Mark your calendars for a SERIOUSLY awesome Zone Rendezvous hosted by your Kansas City VCA this summer, June 24 - 26.  Our host location?  THE KANSAS SPEEDWAY.   Here is the current list of events:

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

Your get two choices:

#1.  Viper Baseball Night with the The Kansas City T-Bones.  Relax in the luxury suites (wet bar, etc.) and catch a professional baseball game in a new stadium.  Vipers will have the entire entrance to the ballpark roped off for guarded Viper parking only.  The stadium and team will be publicizing it as Viper Night on the radio, etc.

#2.  Want a little more action? We will be drag racing at Heartland Park in Topeka too. This is a track that has GREAT prep and has been be rented SOLELY for Vipers from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.   While more of an informal night of "test and tune", trophies will be awarded for different classes.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

* Breakfast and group photo on the Kansas Speedway using VIPER magazine's VOI 8 photographer.

* THREE autocross venues: Factory-provided SRT-10, factory-provided Neon, and VCA member Vipers.   Run by the local SCCA, these will be held at the nearby Woodlands Racetrack parking lots.  Beverages will be provided, as well as air-conditioned waiting areas and restrooms.  Go place some bets on the greyhounds between runs!

* The Racing Experience NASCAR stock cars on the Speedway.  We will have full access to this Nextel Cup group for both ride-alongs AND for driving!  Yep, you can take out a full-blown NASCAR stock car for a few laps on the Kansas Speedway - with no pace cars!  Pricing is yet to be determined, but it will be VERY low, with ride-alongs working towards that magic mark of "free" (no promises just yet).

* In keeping with the Kansas City charity tradition, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City has arranged with the Kansas City VCA to hold their annual Summer Picnic on the infield from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. During that time, you will get the chance to drive YOUR Viper on the banked tri-oval of the Speedway and give Little Brothers and Little Sisters rides that they will never forget.  We will also have access to Victory Lane and a professional photographer throughout, so count on photo ops galore!  Catered lunch will also be provided.

* Saturday night provides for great food and entertainment, capped off by various driving awards, recognition, raffles, and much more. This is one party you won't want to miss.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

While most folks will probably be departing for home, you will still have access to many of the venues, including The Racing Experience at the Kansas Speedway.  Take advantage of our low negotiated rates and spend the day driving 150+ mph and enjoying the thrill of the 15º banked turns.  Vipers will have access to the Kansas Speedway infield for the entire weekend beginning Friday night.

Note that we will have secured parking at the Speedway from Friday night through Sunday.  Your Viper, trailers, and tow vehicles can all be parked on the infield and even the garages during this time.  We will have regular shuttle service from the track to the hotels, as well as daytime service to the local attractions for the family.  Sleep well knowing your Viper has never been in better company!

BUT WAIT!! Thinking about driving your Viper up here solo?  Think again!  You will definitely want to bring the whole family if you can manage: Our main host hotel will be The Great Wolf Lodge, which includes a world-class indoor water park.  This is a gorgeous hotel where every room is a suite that can comfortably sleep 4-8 people.  We have arranged specially negotiated rates for all attendees - almost $100 off per night for the family suite, including water park passes.  For those looking for more simple accommodations, we will also be using the Hampton Inn Village West as our other host property with specially negotiated discounts for VCA members.

The entire host area is tightly packed with things for everybody to enjoy: Cabela's Outdoor Outfitters features a 65,000 gallon aquarium, national Mule Deer museum (with two world record setters on display), a Gun Library, and even an indoor mountain - all free of charge.  Nebraska Furniture Mart Kansas City is the largest furniture and appliance store in the world.  It truly is a destination in and of itself.  Also nearby is The Woodlands Racetrack (horse and greyhound racing). Of course the Kansas Speedway, CommunityAmerica Ballpark (Kansas City T-Bones), and several famous restaurants (Arthur Bryant's, etc.) are all within that immediate area - less than a mile apart.

This is sure to be a SOLD OUT Zone Rendezvous.  Southwest Zone members will have first shot at registration when it opens up.  We have already had several other clubs from as far away as Washington and Oregon ask to attend as well.  Be sure to mark your calendars for one incredible event this summer!