Author Archives: Motor City Viper Owners

2020 Veterans Day Parade

Posted on by

15th Annual Detroit Veterans Day Parade
This year the theme is “SALUTING OUR WOMEN VETERANS”

The Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition (MDVC) exists to give veterans a platform to continue to serve their communities.  They seek to inspire patriotism through civic, patriotic events and community initiatives, bringing citizens, our youth, active military and veterans together for a common cause.

To keep our community safe, the Veterans Coalition held a virtual parade, which MCVO participated in.

The parade will be broadcast/streamed this Wednesday, allowing veterans and spectators to watch from the safety of their homes.

It was an honor for MCVO to have been invited.  We had 7 Vipers following the MCVO/Veterans Day banner, which was carried by Lori Emerling and Susan Andring.

We encourage all our members to watch the stream from the comfort of their homes.  The parade will be shown on November 11th, starting at 11am.
You may click here to be taken to the broadcast.

We also want to take this opportunity to thank our members and their families who have served, or are currently serving, in the armed forces for their sacrifice to our country.

(Note: To view all photos for this event, move your mouse or cursor toward the picture, then click on the directional arrows that will appear.)   You may also click on a photo where you’ll be sent to Flickr and can download your favorite.
2020 Veterans Day Parade

2020 Fall Tech Day

Posted on by

On November 7th, our Motorsports Director, Mike Sutton arranged for us to visit PMD Garage, in Pontiac.

The weather has been unusually warm for the last few days, with highs around 70’s.  Unfortunately, some of our members had already placed their cars in hibernation, prior to the warmer weather, but a few diehards were looking for a good reason to drive to another event.  We had a good turnout with 19 in attendance and 9 Vipers.

Our host, Gordon Heidacker, who was a former Executive with Chrysler, and involved in the original development of the Viper.  Gordon introduced his team and gave us a very informative talk on what PMD is doing today and working on for the future.  From advanced Viper engine development to building state of the art electric karts for M1 Concourse, PMD Garage has fascinating development projects that you will never see anywhere else.  Gordon also mentioned that they are investigating creating Viper parts that are no longer available to the public.  Our members loved the idea and were quick to make suggestions of parts they are unable to find.

After Gordon’s talk, members roamed around their very unusual building to see the various classic cars being stored or projects underway.

We want to thank Mike for coordinating this fun event and Gordon for taking the time to host our group.

(Note: To view all photos for this event, move your mouse or cursor toward the picture, then click on the directional arrows that will appear.)  You may also click on a photo where you’ll be sent to Flickr and can download your favorite.
2020 Fall Tech Day

2020 Fall Tech Day – Nov. 7th

Posted on by


Our Motorsports Director, Mike Sutton, along with our host, Gordon Heidacker of PMD Garage, invite you to participate in our Fall Tech Day.

From advanced Viper engine development to building state of the art electric karts for M1 Concourse, PMD Garage has fascinating development projects that you will never see anywhere else. Gordon is a former Executive with Chrysler who was involved in the original development of the Viper.

Where: PMD Garage, 40 West Pike St., Pontiac.
You may click here for directions.

When: November 7th, from 10am to Noon

Coffee and donuts, will be provided by our club.
We ask that you bring your own chairs.

We must wear masks, practice social distancing and follow all current CDC Guidelines during this event. Masks may be removed when consuming food or drink.

In order to help us prepare, please signup using the link below.
The cutoff for signup is 11/5/20.

Questions can be directed to our event coordinator, Mike Sutton, at
(586) 782-2225 or email: cuda73318@yahoo.com

2020 October Cruise Night – Luigi’s

Posted on by

We’ve now settled into cooler days, as the month of October comes to a close. The morning of the 21st, saw rain in the early hours but dried up by mid-day.  It actually turned out to be a beautiful day with sun and temps in the hi-50’s.

Our Cruise Director, Rick Jakacki, found us a new venue on the west side, called Luigi’s Trattoria Pizzeria, in Livonia.  In addition, our Cruise-Maestro, Bob Swartz, created a mini fall cruise to the restaurant from Waterford.

Luigi’s was very accommodating for our group with parking in the rear, our own waitstaff and tables outdoors.  Members were given the choice of inside or outside dining.  Most opted for dining alfresco.  We had 12 Vipers and 23 in attendance.

While the sun was still out, it was quite pleasant dining outside.  Once the sun set, it got a little chilly, but everyone braved the cold and had a great time, enjoying great food and great company.

Our beloved Diane Cipponeri got a little chilled and our very debonair Tony Smith jumped in to save a damsel in distress.

Traditionally there are no Cruise Nights in November or December, so it was good to see everyone for our last Cruise Night of the year.  Hopefully for the new year, we’ll have some new options for getting together.

(Note: To view all photos for this event, move your mouse or cursor toward the picture, then click on the directional arrows that will appear.)  You may also click on a photo where you’ll be sent to Flickr and can download your favorite.
2020 October Cruise Night - Luigi's

EOI – N. Indiana Color Tour – October 24th

Posted on by


Event of Interest
Invitation from Viper Owners in North Indiana
Saturday, October 24th, starting at 11am

A group of Viper owners in Northern Indiana have invited us for a fun day to bond with other owners and enjoy the Indiana countryside.  While this is not an official Viper club event, we thought there may be a few MCVO members who would enjoy attending and socializing.

The day will begin at Ray Swears’ warehouse of Vipers.  Ray and his brother race with NASA and own 20+ Vipers, plus numerous other collectible cars.

To date they have 15 Vipers attending from the Illinois’ and Indiana regions.

Event: Viper gathering, lunch and tech session, followed by fall color tour.

Date: Oct. 24th, 11 am – 2 pm

Host: Ray Swears

Location: Positron Corporation, 4614 Wayland Dr., Elkhart, IN
You may click here for directions.

Recommended Hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Elkhart, 330 Northpointe Blvd, Elkhart, IN.  You may click here for directions.

RSVP to: Ray Swears, 574-215-8777 or email: ray@positroncorp.com
or text Leslie McLaughlin at 574-315-7727

2020 Veterans Day Parade – Nov. 8th

Posted on by

Registration has closed

MCVO has been invited to participate in the 2020
Detroit Veterans Day Parade
The Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition (MDVC) exists to give veterans a platform to serve their communities.  They seek to inspire patriotism through civic and patriotic events and community initiatives, bringing citizens, our youth, active military and veterans together for a common cause.

The MDVC will be having a Veterans Day Parade on November 8th.  The event will be broadcast/livestreamed so veterans and spectators can watch from the safety of their homes. Take a moment to view past parades on YouTube to see the many groups who participate, their enthusiasm and how much everyone is enjoying the event!

It is an honor for MCVO to be invited, with space for 12 Vipers, no less!
At this time, the details are being finalized, but we are being asked to present them with our list of interested members.

This is a Viper only event.

Participation is by invitation only and participants must wear face masks, practice social distancing and have their temperatures checked at sign in.

Questions can be directed to Mike Sutton:
cell (586) 782-2225,
email cuda73318@yahoo.com

2020 Lutz Do a Fall Color Tour

Posted on by

As Michigan heads in fall, the weather in October can be a gamble, but on Saturday the 10th, it turned out to be spectacular.  The morning started out on the cool side but the temps quickly rose, and headed to a high of about 75 degrees.

Our Coordinator, Jon Block, came up with a event, that beat almost all of our attendance records.  In addition to a fall cruise, Jon was able to have our club go to the Lutz Farm (as in Bob), and meet the legend himself.  As you can imagine, the event registration was off the charts.  There were over a 130 in attendance with 66 Vipers.

The attendees met in the morning at a central location, and headed off in their respective groups, arranged by Viper “generations”.  Each group left at 10 minute intervals, and enjoyed a scenic ride thru Michigan’s fall colors.  Eventually each group rolled into the Lutz Farm in order of production.  We were in awe of the beautiful sprawling grounds which included swans in their scenic pond, endless green pastures to park the cars, an all purpose “garage” now used for events and a soon to be finished “addition” to a barn.  Our members and their guest enjoyed lunch, salad, cake and beverages, courtesy of MCVO.

One of our invited guests, Jean Mallebay-Vacqueur, former Director of Chrysler’s Scientific Lab and General Manager of Special Projects was able to attend and enjoy this special day honoring Bob.  Our Coordinator, Jon, presented Bob with a personal gift of a Gen 1 Viper model, with all 130 names that attended that day, written on the car.  MCVO also presented Bob with a few mementos and gifts from our club.

Bob Lutz graciously autographed everything that was placed in front of him, including all manner of car parts.  With his cigar in hand, each of us will remember meeting this man who did so much for the auto industry, and our historic visit.

We want to thank Jon Block who spent countless hours and sleepless nights preparing for this event.  We also want to thank the small army of volunteers who helped with every aspect and made sure nothing was overlooked.  This is only a small list, but we need to make sure these people are recognized for their efforts.  Many were working behind the scenes and never got a chance to enjoy the cruise or gatherings.  They are: Mike/Diane Cipponeri, Bob Swartz, Mike Sutton, Susan Andring, Rick Jakacki, and Marianne Peggie.

Lastly, our sincere thanks go to Bob Lutz and his wife Terri, who let us come to their farm and entertain well over a hundred people.  Years from now, our members will still be talking about this day.

(Note: To view all photos for this event, move your mouse or cursor toward the picture, then click on the directional arrows that will appear.)  You may also click on a photo where you’ll be sent to Flickr and can download your favorite.

Mike Doljevic consistently takes some beautiful photos and this event was no exception.  You may click here to be taken, to his collection.

2020 Lutz Do a Fall Color Tour

Lutz Do a Fall Color Tour – Oct. 10th

Posted on by

Registration has been closed for this event!

Please note new “Initial Start Meeting Point” location

Lutz Do a Fall Color Tour
Saturday, October 10th, starting at 9:00am

Our Coordinator, Jon Block, has a phenomenal event in store for you.

At 9:00 AM, We’ll meet at the “Initial Start Meeting Point” which is:

Kohl’s parking lot at:
6650 Whitmore Lake Rd, Brighton
You may click here for directions.

We recommend you have enough gas for 120 miles.

Please refer to your club email for full details of the itinerary, and additional meet/waypoints.

At a later stop, we will be joined by our invited special Chrysler guests.  We don’t want to ruin the surprise but Jon has invited some influential members of the Chrysler Executive Team, during Viper.

Prior to leaving, the last meet point, all MCVO Vipers will be arranged chronologically, with Gen 1 cars first.

This will be a historic opportunity to meet and greet Bob Lutz.  Jon has offered to bring paint pens, so you can have Bob sign that special place on your vehicle.

We’re not done – there will be pizza, salad, beverages and a cake.

We forgot to mention the best part –
Cost: 100% underwritten by club funds
For you: free, nada, zip, zero dollars

All invitees will be required to wear face masks when not eating or drinking.  We also ask that you bring your own folding chairs for seating.

Clear your calendar and signup!  We need a reliable headcount in order to buy all the necessary items.

Not sure you can make it?  Hold off on signing up until you know for sure.  We want to avoid “no-shows”, the goal is to spend the club’s money wisely!

The cutoff for signup is (Close of Business) 10/5/20

Please click on the “Register Now” button, below, to register.

You may also follow the participation, or verify your registration on our web site, under Who’s Attending.

Click here to be taken to the page. (password: viper2016)

2020 October Cruise Night – Oct. 21st

Posted on by


MCVO Presents our October Cruise Night

with
an actual mini-Color Cruise!

Luigi’s Trattoria Pizzeria
October 21st
We’ve now added a mini-Cruise for those that want to caravan. 
See below for revised Cruise route and times

Luigi’s Pizzeria prides itself on offering all homemade authentic Italian cuisine as well as their twist on American classics.  The newly renovated Luigi’s offers the best quality food and service while providing a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

Luigi’s welcomes you to experience their outstanding pizza, as well as a variety of Italian pasta dishes.

They also have a full bar, craft beers on tap, along with imported and regional wines.

You may click here for a sample of their menu.

For our safety, we will have a similar arrangement as the September Cruise with waitstaff outside.  You will have the choice to eat on deck, in-house, or at your cars.  We also suggest you bring a lawn chair.

Your coordinator strongly request that you not only maintain ’social distancing’ but also wear a face mask when not eating.
Thank you for making sure none of us contributes to the spread of the virus.

In addition, our Cruise-“maestro” Bob Swartz,
has created a super easy cruise Luigi’s for us.
To join the caravan simply wait at or near one of the listed places or along the route.
You don’t need to sign up.

The weather looks good, but if you really feel you need to drive your daily car, please hang to the back of the pack and allow Vipers in ahead of you.

Click here for the current Cruise route.

Note: Only use this map for road names and compass direction.  Do not follow the turns in this Google Map.     Travel time is 1:17

Pass-by/meet-up times shown.
We won’t depart prior to the listed times, BUT if we are running late we will not pull into each lot.  Park and wait where you can see the road, so that as Vipers
approach you can get in the line,
either as we pass by or in the lot depending on departure time.

4:50 – Start, Bob’s Home (6705 Pontiac Lake Rd)

4:57 – MY TOWN MOBIL, 5761 Cooley Lake Rd, Waterford Twp

5:04 – Orchard Lake Country Club, 5000 W Shore Dr, West Bloomfield Township

5:15 – Kirk in the Hills, 1340 W Long Lake Rd, Bloomfield Twp
(Entrance is on the west side of the grounds.)

5:19 – Chase Bank, 1116 W Long Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills

5:27 – Franklin Rd & Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfield Twp,

(Below is a new landmark)
5:34 – Knollwood Country Club, 5050 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township

5:41 – Bergman-Porretta Eye Center, 29990 Northwestern Hwy, Farmington Hills

5:53 – Angling St (at 8 Mile), Livonia

6:07 – Luigi’s Trattoria Pizzeria

If you’re unable to cruise with Bob, we’ll see you Luigi’s!
If you can’t make it at 6:30pm, feel free to join when you can.

Event Coordinator is Rick Jakacki.
He can be reached via text at (313) 805-4604.
Bob Swartz, your Cruise-O-Holic   (248) 882-4301   racerbob@comcast.net