How a Dream Time Attack Viper Morphed Into an Unruly Beast
Imagine the thrill of finding out that your YouTube channel's success has unlocked the opportunity to race a fully-funded time attack season. Now imagine that the car you'll be piloting is none other than the beast you had plastered on your college dorm wall, the 2010 Viper ACR Voodoo Edition. This was the dizzying reality for Kevin Burke, a dream opportunity that would see him navigate the high-octane world of Southern California’s most cutthroat time attack series.
The Unlikely Journey Begins
Burke's sponsor, Torco, had deep pockets, but that didn't mean he could cruise without care. Beyond driving, he had to strategize on how to best fit the Viper into a competitive class without bursting Torco’s budget. Opting for NASA’s TT1 class and outfitting the car with Toyo RR tires seemed like a viable path, even if they had to add weight to meet regulations. Against the field, the Viper's 600+ horsepower promised a fighting chance, or so it seemed.
Victory came quickly for Burke, but so did accusations of underhanded play. Despite his successes, it became clear that the Viper demanded a nuanced approach, significantly different from his past experiences with lighter, more nimble cars like the Honda S2000. The Viper was a beast of two natures: confident and precise in high-speed sections but clumsy in the tighter corners. Its factory aero package offered over a thousand pounds of downforce at 150 mph, making it awkwardly dependent on mechanical grip at lower speeds.
Finding Harmony Through Tweaks
Adapting his driving style was just the start. The Viper needed fine-tuning to reach its potential. Suspension upgrades led Burke to swap his KW suspension kit for Penske 8300 two-way adjustable coilovers, seeking improvements not just for the track but for everyday drivability. Through trial, error, and expert advice, he aimed for a setup that offered crispness and control, transforming the car's handling.
Drivetrain adjustments followed. The factory gearing was impractical for the tracks Burke preferred, leading him to switch to a 3.55 final drive for better acceleration and powerband efficiency. Addressing wheelspin, he replaced the failing differential with a Wavetrac clutch-type diff, a compromise forged from necessity rather than preference.
The Proof Is in the Performance
The moment of truth came for Burke and his Viper, with improved road manners and on-track performance that far exceeded expectations. Despite the modifications, the Viper remained a demanding drive, requiring precision to manage its power and maintain control. Yet, the shakedown run was promising, with the Viper showing significant potential for lower lap times and improved performance on Burke's target track, Buttonwillow Raceway Park.
Although the Viper was far from perfect, Burke found charm in its raw, unfiltered character. It’s a continuous project, a labor of love that offers rewards and challenges unmatched by any other vehicle. The Viper’s development journey from a poster on the wall to a formidable track contender illustrates that the most unruly beasts can be tamed, albeit with patience, skill, and a bit of madness.