20 Years GTS R Triple Crown

[str5010]

It was 20 years ago today that Olivier Beretta, Karl Wendlinger and Domnique Dupuy drove GTS-R C31 (#51) to Viper Team ORECA's third consecutive class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was a truly dominant performance that began from pole position and 24 hours later resulted in a 7th place finish overall - the highest finishing position ever for an American GT class car! This secured the endurance triple crown for Dodge with victories at Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans in the same year. C31 only spent a total of 38 minutes and 31 seconds in the pits during the race which helped build a 5 lap lead over the second place GTS class finishing GTS-R (C35/#53). A further lap back in third was the first of the factory backed Pratt and Miller C5-R Corvettes. C31 was one of the most successful GTS-Rs scoring 7 wins in American Le Mans Series competition across 10 races entered during the 2000 season where it appeared as #91. These victories yet again secured both the ALMS Driver and Team Championships for Dodge by season's end. With this anniversary in mind, one individual may be fortunate enough to take ownership of this icon as it will soon be available for sale. Photograph captured by Nils Koch.

For more information on this car as well as other Viper factory race cars, check out the race car registry at the link below. It's under construction, but is updated regularly.

https://sites.google.com/view/viperracinghistory/home

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[James]

I am so glad I get to read about all the Viper racing cars I dreamed of as a kid, and own as a diecast model nowadays. I was too young and too far away as a kid to regularly read and hear about those racing successes, but it's all the more fascinating for me today. Thanks for the work you put into your list, it's greatly appreciated!!

[str5010]

I am so glad I get to read about all the Viper racing cars I dreamed of as a kid, and own as a diecast model nowadays. I was too young and too far away as a kid to regularly read and hear about those racing successes, but it's all the more fascinating for me today. Thanks for the work you put into your list, it's greatly appreciated!!

Thank you! Makes sure you go visit one of the factory cars from 2000 at the Swiss Viper Museum. C30 is there and in excellent condition.

[James]

Just this morning (Swiss time ) I sent an email to Edwin to ask about possibilities to visit the museum. I wanted to go last year with the club, but ended up being sick with the flu and missed it. As I just now finally got my own Viper, it's a "must pilgrimage" for me.

[str5010]

They are great people and I'm sure they'll be thrilled to host you and share your passion for the cars.

[Simms]

If that was in my garage I'd sleep in it.

[RedTanRT/10]

Thanks for the write up. Truly those were the glory days of Viper and Viper racing.

For folks not aware, their 2000 Daytona victory was an out-rite win, not just a class win.

[SNKEBIT]

Thanks for the write up. Truly those were the glory days of Viper and Viper racing.

For folks not aware, their 2000 Daytona victory was an out-rite win, not just a class win.

^^^^^^^^^^THIS!!!^^^^^^^^^^^^^ That was badass!!

[Fatboy 18]

^^^^^^^^^^THIS!!!^^^^^^^^^^^^^ That was badass!!

That still all these years later puts tingles down my neck

[RedTanRT/10]

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[TheWessss]

That OVERALL win!!! Great memories. No other brand, no other car, has ever even come close. Certainly will never happen again, those damn LMP cars are insane. They pass other race cars like they are out for a Sunday cruise.