The Beast Arrives

**Atari_Prime** · 10-27-2015

The beast arrived today. It has been somewhat of a journey but it is now here. The beast is a 1998 GTS. Red with factory silver stripes. 1 of 11.

And I suppose 'the beast' is probably not the best name for it considering a) most cars are named after women and b) most people here have a Viper therefore we all have our own beasts. I have yet to come up with the proper name for her yet but, soon.

The arrival was entertaining to say the least but I am happy she is here. I used Passport transport. They were competent but I would not call it ideal. The truck broke down for two days on the way here. They did not cover the car. And the transporter climbed in through the window to get into the driver seat. He did use a covering to climb in but still it seemed a bit archaic. That said he was very nice, very competent, and I do not believe he damaged the car in anyway.

18 years and 18,000 miles later, life has been kind to her but she does need new tires, an oil change, and a couple of spots of paint.

I took her on a short drive. She performed admirably. Though I must admit to being slightly over protective as people got too close to my bumper at a couple moments. It is entertaining the amount of rubbernecking that occurs with this car. It is something I'm not used to, having been a Corvette guy much of my life. While I do love Corvettes, they definitely do not get the amount of attention this car gets.

For now the name of the game is respect and maintenance. Perhaps by March I'll be ready to see what her limits are.

In the meantime I plan on joining the local Viper club and getting to know the community better. Dan Cragin is my mechanic so I think I'm off to a decent start there. Are any of you members in the Southern California area?

I'm happy to join the national club as well. Though rumor has it the Viper Club of America is largely no more. Absent looking up the info, can you guys summarize the cost and benefits of national membership?

Thx

**Camfab** · 10-27-2015

Local and national is one and the same. Be happy you missed the divorce, in a nutshell, most everyone here was part of the Viper Club of America. SoCal club President is Glenn and his wife Stephanie. Both great people and friends of mine. The SoCal club is very active and has a large contingent of track rats. Really good people!
As an FYI, Dan is a great no BS mechanic. His advice is one to respect.

**plumcrazy** · 10-27-2015

id rather not talk about the club divorce as that has been beat to death. but dan cragin is the go to guy in cali along with todd at A&C, both are some of the best around, youre lucky to have them so close