winner trophy. The scoring system is based not just on your fastest time, but the number of people in your class (whom you beat) and the handicap your group offers (given that other groups may have faster cars). And this year we have yet another first time winner, congrats to the 2010 Longest Day Winner - Chris Klimowicz!!! Congrats!!

You guys are wild. We had a great time and want to thank everyone who made this event a success. We're of course also reminded that 2 full days of adrenaline is just about all the body can take. This is probably the one time each year we truly enjoy the drive home, fully content with the driving that took place!  See you guys next year!

Unlimited Class
Steve Loudin
Seth Palatnik
Marshall Dickler
John Gastman
Gus Pablecas
Vince Cannestra

88.533
89.252
91.263
94.149
97.957
101.673

Super SRT
Gary Grube
Terry Turin
David Catalanello
Roger Massie
Paul Koczkur

96.574
99.474
100.568
104.490
111.100

SRT
Chris Klimowicz
Larry Catcott
Jay Miller
Kim Peterson
Paul Krant

98.000
98.155
101.684
102.044
112.816

Super Stock
Nate Coate
Randy Mather

100.765
101.523

Women's Class
Tammie Mather
Barb Dickler

101.958
122.017

Officers
Alex Ristanovic
Mark Schumann

Unlimited Class
Dale Naffziger
John Gastman
Vince Cannestra
Marshall Dickler
Gus Pablecas
Randy Mather

50.822
51,843
52.220
53.644
53.725
54.217

Super SRT
Dave Catalanello
Terry Turin
Gary Grube
Roger Massie

53.335
53.723
54.014
55.206

SRT
Kim Peterson
Chris Klimowicz
Paul Krant
Larry Catcott

52.465
54.028
54.778
56.077

Super Stock
None

Women's Class
Kristina Ristanovic
Tammie Mather
Barb Dickler

53.485
56.044
63.969

Officers
Alex Ristanovic
Mark Schumann

So many people have been waiting for the autocross season to get into full swing. It was a wonderful day - the temps were in the mid 70's with no chance of rain. The turnout was massive as near 40 drivers came to enjoy a day of burning up the pavement with the club. We had many veterans and novices. And even with several of the usual ladies not present, the ladies class was in full effect!! For many this was their first official autocross of the year. Spirits were high!

Maywood Park is one of our favorite venues. Because of its vast expanse, the possibilities were endless. The course was very fast with many changes in direction and huge sweeping turns. It took nearly a full minute to run. It was easy to figure out but a challenge to drive well - the goal of any course.

The group had its drivers meeting at 9:30am and the event was underway! Drivers were placed in groups of 4. The group would run its first 6 laps consecutively, then the next 4 people would begin. This allowed for a more immediate return to the starting line after completing a lap and less waiting.

Each group initially received a parade lap allowing them to cruise the course at a slow speed to preview its twists and turns. Then the fun began! The first few laps of any course are always met with a little hesitation and nervousness. Not knowing a course always means going slow at first until you learn it. Drivers always wonder if they'll be able to memorize the course to the point where they can drive it hard. We all question ourselves, but only a few laps later, that all goes away and adrenaline takes over! After 3 laps, most drivers got a very good handle on the course and were beginning to push their cars.

The club has also invested in a very high tech piece of autocross timing equipment which works completely wireless. This was its second use in the field. There was a little glitch that caused a slight delay in the middle of the day (the cause was discovered). For the rest of the day it made timing extremely easy and accurate. Nearly no input is needed from the time keepers and two cars were ont he track at all times.

The day went on and we played through lunch. Since everyone had ample down time, it gave them plenty of chances to grab a bite to eat. It was decided that we could fit in another 4 laps for each driver in the afternoon. This gave every driver a total of 11 runs which included their parade lap - exceptional by autocross standards! Everyone would have their fill.

The day wore on and everyone became very comfortable with the course. Tires could be heard whaling from all over Maywood Park. The guys were up to their tire smoking fun and the ladies... WOW! The girls tore up the track and looked just like the guys. You guys rock! Many of the girls amazed themselves and they truly pushed 500 horsepower cars to their limit. Kudos to you!

As 3:00pm approached, the event was now actually ahead of schedule and the final group was finishing it's laps! Since everyone got their runs in, the course was opened to any driver wishing to run it. Most folks hopped back in their cars to have a little more fun on the course while the club leadership looked over results and prepared to bring the event to a close. Shortly thereafter the group reconvened and awards were handed out to the top 3 drivers in every class. The results were amazing, there is usually a larger discrepancy between drivers, however today there was only a 10 second difference between veteran and novice! Wow.

Unlimited Class
Dale Naffziger
Aaron Vanassche
Pat Youngs

53.546
56.272
59.752

Super SRT
Bernie Paul
Alex Paul
John Gastman
Gary Grube
Glenn Davis
Tom Shapiro
Roger Massie
Rick Manfredonia

56.202
56.810
56.843
57.032
58.034
58.163
61.149
65.037

SRT
Anil Vemulapalli
Chris Bond
Dave Catalanello
Paul Krant
Chris Klimowicz
Kim Peterson
Roger Dittrich
Rob Buckman
Larry Catcott

56.512
57.085
57.268
57.749
57.839
58.019
58.817
60.176
61.984

Super Stock
Andy Ferguson
Marshall Dickler
Steve Hill
Tom Chavoen
Randy Mather
Jim Cichy

57.093
58.769
58.871
59.513
61.733
62.940

Women's Class
Laura Caplan
Tammie Mather
Kelli Tidmore
Melissa Barnhill
Barb Dickler

61.496
62.114
63.011
64.718
66.391

Officers
Alex Ristanovic
Mark Schumann

What a way to start a season! Our first autocross of the year began with our Women's Day Driving event. The event is designed to give our ladies a chance to start from the very beginning and learn how to drive Vipers, stick shift, and even performance driving. And again it went off without incident, everyone had a good time, and it led to some real surprises!

The night before there was a downpour, but  as is our usual good luck - we got the nice weather we wanted. The morning began with beautiful blue skies and the day had much of the same with the exception of some scary clouds passing overhead later that did nothing to spoil the event.

Attendance was great, we had many novices and returning drivers as well! Our recipe was the same as last year. We have a special lot dedicated to all the ladies learning how to drive stick. We also had another lot which had separate car control modules obstacles to train the girls how to drive the Viper... HARD!

The point of the day was to create a relaxed paced atmosphere to allow the girls to learn everything about driving their Viper (on and off the autocross course) in one day. As some of the ladies were learning how to drive stick shift, the others began working the modules created to teach them how to handle the Viper:

The group lined up and each of the ladies had a chance to run a full autocross at least 5 times. It was interesting watching them learn, cautious at first, and then the rubber began to screech. It was amazing!

The day was designed to create a safe atmosphere to drive the Vipers at limit and to many of the ladies surprise, after just one day - they drove the cars like they stole them! I applaud everyone who came today, because it takes courage (especially after watching the guys slide, screech, and spin) to see that the ladies do exactly the same and realize that it only took a day to get there. And of course thanks to all the guys who did nothing but help all day, who'd think you had it in you!