Hello VCO Members,
"Time flies when you're having fun"...and if this summer's events haven't made yours whip by yet, check out what we've planned for August! We have 10 club events planned all across Southern Ontario, and we hope everyone will attend at least one!
July Event Memories
These photos are from the RM Sotheby's Tour & Erieau Cruise, and Bruce & Deb's BBQ.
From JRP "Speed Therapy" Days and 2 days at Watkins Glen race track. Some track their Vipers and/or others like an ACR-E owner, Angelo, with his 911 GT3 Cup race car (pic 8).
And the Hagerty Garage + Social Cars & Caffeine!
Up-coming August Events
We've planned 10 events for this month, and every one will be exciting! See all event details at https://www.viperclubofontario.com/events.
Aug 3, 7 & 23, JRP "Speed Therapy" day at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Aug 5, FCA/Stellantis Brampton Assembly Plant Tour
Aug 9, Nick's Patio Dinner at Villa Caledon Inn, Caledon (pic 1)
Aug 12, Marmora Area Cruise, Iron Rooster Lunch & Boat Cruise, Marmora
Aug 19, Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit
Aug 19, Dan & Jane's Lunch, Pool Party & Falconry Experience, Acton (pic 2)
Aug 27, Hagerty Garage + Social Cars & Caffeine, Burlington
Aug 31, Patio Dinner at The Lakefront Bar & Grill, Keswick (pic 3)
New Vehicle Preferred Purchase Program
Last month we announced that Dodge & Ram topped the JD Powers Initial Quality Study, earning #1 & 2 spots! This month we're pleased to announce that current VCO members can save on the purchase of most Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat vehicles!
The VCO enjoys truly unparalleled support from FCA/Stellantis and our dealer sponsors! Please contact Bruce at vcotracks@gmail.com to discuss program details.
Viper Exhibit at Drive Festival 2023 - Sept. 8-10th
We'll have another Viper Exhibit at Drive Festival 2023. Friday to Sunday Sept. 8-10th.
Please sign-up to display yours for 1, 2 or all 3 days. Your admission to Drive Festival for 2 will be included for exhibiting members. This festival is an automotive enthusiast's dream come true! https://drivefestival.com/, Contact Bruce at vcotracks@gmail.com.
Hagerty Insurance
Hagerty is now a generous club sponsor. They offer insurance for classic & collector cars. Some of our members are already insured with Hagerty. Learn more on their website at https://www.hagerty.ca/insurance/classic-car-insurance.
Speak to your insurance broker about Hagerty Insurance, or contact member Nina Enein (Makela), a broker with Insure-it Group Inc. Nina can be reached at 855-752-3600 and at ninae@insureitgroup.com.
Let's support our very generous club sponsors & event partners whenever we can!
Replace Your Old Viper Tires
It's estimated that more than half of the Vipers in our club are driving on dangerous tires that are old, hard, brittle, and may be cracked on the inside or outside. Even if tires still have lots of tread and you seldom drive the car, after 5 years they should be inspected annually, and replaced once 10 years old as they no longer offer the grip & safety needed. Old and hard tires even make the car ride rough. New tires are a good investment.
Here's how you check your tire's age by reading their molded on date codes... https://www.michelin.com.au/auto/advice/tyre-basics/tyre-markings-explained#:~:text=The%20first%20two%20numbers%20designate,only%20indicator%20is%20its%20wear.
Our VCO Tire Buying Guide outlines the tires available and recommended for every Generation of Viper, and also lists our VCO Preferred Tire Dealers that offer great prices.
https://www.viperclubofontario.com/clubprograms/vco-tire-buying-guides
Use the Right Oil Filter for Your Viper
A prospective new member learned the hard way that it's critical to use the correct oil filter that's designed for your Viper. Viper engines have very high oil pressure when they start up and can actually burst the wrong oil filter, including Mopar filters designed for use on other models.
You must use the Mopar filter designed for your year of Viper. They cost a few dollars more but the canister is much stronger, contains more filter media, and has a pressure bypass feature.
1992-2006 oil filter part #5037836AB
2008-2017 oil filter part #5038041AA
Fred Roberts Racing
VCO member Fred Roberts began tracking Vipers years ago at Mosport in Bowmanville, progressing from a street Viper to a factory Viper Competition Coupe, and then other brands in recent years. Last year he raced a Lamborghini for the first time in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series in the US. He then flew the car to Portugal for the championship races where he won 1st place in the North American Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship, and 2nd place in the World Championship!
Congratulations to Fred and his entire team! Fred's car and 2022 trophies pictured below!
The 3rd photo shows Fred on the right, with crew member Garrett Nalepka on the left.
They're racing in that series again and we wish Fred, Garrett and team all the best in their races this month at Virginia International Raceway and Road America in Wisconsin!
Vipers For Sale by Members & Sponsors
2015 Gen V SRT Viper, white with silver stripes, excellent condition, 53,000 kms. SOLD!
Stock. Full PPF wrapped last year with new ceramic coating and new Michelins.
$160,000, negotiable. Ottawa area. Jeremy Geurts, jeremygeurts@yahoo.ca.
1999 Gen II Viper GTS, black w/silver stripes, approx. 20,387 miles/32,809km, $95,000.
Owned since 2014. Serviced exclusively by Garrett Nalepka at Raceway Chrysler. No issues, cold ac, upgraded radiator, exhaust, brakes, and other tasteful improvements.
Contact Edward Hurwitz for more info @ Ed.hurwitz1@gmail.com
Vipers For Sale by our Club Chrysler Dealer Sponsors...
1994 RT/10 (Sold), 1996 Gen II GTS and 2005 Gen III SRT-10 Vipers at Islington Chrysler. Tara Scaduto or Kris Rams, contact info https://www.viperclubofontario.com/sponsors
2014 SRT Gen V GTS at Raceway Chrysler. Contact Sales Manager Sal Dellaterza. Contact info at https://www.viperclubofontario.com/sponsors
President's Award
I was most surprised and humbled to receive an award "In recognition of outstanding achievement in increasing membership by record levels". It was presented at our club BBQ by Garrett Nalepka, our club's VP, and Jay Tanti, Membership Director 2021-22.
Credit for this accomplishment is shared with our club directors who took on the challenge of implementing a broad range of policies and practices designed "To Provide An Unsurpassed Viper Ownership and Club Experience", and to our members and sponsors who plan events and support the most active and fastest growing Viper club!
We all share in the success of our club, and I'm excited to help guide its future!
On behalf of your club's officers and directors,
Bruce Hadfield
vcotracks@gmail.com