Club News
COME JOIN US: May 16-- Roadrunner Charity Fun Run. Lots of surprises ! Registration details coming soon
Viper Club Karting
On Saturday February 27, 2010 members of the NM Viper Club met at ABQ Karting. If you have ever seen the movie " The Fast & Furious" , well we would of like to see that at ABQ Karting. Yes lots of action, however only two Viper Club members showed. Good weather and up-beat attitude were the theme.
Planning Meeting Sparkles
On January 30th 2010, the NM Viper Club met at Shelton Jewelers. Members had hor'douves, wine, champagne, beer, and coffee. Eric Shelton sponsored a drawing for $500.00 worth of diamond earrings. Our Club added $250.00 worth of Viper lube and oil donated from Dearholt . Bill Rodway's name was drawn to give the diamond earrings to Lorena. Steve Tarro and Jim Baughman won the Viper Lube and Oil. Fifteen Vipers and twenty four people came to share a good time and share information about their Vipers. Michael Tobin showed up with his new 2009 SRT Viper. Steve Tarro gave a financial report of our Viper Club. The events of 2009 showed the heart of our club by having the Roadrunner Fun Run and Toys for Tots. The VCA magazine will feature our NM Viper Club in a full page article and photo of the 2009 Roadrunner Fun Run. We raised $6000.00 in two years for the Marine Corp Law Enforcement Charity. Results from the survey at the Chrismas party drove the 2010 Calendar. Members also voted in a SCAA race course event for March. Benny Martinez and Bill Rodway also added information about the Sandia Casino Roadrunner Fun Run. Tim Sims also got members eyes wide open by offering a trip to Elephant Butte Trip in August with boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing. Jim Baughman also offered his popular Viper Summer BBQ. Jimmy Evans will have his BBQ in Farmington. In July its a trip to Brenkenridge Colorado for scenic drives, auto cross, dinners, and fireworks. The 2010 NM Viper Club Calendar will surely have lots of choices and excitement. This year the Viper Club of America will host a Viper Owners Invitational # 11 in Salt Lake Utah. We are expecting 600 Vipers from across the US. Salt Lake has the Miller Motorsports Park with a 4 1/2 mile race course. There will be a Viper Days driving experience with an instructor. VOI-11 will also have a jet fly over. There will be a hugh banquet with lots of goody bags. Speed TV will be there to broadcast. VCA National, released news about a ACR-X Viper which is a strictly built for race track only. Seventy Five orders were taken, with only fifty expected. At VCA Bob Bjorberg the father of the Viper said that the Viper was built as a race car and it has stayed as a race car. This year there will be three VCA drawings which promises to be fantastic. The 2010 calendar is calling me. Call me a dreamer. Here is the best part, you will be together in events that feature your Viper. We come for the Viper but stay for the people. The planning meeting started off with a sparkle. Now its your turn to bring your Viper for all the events come sunrise or sunset.
Christmas party-A Wonderful Time Happens When We Are Together
For over 100 additional Christmas party pictures (many thanks to Mick), click HERE.
Toys for Tots- Giving was Good
On Saturday, November 14th the Toys for Tots Charity had nine generous Viper Club members. A total of twenty people donated gifts. We met at the Sandia Area Federal Credit Union on a cold and misty day. The NM Viper Club was met by official US Marine William Amass and Marine Kerklin who collected all the toys for those less fortunate children. Mopar Activities Director,Gary Zimmerman also joined us. Gifts overflowed the collection box. Toys will be delivered and given out to children in December. We then had lunch at Fuddruckers . The message of the day was "Giving Was Good. " This is the second charity we have done this year. The gift of giving was in the hearts of the members of the NM Viper Club.
Farmington Fall Trip is Dazzling
On October 17th the NM Viper Club started on a trip that showed dazzling fall colors. We had six Vipers and twelve people who thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We stopped for a photo shoot by some Indian teepees. Then it was off to let the Viper horses run. When we arrived in Farmington NM, we were greeted by Jimmy Evans, owner of the Spare Rib BBQ Restaurant. Jimmy was given an appreciation presentation that was signed by all of us that traveled on the trip. The Viper Club also gave Jimmy a gift certificate to an Albuquerque restaurant. The Vipers parked in front also got an approval rating as well. Jimmy escorted us to the patio where we enjoyed a feast of ribs, hot links, catfish, coleslaw, potato salad, peach lemonade, and a choice of cobbler with ice cream. We then gassed up for a short trip to Navajo Lake. We traveled up and down roads that intertwined the valleys and ridges of Navajo Lake. The trees showed a mixture of golden and auburn colors . The views were spectacular. We parked our Vipers along the ramp of the Navajo Lake. The people who came for boating and fishing were wide eyed to see so many Dodge Vipers at one time. This was just a great trip, and we enjoyed each others company so much. This trip was a gas. I say that because the VCA members on the trip will be receiving gas money for the trip. Here are some gas facts conducted by two members going on the trip to Farmington. On the way up to Farmington, one member got 19.1 MPG, that was surprising. Even more surprising- two of us actually followed the speed limit back to Albuquerque and got 24.74 and 23.91 MPG. Some members got 8-12 MPG, and you know why! That was dazzling as well.
Horse Ride to Horse Power Fun Run
On October 3rd the NM Viper Club met at Cedar Crest Stables in the morning for a horse back ride. Eight riders saddled up and rode a switchback trail into the Sandia Mountains. The weather was beautiful, and the trees were showing off their colors. We took a leisurely ride to the top of the ridge. There is calming effect with nature. Later on during the day, there was a hiker that reported sighting a bear about 30 yards from us. At the end of the ride, the owner of the stables wanted to do some horse trading. He sure liked to have that Yellow Viper in his stables. Then later in the afternoon, our Dodge Vipers took on the hair pin curves and the burst of 500+ horse power roaring with acceleration up into the Cibola National Forest. We got to the Top of the Sandia Mountains, and sure enough here comes the crowds to admire our Vipers. We ate at the cafe and enjoyed a spectacular view of towering rock walls with mountain pinnacles . There is nothing like a great out door event with your friends who enjoy driving their Viper sports car to 10,678 ft elevation.
State Fair Shines with Vipers
Early on Saturday September 26th, the NM Viper Club along with the NM Mopar Muscle Car Club met to be part of the NM State Fair Car Show. There were about 50 cars altogether. The Vipers were put together in the middle of all the Mopar cars. It was great weather, with record breaking numbers of people who got to see all our cars. We brought four Vipers from our club and an additional owner of another Viper joined us. We had all the security with chains blocking off the crowds. The NM State Police were placed in patrol around the cars. At 3 PM, the crowds were cleared from the street. The State Police escorted us out of the State Fair. Of course we had to rev up our engines when leaving. Crowds cheered, and we gave them the VIP, "Viper show and shine".
Sept.19/20..Vipers Turn Up The September Sizzle with Gala and Concours Du Soleil Car Show
August 20 Viper Event: Muscle Car Memories
Below: #1 Parking Lot, #2 Steve, Michael, Jan, #3 Benny's Super Snake, #4 Richard and Rose,
#5 Benny
August Viper Event: Viper/Mopar Cruise
July Viper Event: Refreshing Summer Pool Party, Surprises You Want To Know About Jim Baughman's Summer Pool Party was really a nice event. There were a total of 21 people that showed up for the gathering. There was lots of food and good conversation. The weather was just great and some of us took a refreshing swim in the pool. Included in the event was Bill & Lorena, Michael & Frenchie, Jack & Briana, Chris & Shila, Bill & Barbara, Alan, Dalton & Korinne, Colby & Corinne, Jim & Rene, Jan & Michelle, and Jim & Maria. So which one is getting married? The big surprise of the Summer Pool Party is that Jim and Rene will getting married in August. Congratulations from the NM Viper Club. Speaking of other surprises, I took a survey of how many people would be interested in going on a horse back riding event. We had 19 out of 21 say that they would participate. So, we are announcing a One Horse Power event in September. That's right a cruise to Cedar Crest, with a horse back ride up the back side of the Sandia Mts, with a great view at the top. We will be going from more than 500 horsepower to 1 HP. We will go with a group of 6 riders at a time. So we will have to do some planning. Really, it will be a nice autumn event that you will enjoy.
June Viper Event: Rain Won't Dampen Viper Spirits On June 20th, there was a forecast of only 20% chance of rain, However that did not happen . It was rain all morning until 1 pm My Alarm went off and we had to go home to get the remote. After drying our cars about seven times between rain, clouds, and more rain. Finally the sun came out. That's right it rained one more time. Then it cleared for good. The awards for the Mopar Fest at Melloy Dodge were very nice. Every Mopar owner got an award. A total of 88 Mopars showed up. We had 4 Vipers . Emil was awarded first, I was awarded second, and Jack came in third. Steve showed his Viper, but did not compete. Emil also got the business choice award in the Viper/ Prowler Class. As the CBS News Anchor Walter Cronkite would say. " And that's the way it was."
Michael Shepherd
NM Viper Club President
NM Viper Club Sets New Records
The May 22-25 event with the Colorado, Wyoming, Utah Viper Club was spectacular. A new record of 15 Dodge Vipers from New Mexico Club participated. Members choose which events to go to. At one point we had a total of 34 Dodge Vipers from all clubs combined with 57 people all together. There was dark clouds and rain most of the day. The breathtaking sight of 33 Vipers coming through rain could be seen up to a mile long. We saw the weather switch to sunshine as we approached Albuquerque. The tour took us to visit the Unser Museum, Aquarium/Botancial Gardens which were paid for by the NM Viper Club. The press release from the City of Albuquerque had everyone buzzing at the Aquarium/Botancial Gardens " Did you see all those Vipers" A wonderful day ended at the Sandia Tram. We had our tram ride, which we call a flight, with dinner, and a sunset. The NM Viper club has made some new friends. Jim Johnson, South West Regional Director of VCA gave us compliments and an offer to visit them the weekend of July. 4th for the Breakenridge event. The Colorado, Wyoming, Utah Viper Club were just great. Really this was awe inspiring, and we all had so much fun. Here is the excitement; when you look back and you see 33 Vipers in line stretching up to a mile long coming down the highway in rain, and see their lights coming through the mist, it has a wonder about itself. Imagine the energy, the sound, and the power. We have terrific photos to share with you. Truly this was a one exciting time for our club.
Michael Shepherd.
Click here for more pictures from Don Ratay and Michael Shepard
2009 Charity Fun Run: An Awesome Show of Heart and Performance
Here are two links for the 300+ pictures of the Charity Fun Run. Click Here: Fun Run Pictures--on the ground and here: Fun Run Pictures--from the air
UPDATE: Thanks to all who participated. Preliminary figures inicate that we will be able to donate nearly $3200 to the MC-LEF Charity. Whoo hoo !!
Wow!!! That would be a good word for getting together a dozen Vipers, a big rig , and a helicopter from Enchantment Helicopter for a photo shoot. That just started the event. We had 124 people come to the Roadrunner Fun Run, a charitable event for the benefit of the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation. Then, each entrant had a custom photo taken in front of all the VIPERS. We had a variety of autos from Ferrari's, Ford GT 40's, Cadillacs, Corvettes, Dodge Challengers, muscle cars, classics, hot rods, imports, even a few classic motorcycles show up. How about a Mazda RX7 with a V8 or a '68 Dodge Charger with a Viper V10? Yep, they were there too.
The sign-in volunteers get a round of applause. Thanks goes to Dalton , Korrine Michael , Amanda , and Phil . They processed all 124 registrations, handed out T-shirts, made sure everyone signed a waiver, answered questions, all in less than one hour. Steve received the "One cat chasing nine mice award" for keeping everyone supplied with the correct change, keeping track of the cash and checks, and collecting registrations.
At each stop participants would select playing cards in an effort to achieve a winning poker hand. Thanks goes to the volunteers that checked all the cars that came though at Auto Zone, McDonalds, ABQ Indoor Karting, Sonic, and the Sandia Tram. The check point volunteers were Bill & Lorena, Steve & Barbara, Jan & Michelle, Amanda, Dalton & Korrine, and Chris & Sheila .
Door prizes were given out from the Sandia Tram, Unser Museum, Pete's Hair Cuts, Sandia Raceway, Auto Zone, Stoneface Bar and Grill, and the Sandia Area Federal Credit Union donated four movie tickets and gave a donation of $200. Special thanks goes to Motiva for their four dyno pulls and also donated $300.00 to the Fun Run Charity. Jean Stokes donated a blanket with a Roadrunner Fun Run logo which she sewed in. Gary Zimmerman donated a Viper knife.
Jack Vigil gets the "Way to Go" award for out bidding everyone for the "Mine is Bigger than Yours" trophy, which was donated by Benny Martinez. Jack came up with the winning bid of $800.00.. Jack also had the winning bid of $50 for the Viper knife. Congratulations to Benny Martinez for all his efforts in planning and organizing the Charity Fun Run. A special 4 ft trophy with an eagle was present to him from the NM Viper Club for his outstanding performance. The NM Viper Club and all those envolved showed heart and performance. Thanks-- Michael Shepherd NM Viper Club President
Charity Poker Fun Run details. Come on out !!
The Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation supports families of personnel of Marine or Law Enforcement that were killed on duty while serving our country at home or abroad. 100% of funds go to families with no administrative cost. Marine Corp Law Enforcement Foundation is rated a Four Star Charity rated by Independent Charities of America. Join us in the support of this charity and a great day of fun.
This year we will be having our annual Charity Fun Run on Sunday, April 26th. We will have several exciting stops as well as a few surprises. All makes and models are welcome!
CHARITY: MARINE CORP/LAW ENFORCEMENT FOUNDATION (MCLEF)
COST: $25.00 Gets you one hand of poker, one T-shirt and a picture with a helicopter and BIG RIG
LOCATION: Meet at the Double Eagle Airport
TIME: Check in time will be at 10 AM on April 26th, 2009 (SUNDAY)
START: The Fun Run will begin at 11 AM leaving Double Eagle Airport.
SURPRISE: A helicopter will be on hand for photos and rides. All rides are $40 per person and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the MCLEF Charity. If you would like a ride, we suggest that you show up to Double Eagle Airport starting at 9 AM.
AWARDS: There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards along with lots of door prizes!
Last year we raised $2,000 for this charity. This year we'd like to DOUBLE that amount !Please join us !
March 21..Cruise to San Antonio, NM South Bound, San Antonio, Sounds Good The March trip to San Antonio New Mexico was marvelous. We met at Fuddruckers, with six Vipers, two were GTS models, three were newer SRT/10 Roadsters, and one 2009 ACR, with 600 HP. The cruise included, Michael & Frenchie, Dalton & Korinne, Jim Baughman & Carman, Jack Vigil & Brianna, Steve Tarro & Barbara, Tim Pilcher from Las Cruises, and Nate Vigil. We headed out for a cruise to San Antonio, New Mexico. Some of the participants put the hammer down to three digit speed. The surprise was Nate's bone stock PT Cruiser keeping up with the pack. The Owl Bar had VIP Parking for us. They also reserved a long table for us. How can you beat World Famous green chili cheese hamburgers? The food really was worth the trip, and it was made just a little bit better when the NM Viper Club picked up the tab. Someone in the group suggested we return home via Hwy 60 for the scenic trip back home through Mountainair. Well, it was almost that simple. After heading east longer than expected, the lead driver pulls over, for input for directions. Fortunately, Jim Baughman had his I phone with a GPS map. We got back on track, finding South 14. We enjoyed driving along the beautiful twisty roads through New Mexico forest and finding Tijeras When you put great food, wonderful people, fantastic Vipers on the roads of New Mexico, you have great memories, a smile, and a story to tell. .
Hamburgers and Gokart racing-what a combo! February was fabulous. The NM Viper Club filled Fuddruckers VIP parking lot with 11 Vipers, and Benny Martinez's Ford GT. The talk of the day was Doug Vancil who is a four time World Champion of Top Fuel Motorcycle. He has a record speed of 230 mph in 6.2 seconds. That's Flying. We're not done yet., Doug comes to Fuddruckers in a Red 1994 Dodge Viper Roadster that he bought from Craigs list for $6,500 which is the deal of the decade. Steve Tarro informed us about the new website, which is a work in progress. Steve passed out a binder with the new website look . Chuck Ferran brought his whole family from Santa Fe to enjoy all the events. After good food and great friendships ,we were on our way. Oh yea, the guys " Let the Horses Run", with plenty of burn outs. Then it was off to Albuquerque Indoor Karting. We had 10 people compete in a 3 heat race, and it was close. Chuck Ferran, Jan Hogstrom, Korinne Matzke, and Dalton Vaughn were all in the hunt. Anyone who took kart number 10 took the lead. However someone knew lines, apexes, entry, and exits on the track. That was Korinne who took first . Jan Hogstom took second, and Chuck Ferran took third. All three were awarded professional cleaning and polishing car care products. The NM Viper Club will be featured in the VCA Viper Magazine for the Spring Issue. March will be Marvelous join us for a great time.
Supernational Success for Michael!!
2009 Planning Meeting- Zangara Dodge, January 24th
The 2009 Planning Meeting brought 12 Dodge Vipers and 25 in attendance. Every one left with a DVD of " Let the Good Times Roll" a selection of auto videos . We planned cruises, car shows, events, and other activities. A new web site will be coming for the NM Viper Club, with an exciting format, thanks to Steve Tarro. Information will be coming for Ride Makerz model cars which will be available for purchase. The 1:18 scale models can be ordered and an array of parts with cool additions. The winner for the Valentines Dinner and Dance for two worth $100.00 was JW Payne. I was at the VCA Detroit Annual meeting, where I met with Herb Helbeg - Senior Manager of SRT and Ralph Gilles- VP of Viper Design. The Viper plant is closed until March. Now the good news. The Dodge Viper will continue to be produced, for 2009 & 2010 but with only 1,000 to 2,000 released each year. The new buyer will keep the Detroit plant along with all the same suppliers. No one is revealing who the purchaser is, but negotiations are in the third stage of finishing the deal. Herb and Ralph will be going with the new owners. The Calendar of Event will have events and activities for everyone. Get ready we might surprise you. My 2006 Viper has been accepted for Supernationals, February 6-8 at the State Fair. I hope to see you there. Thanks to Ken Zangara, BJ Sparks, and Ed Wilson for helping make this meeting a success. Special thanks to Bill Rodway, Jon Hogstrom, Steve Tarro, Jim Baughman, and Chris & Sheila Thompson for their involvement in our past and present board meeting.
Christmas Party- A Great Success !
October 3-5 Ruidoso Cruise
A good time in southern NM !! Steve Tarro led the group, and he had some nice things to say: "A special thanks to the entire group for allowing me to participate as well as assist with the planning of the event. Spending time with Barbara Smith, Karl Hoffman & Deanne, Don Ratay & his friend Segrund, and Randy & Paula was a treat and was certainly a pleasure getting to know each of them a bit better. This was an AWESOME weekend for my wife & I, and will go down as one of my favorite in a long long time. Thanks again for wonderful weekend."
Sept 28 Charity Car Show
The 2008 Concours du Soleil charity car show in the North Valley was well attended by the club. 8 Vipers showed up, and it was good to see Bill and Barb Jackson as well as a new face or two, along with Chris and Sheila, Jan, Jim B., Michael and Frenchie, and yours truly. After meeting for lunch at Fuddruckers, we made a very noisy grand entrance at 2 pm sharp, and although the crowd was smaller this year (apparently someone forgot to notify the newspapers !), the cars on display-including ours-still looked great. Your club donated $200 to the charity this year. Voting for "Best of Show" resulted in First Prize being awarded to: A 1934 Dual-Cowl Phaeton Packard, one of two ever made and the only surviving model, the winner of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1963. Thanks to all who attended. Let's plan on doing this again next year !
June 29th at the Track
What a GREAT turnout we had at the racetrack !! 9 VIPERS, 1 Bentley and LOTS of fun. Jimmy Evans came in all the way from Farmington just for the event, Jim B. provided Subway sandwiches and lots of shade, the temperature was in the 80's, and we even met a new family that will be joining the Club. Jim B. and Chris appeared to have the fastest lap times, and the rest of us simply worked on improving our driving skills. After working up an appetite at the track, about 15 of us met at El Pinto for some great food at a great price (the Club bought dinner !) Thanks to Jan for setting up this event and bringing lots of drinks, and thanks to the following for making the event great: Lorena and son Matthew, Chris + Sheila, Jimmy, Jim B + Renee, Steve + Barb Tarro, Karl Hoffman, Sheldon + Donita, and the new family Shawn + Erika. Even Mike Tobin (sans Viper) stopped by to say hi. We hope to do another "Track Day" later in the year. Come on out !!
1st Annual ROADRUNNER Charity Fun Run
May 4,was the 1st Annual Roadrunner Charity Fun Run. Our charity was the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, who has distributed aid with a value of more than $25 million to eligible children of fallen Marines and law enforcement personnel. 100% of all donations received are distributed. There are no admin costs. What a great charity ! Our "Poker Event" received over 50 entries, with Vipers, Ford GT, Bentley, Lamborghini, Corvettes, Porches, Cobra's, and a lot of specialty cars showing up. The 3 best poker hands won hand made trophies (thanks Bennie Martinez), and another 15 lucky entrants won various door prizes. We were able to generate over $3,000 for our charity. A special thanks to Lorena, Chris and Sheila, Bennie, Jimmy and Kim, Michael and Frenchie, Mike T., Jim B. and Jan for all the help with the event (sorry if I left anyone out).
A special thanks to Jay Herbert from the National Viper Club for all the hours
he has spent with me on the phone to help get (and keep) this site current.
The New Mexico Viper Club web site is maintained by Bill Rodway. Email comments to: contact@NMVipers
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