Nurburgring Re Do or Local Events it s up to you

[mackzilla]

I would have preferred a discounted track day but thanks for that too Russ!

Merry Christmas!

[Heysie]

Thanks Russ for all the effort and the best choice to spent the money on charity.

[ClayR]

Guys, after all the derision, I've decided to give it to charity. I've already given away half and the other half will be given away after Jan. 1. Honestly, if you guys knew how much work and thousands of hours went into this.....I worked on it full time for a year. It is crazy to try figure out how to give it back. Over 473 people donated amounts ranging from $5 to $20,000. Nobody seems to realize that if we went over budget, it came directly out of my pocket. The only reason we had ANY money at the end was that I spent the time (another year) to chase down a party that used the pictures without authorization. If we lost the suit, it again came out of my pocket. But when we settled, in a show of good faith, I asked the Viper community "What do you want me to do with the money?" Some of the responses were quite harsh and insulting. Most of them showed that they didn't really understand how much work went into the project. One even accused me of running a "for profit" event. It became clear that no matter what I did, there would be criticism. A couple of guys suggested that I give it to charity. I thought about it for a month and decided that was the least controversial and best thing to do. All donations were in the name of Viper Nurburgring Record, should you like to look them up. A large percentage of the money went to veterans' charities, like Wounded Warriors, Folds of Honor, Tunnels to Towers, and Disabled Veterans. Some went to Mercy Ships (a high tech medical ship that gives free operations for things like hare lips, removal of tumors, and birth defects, for people in third world nations) Some went to charities that help animals, such as The Humane Society and the ASPCA. I also gave a chunk to The Special Olympics (for children with special needs) and The Free Clinics, a medical service for the indigent in North Carolina. All charities had 3 or 4 stars (out of 4) on Charity Navigator. I know that giving to charity won't make some happy, but I have bent over backwards to try to do the right thing. As the holidays approach, let's all be grateful that we all own Vipers and that without a penny of help from the factory, we turned a 7:01.3, the fastest American car to ever grace The Ring, even today. Together, we all got a lot accomplished. We set a record and gave to people in need.

And there it is, look at me, look at what i did. This was all about your ego Russ, plain and simple. And I did have authorization to use one photo that you forgot about and that is what started this. So stop spreading lies! Then you back dated a copy right agreement and sued me for photos that a lot of people shared themselves on Facebook. You didn't sue them, just me. You are a real piece of work. I remember you begging for money. I would have loved to go to trial but my insurance company didn't want to gamble and called it off the day before trail was to start. No one that I know, that knows you personally had one good thing to say about you.

[NT-ACR]

And there it is, look at me, look at what i did. This was all about your ego Russ, plain and simple. And I did have authorization to use one photo that you forgot about and that is what started this. So stop spreading lies! Then you back dated a copy right agreement and sued me for photos that a lot of people shared themselves on Facebook. You didn't sue them, just me. You are a real piece of work. I remember you begging for money. I would have loved to go to trial but my insurance company didn't want to gamble and called it off the day before trail was to start. No one that I know, that knows you personally had one good thing to say about you.

I'd like to know more about this whole situation. What exactly happened?

[SLP]

I'd like to know more about this whole situation. What exactly happened?

Me as well, I guess I'm late to know about the situation. If someone went after my company based on a premise like that, I would be livid.

[OneofOneViper]

Let's see here, you went after someone who was a sponsor for your record run because they used/shared some pictures that everyone on the internet was already sharing and using? To me it sounds like you were just trying to go after the biggest fish and get some money. Then to save face, you decided to donate it to charity so you didn't look so bad. The people/person/company you sued are viper community people that supported your effort to set a record. This is the thanks you give to those who support you? I'm glad you posted this and tried to put your own spin on it, but it's clear as day you have some ethical issues at the very least.

[Bruce H.]

Let's refrain from trying to litigate this in public. Both parties had the chance to present their case in court. One lost, one won, and we should not get drawn into a court of public opinion.

[13COBRA]

Let's refrain from trying to litigate this in public. Both parties had the chance to present their case in court. One lost, one won, and we should not get drawn into a court of public opinion.

I believe it settled..?

[TrackAire]

Corona Virus, quarantined at home for god knows how long, the economy is shit, a couple bottles of Jack Daniels, lots of time to think and a laptop.

The potential for some epic posts is probably better than it has been in a a long time.

[Fatboy 18]

I'd like to know more about this whole situation. What exactly happened?

Page 1 of this thread
"Good News Everybody: I’m happy to announce that Viper Nurburgring Record, the company that funded the effort to be the Ring King, has settled its litigation involving a car dealer who copied and used the copyrighted photographs without a license (definitely NOT Viper Exchange or BJ Motors). After a federal court judge ruled in VNR’s favor on its copyright infringement claims, we reached a favorable settlement in the amount of $280,000. After litigation expenses and taxes, the proceeds from the litigation will be approximately $100,000. Since I organized the original event for the Viper community, I want to use the money to benefit the Viper community. I am asking for your suggestions as to how to further the interests of Viper lovers with this money. Specifically, should VNR put the money towards funding another trip back to The Ring or use the money on local and regional Viper events across the country?"

[One Viper Bite]

I agree that some more explanation is needed. There were only 3 dealer sponsors for the Nurburgring Vipers, and Russ made it a point to say it was not BJ or Viper Exchange, which only leave ClayR's dealership which was Robbins Motor Company. How you could justify suing a sponsor for using an image from this campaign in any capacity is beyond me. Even if Clay used a photo to promote his dealership or the sale of the car, how does that compete or pose any threat to the goal of this campaign? The goal of one was to break a record because we all shared a mutual passion for a platform. The other is a business that contributed to that campaign. Why that business wouldn't be allowed to use any assets produced by that campaign for other purposes I don't really understand.

[BJG32]

And there it is, look at me, look at what i did. This was all about your ego Russ, plain and simple. And I did have authorization to use one photo that you forgot about and that is what started this. So stop spreading lies! Then you back dated a copy right agreement and sued me for photos that a lot of people shared themselves on Facebook. You didn't sue them, just me. You are a real piece of work. I remember you begging for money. I would have loved to go to trial but my insurance company didn't want to gamble and called it off the day before trail was to start. No one that I know, that knows you personally had one good thing to say about you.

clayR..... i know your anger well. I wanted to go to court to defend a frivolous lawsuit against my wife and our business with a psychopath ex boss of hers. All lies, but insurance settled with him because it was cheaper.

I dont know the facts of your case, but IF you are innocent your opponent will get his karma im sure and I hope for it. Im waiting for karma to catch up to the evil person that terrorized us (schools for kids with Autism) for 2.5 years.

Cant imagine how a damn picture in a car ad cost anyone $280k for a LOSING campaign at the ring.

Our legal system is F'd and set up to let evil win way too much.

Despicable.

[BJG32]

Let's refrain from trying to litigate this in public. Both parties had the chance to present their case in court. One lost, one won, and we should not get drawn into a court of public opinion.

Doesn't sound like anyone won. Insurance took the cheap route. Justice cost too much. So pay the baby to go away.

Been there, done that, got the t shirt.

[BJG32]

sorry...just thinking about this and what i went through really makes me sympathize with the defendant (unfaily as I dont know facts...just a hunch). Im so disappointed in our legal system. The wounds of my trial are deep and still healing and I know evil 'wins' because its all a money grab for the courts.

Good luck ClayR sorry this happened.

[Bryan Savage]

Who is John Galt?

[serpent]

Clay, I'm surprised it took you this long to respond when I looked up the details awhile back I thought it was ridiculous.

[ClayR]

Clay, I'm surprised it took you this long to respond when I looked up the details awhile back I thought it was ridiculous.

When he first posted this, it was fresh off his "victory". I drafted a response and had my lawyer proof it, but took the high road as advised by many smarter than I. This was a contentious lawsuit as most are, but in my humble opinion, this was a personal vendetta against myself for have the audacity to challenge Mr. Oasis memory. I was MY DECISION to kick the confidentiality agreement because deep down, I know what I did was nothing. It was only after Mr. Oasis has slandered my name on this very forum by saying I did not have permission when in fact I did have permission to use one photo for advertisement purposes. I will give my account of the events below.

I'd like to know more about this whole situation. What exactly happened?

My version of the events below.

Me as well, I guess I'm late to know about the situation. If someone went after my company based on a premise like that, I would be livid.

I was, I have settled down but it was a terrible 1.5 years. I will never sponsor anybody for anything ever again. I will never give to a Go Fund Me Campaign. Moral of this story is don't support greedy, egotistical old white men.

Let's see here, you went after someone who was a sponsor for your record run because they used/shared some pictures that everyone on the internet was already sharing and using? To me it sounds like you were just trying to go after the biggest fish and get some money. Then to save face, you decided to donate it to charity so you didn't look so bad. The people/person/company you sued are viper community people that supported your effort to set a record. This is the thanks you give to those who support you? I'm glad you posted this and tried to put your own spin on it, but it's clear as day you have some ethical issues at the very least.

Thank you for your support.

Let's refrain from trying to litigate this in public. Both parties had the chance to present their case in court. One lost, one won, and we should not get drawn into a court of public opinion.

Is that what happened here? one won and one lost? how about the whole Viper community lost.

I believe it settled..?

It is. But apparently not in the court of public opinion. All in a days work in Dealership life, eh?!

Corona Virus, quarantined at home for god knows how long, the economy is shit, a couple bottles of Jack Daniels, lots of time to think and a laptop.

The potential for some epic posts is probably better than it has been in a a long time.

Yeah I don't want to get sued again. lol. I will stick with the facts. All disposed in a conference room in Overland Park, Kansas. For the price of the lawsuit, Mr. Oasis did have to make a few trips to Kansas.

[ClayR]

Ok Viper Nation, do you want my version of events?

My father and I were in process of opening a new, small town car dealership in Manhattan, KS. It was our second one and a step up from the original store he purchased that sold about 25-30 cars a month, that is in a small town in rural Kansas. At the time the event originated my focus was solely on getting the new store up and running. Once I was able to catch my breath, I had seen Mr. Oasis was still asking for donations for the event. I sent him a PM and asked what it would take to get my name on the car. We settle on $4000 and I would be allowed to use one photo in an advertisement. I cut a check and mailed it to him in Miami. I was thrilled with the placement on the car and felt it was worth the initial investment, hell, just to have my name on that car. I had purchased GTSR #58 from Viper Exchange in July of 2017 right before the event started so I did want to see it best the Europeans. During the event, many photos were shared on the Official N

- - - Updated - - -

The attempt fails to break the 7 minute mark and Russ is back at begging for money to go back. I said I could do a little, and he sure was insistent, indignant even. I settled on $1000 personally and another $2000 from my company. $7000 all in. Mind you Russ put in $5000 of his own money so I was in fact more financially invested than Mr Oasis at this point. He takes the group back. They fail again.

A month or so goes by and I get a message from Mr. Oasis. I need to pay him $1000 for the photo I was using on this very site because it is his property. I was a little bit floored as he told me I could use one photo. This is where all hell breaks loose. I tell him to fuck off. I say I know I was given permission to use one or two photos. He says no I wasn't. At this point he has said nothing about the facebook photos. NOT A GOD DAMN WORD. Only wants $1000 for one photo, not $12000 for 12 photos. He ADMITTED to me personally that he FORGOT he said I could use one. So instead of trying to make it right with me, he comes after me. My last message to him was I would give him the $1000 for the ONE PHOTO but I would "flame" him on the forums. What he and his smarmy ass lawyer didn't realize that the court of public opinion is brutal. I knew once Viper nation heard the story, no one in their right mind could respect this guy. I did not hear a peep back for 4-5 months.

[ClayR]

In October 2017 Mr. Oasis had a back dated copyright agreement made, I believe it was dated the day before I shared the photos, because his original one he made wasn't legally binding. Out of the 1000 or so pictures the photographer took, guess how many Mr. Oasis put in his copyright? You guessed it, ALL TWELVE I shared and NONE OF THE OTHERS! That reeks of a set up and what an absolute cowardly move. So he got me in Federal Court to the tune of $280,000. My lawyer estimated he walked with $100K. My lawyer, Richard, a California Republican who grew up in Berkeley with three Democrat sister, graduated from Berkeley and was NUMBER ONE in his class at HARVARD would have mopped those bozos up in court and that, in my opinion, is why they settled the day or two before trial. I spent at least a quarter million on my defense. As they say, the lawyers win. I was full on gung ho to go to trail and I was the one to kick the confidentiality agreement out. Richard says, the truth is the best defense. I have had to watch what I say, because Mr. Oasis did try to get me for Libel.


Fast forward to March of 2018 and I am in Cabo with my girlfriend celebrating a year of success with the MOPAR Vehicle Protection Star Performers Inner Circle, and I get a call from my father about a lawsuit from some guy names Russ Oasis. I want to thank you for the strained relationship with my father of these course of events. I hope it was worth it for you. I send him and Bernie a joint message asking what the fuck his going on. Bernie, RIP, along with Ben Keating, I was told, tried talking Russ off this lawsuit. I have no issues with VE. I dated Courtney for a while in the middle of all this. I was able to find some glaring issues with the attempt itself though discovery of this lawsuit. I can't believe Mr. Oasis never heard the saying, don't throw stones from a glass house.

He demanded $300,000, a confidentiality agreement and he won't sue. I take it to my dad who thinks it is baseless. He said he didn't have any money left but he used the $10,000 left over to initiate the lawsuit against me, per his deposition. So anyone who funded this attempt, funded his lawsuit against me, which was also me. Which makes this whole situation such a clusterfuck. As far as I am concerned, I thought this was a family community. I have met some of greatest people and so many people in this hobby are fantastic. But I had to meet Russ. UGH. I was telling Ben his post on selling his Viper was right, people that don't know, think its about flash and clout and being cool. It really is about people. You don't sue family. That is not the way I was raised. We may disagree and shit talk and whatever, but we never sue, especially for trivial shit like Facebook photos. If Mr. Oasis would have brought the facebook photos to my attention, I would have removed them. He stabbed me in the back by not being up front with me, he wasn't honest about the true scope of the photos. I believe once I pissed him off, he went snooping on my facebook, since WE WERE FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK so he would have seen them if he looked way back when I originally posted them. They were photos that everyone else on the internet posted. The photographer said they were suppose to get out there.


Had I known that this wasn't a stock attempt, I wouldn't have messed with it. I believe my company and I were defrauded by the actions of Mr Oasis. It was billed as a stock record attempt, but in my opinion, was anything but. They said all they did was improve the car for safety of the driver, but that included a carbon clutch and two blueprinted motors from Prefix that were installed. Those two little tidbits were made evident by Mr. Oasis's lawyer who told me that when you are on a track, you need those two things for safety. Then why didn't you tell everyone? People are out pushing their stock Vipers like they are running the Ring thinking they have the same setup, when in fact, they don't. Their team said it didn't matter and that I still would have given and it didn't affect the attempt. I SAY BULLSHIT!!!!!

One interesting fact from this whole case is the Mr. Oasis owns 1998 GTSR #58 and I bought the #58 2017 version. He asked me to sell it to him before the attempt and I said $200K. He thought I was being unfair to sell the matching number with no miles for $200K. I wonder if that played a part in his not liking me.

[BJG32]

Well since cars weren't stock anyway they should have used better tires. Maybe set the "stock" record. Based on what I read, it sounds like the organizer has no problem lieing anyway.

[Arizona Vipers]

In October 2017 Mr. Oasis had a back dated copyright agreement made, I believe it was dated the day before I shared the photos, because his original one he made wasn't legally binding. Out of the 1000 or so pictures the photographer took, guess how many Mr. Oasis put in his copyright? You guessed it, ALL TWELVE I shared and NONE OF THE OTHERS! That reeks of a set up and what an absolute cowardly move. So he got me in Federal Court to the tune of $280,000. My lawyer estimated he walked with $100K. My lawyer, Richard, a California Republican who grew up in Berkeley with three Democrat sister, graduated from Berkeley and was NUMBER ONE in his class at HARVARD would have mopped those bozos up in court and that, in my opinion, is why they settled the day or two before trial. I spent at least a quarter million on my defense. As they say, the lawyers win. I was full on gung ho to go to trail and I was the one to kick the confidentiality agreement out. Richard says, the truth is the best defense. I have had to watch what I say, because Mr. Oasis did try to get me for Libel.


Fast forward to March of 2018 and I am in Cabo with my girlfriend celebrating a year of success with the MOPAR Vehicle Protection Star Performers Inner Circle, and I get a call from my father about a lawsuit from some guy names Russ Oasis. I want to thank you for the strained relationship with my father of these course of events. I hope it was worth it for you. I send him and Bernie a joint message asking what the fuck his going on. Bernie, RIP, along with Ben Keating, I was told, tried talking Russ off this lawsuit. I have no issues with VE. I dated Courtney for a while in the middle of all this. I was able to find some glaring issues with the attempt itself though discovery of this lawsuit. I can't believe Mr. Oasis never heard the saying, don't throw stones from a glass house.

He demanded $300,000, a confidentiality agreement and he won't sue. I take it to my dad who thinks it is baseless. He said he didn't have any money left but he used the $10,000 left over to initiate the lawsuit against me, per his deposition. So anyone who funded this attempt, funded his lawsuit against me, which was also me. Which makes this whole situation such a clusterfuck. As far as I am concerned, I thought this was a family community. I have met some of greatest people and so many people in this hobby are fantastic. But I had to meet Russ. UGH. I was telling Ben his post on selling his Viper was right, people that don't know, think its about flash and clout and being cool. It really is about people. You don't sue family. That is not the way I was raised. We may disagree and shit talk and whatever, but we never sue, especially for trivial shit like Facebook photos. If Mr. Oasis would have brought the facebook photos to my attention, I would have removed them. He stabbed me in the back by not being up front with me, he wasn't honest about the true scope of the photos. I believe once I pissed him off, he went snooping on my facebook, since WE WERE FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK so he would have seen them if he looked way back when I originally posted them. They were photos that everyone else on the internet posted. The photographer said they were suppose to get out there.


Had I known that this wasn't a stock attempt, I wouldn't have messed with it. I believe my company and I were defrauded by the actions of Mr Oasis. It was billed as a stock record attempt, but in my opinion, was anything but. They said all they did was improve the car for safety of the driver, but that included a carbon clutch and two blueprinted motors from Prefix that were installed. Those two little tidbits were made evident by Mr. Oasis's lawyer who told me that when you are on a track, you need those two things for safety. Then why didn't you tell everyone? People are out pushing their stock Vipers like they are running the Ring thinking they have the same setup, when in fact, they don't. Their team said it didn't matter and that I still would have given and it didn't affect the attempt. I SAY BULLSHIT!!!!!

One interesting fact from this whole case is the Mr. Oasis owns 1998 GTSR #58 and I bought the #58 2017 version. He asked me to sell it to him before the attempt and I said $200K. He thought I was being unfair to sell the matching number with no miles for $200K. I wonder if that played a part in his not liking me.

He should have sent you a cease and desist first before suing you, especially since we are all in the same community here. So let me get this straight, you posted pics on your Facebook of the 'Ring attempt and he went and filed a copyright on those 12 pics with the copyright office and you ended up having to pay $280,000 in damages, alone with $250K that you spent on legal fees? His lawyer knew that the statutory damages skyrocket once a copyright has been filed and they backdated it? He could have done it to anyone of us that posted these pics as well on a Facebook page with any mention of the business we own? I was sued last year over some ridculous bullshit, alls it takes is one scumbag piece of shit lawyer to take the bullshit case. I spent $300K to get the bullshit case dropped. It hurt my reputation online forever, destroyed my well being, my wife's well being, my health for 14 months it was a living hell.

[Mark1107]

Wow Clay, I’m speechless. As a small business owner, having feasted on fortunes and survived famines, I’ve experienced frivolous lawsuits. I’m floored this happpened to someone so close to the Viper community. I’m sorry you went through this.

[catwood]

No shit Clay......that's all bull shit and sorry you had to deal with it. BTW, I want my Real ACR-E back so I'm hiring a better lawyer

On another note, did the parties that put this on also know and hide the fact this wasn't a stock attempt? I assume the engine builder did? What about the dealer?

I never contributed so I'm out nothing but I read these ring times and often wonder. I guess no need to wonder anymore. What I thought was an attempt presented by a stock ACR-E, turns out shows the ethics in those involved to hide reality from the masses. There are always people like that in all walks of life. That attempt is now tainted forever. Blueprinted engine for safety......seriously. Perhaps it was to secure the cam bolts.

[AZTVR]

Has there ever been a 'Ring record made with a stock car ?

[Fatboy 18]

I'm seriously pissed, Bought the poster, contributed twice with what I could afford to give and now we find out about the engine and Clutch!

So were these the Original engines, pulled from the car and rebuilt (matching Vin numbers) or complete replacement engines with different Vins?

The Viper Community have the right to know this.

Perhaps the contributors to this Ring Record may have the right to ask for their monies back for being lied to on the fact of "taking 2 stock vipers to the ring" ?