This is not the normal lap time effort. This is not the normal flying bullshit wagon, powered by PR, and underwritten by marketing hype. This is just like guys wanting a good lap for a car that they believe is one of the best cars in the world. — Dale Lomas, Editor of BridgetoGantry.com
Back in 2011, the legendary Dodge Viper took the title of the Nürburgring’s fastest production car lap, clocking in at 7:12.13 – that’s over 2 second’s faster than the previous record-holder. This record lap held first place for quite some time, until the Porsche 918 came and stole the crown not too long ago.
But, with the Dodge Viper we know and love (yes, stiff suspension and crappy accessories included) ending production last year, a couple of die-hard fans decided to go above and beyond to ensure this beast was not going out without a bang. The dozen plus trophies under the car’s belt (er, hood?) just didn’t quite cut it.
It’s a drivers’ car. No, it’s not cushy, it’s not comfortable…
…And that’s exactly why [we] buy them. — Jhan Dolphin– Director of Marketing, Prefix
The Viper Exchange, based out of Tomball, Texas, was willing to supply not only one, but two, ACRs as well as two professional drivers in a final attempt to take back the legendary Nürburgring title. There were major setbacks with logistics – with the transport to Germany, cost of track time, and everything else totaling over $150,000. Long story short, a GoFundMe page was created and not long afterward, two Dodge Vipers were jetset to Germany.
With about two weeks of Mother Nature and track schedules working against them, and no help from large companies, this small group of enthusiasts ran off pure automotive passion, and ended up managing a great feat.
We tip our hats to everyone involved in this incredible story, and hope you enjoy this tribute to the latest generation Viper as much as we did. I guess it’s true that “true legends never die.”