2022 Spotlight On Dodge Viper

The Dodge Viper was initially conceived in late 1988 at Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studios. The following February, Chrysler president Bob Lutz suggested to Tom Gale that the company should consider producing a modern Cobra, and a clay model was presented to Lutz. Produced in sheet metal by Metalcrafters, the car appeared as a concept at the 1989 North American International Auto Show. Public reaction was so enthusiastic that chief engineer Roy Sjöberg was directed to develop it as a standard production vehicle.

Roy Sjoberg selected 85 engineers to be “Team Viper”, with development beginning in March 1989. The production body was completed in fall 1989, with a chassis prototype running in December. Though a V8 engine was first used in the test mule, the V10 engine, which the production car was meant to use, was ready in February 1990. Approval from Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca came in May 1990. One year later, Carroll Shelby piloted a pre-production car as the pace car at the 1991 Indy 500. In November, the Viper was released with the first retail shipments beginning in January 1992.

Dodge Vipers have been a staple at the PVGP Historic Races since Jim and Kathy Stout purchased the track in 2011. They have been racing their SRT Vipers there ever since and serve as ambassadors for the brand.

Thanks to the Vipers Owners Association and their volunteers for their support.!

Dodge Viper Spotlight Events During the 2022 PVGP Race Week

July 14-17 – Pittsburgh International Race Complex
– Optional Test & Tune on Thursday, July 14 for racers. Details
– All Vipers will race in the “Modern Historic” Group. Register to race thru MSR.
– Display area for Viper Car Show to watch the races from Spectator Hill with the Western Reserve Viper Club.
– Historic cars racing on track all day with winners recognized in the Helltown Brewing Winners Circle Saturday and Sunday.
– Admission is $20 per day, children 12 and under are free. Hours are 9 AM – 5 PM.
– Catch a ride for a lap of the track in a vintage car at lunchtime on the weekend.
Details

Friday, July 15 – Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala
– Formal party at the Grand Concourse Restaurant at Station Square
– Tickets are $295 per person. Any special Vipers that show up will be displayed.
Details

Monday, July 18 – Walnut Street Invitational Car Show
– 125 vehicle Car Show in Shadyside – just two miles from Schenley Park. Cars by invitation only.
– Space is reserved for 2 special Vipers to be displayed.
– Show is free to attend and runs from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
Details

Tuesday, July 19 – Waterfront Car Cruise
– All Vipers attending will be parked in a feature area.
– Open to the public car cruise at Waterfront Shopping Center in Homestead.
– Show runs from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
– $10 donation to be in the show that features 750 cars of all types.
Details

Wednesday, July 20 – Downtown Car Display
– PVGP will host car displays until 2:00 PM at PPG Place, Market Square and USX Plaza.
– $15 donation to be in the show.
Details

Wednesday, July 20 – Tune-Up
– Car Show & Party from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the SouthsSde Works.
– A special display of Vipers in the Town Square.
Details

Thursday, July 21 – Passport to Elegance Jet Center Party
– Landing at the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport.
– Vintage aircraft and concours quality cars in a unique setting.
– Featuring scrumptious passed hors devours, top notch strolling food stations and two top-shelf open bars.
– The evening will also include live big band music, silent and live auctions and other surprises you won’t want to miss.
Details

Friday, July 22 – Viper Team Dinner
– The Pittsburgh Golf Club, established in 1896 and located along the golf course, boasts a rich history and tradition.
– 5:30 arrival and Viper Show in front of the Golf Club.
– Dinner from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
– Cost is $45 per person. Register here.

Schenley Park Race Weekend

Saturday, July 23 – Spotlight Exhibit
– Be a part of the International Car Show on the Bob O’Connor Golf course, by the Pittsburgh Golf Club.
– Special area for Viper owners to display on 18th fairway by the Cortile
– Cost is $125 for the weekend and includes lunch for 2 in the Pittsburgh Golf Club.
– Afternoon Presentation at Viper Tent by Viper Team.
– Participants receive a commemorative PVGP Race Program, window decal.
– Watch vintage races through the streets of Schenley Park from Turn 9 VIP Area.
– Register here

Sunday, July 24 – Spotlight Exhibit
– Be a part of the International Car Show on the Bob O’Connor Golf course, by the Pittsburgh Golf Club.
– Afternoon Presentation at Viper Tent by Viper Team.
– Wine Tasting at Turn 9 at Westinghouse Pond along the Schenley Park track.
– Self Guided Paddock Tour.
– Participants receive a commemorative PVGP Race Program, window decal.
– Register here.

Roy “Father Viper” Sjoberg will join the PVGP this July to celebrate all things Viper!

When Chrysler decided to stretch its legs and the Dodge Viper R/T 10 concept at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, company president and vice chairman Bob Lutz wasn’t aware yet that it would eventually put it into production in late-1991. After wowing the crowds and getting the green light for the real deal, the 85-member-strong “Team Viper” was formed to master simultaneous engineering very quickly, led by chief engineer Roy Sjoberg.

Roy was given full responsibility for the Viper project, and he took the Viper concept from the drawing board to production in less than three years. Normally, a company would spend as much as $2 billion to do so. He did it with about $50 million.

Here are some links to other stories about the Viper and Roy:

Why the Original 1991 Viper SR1 Prototype Was a Mad Engineering Gamble – The Drive 2020

Dodge Viper “white mule” prototype to make first concours appearance – Hemmings 2015

Snake, Recoiled: A Visual History of the Dodge Viper – Car And Driver 2018

Celebrating the life and times of the Viper, America’s favorite bad boy – Hagerty 2017

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Cranberry offers 189 accommodations. Block of PVGP rooms starting at $115. Located at the intersection of 1-79 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, they are easily accessible to Pitt Race and Schenley Park. The expansive parking lot provides plenty of options for any and all vehicles. Enjoy a drink or grab a bite at our in-house restaurant, Ember & Vine. Our indoor/outdoor pool, sauna and fitness center will help you relax or let off some steam. And don’t forget about your warm DoubleTree cookie at check-in!