Spirit of Viper Press Release

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The Viper Owners Association (VOA) is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Spirit of Viper, to honor those associated with the Viper program.

The initiative will dedicate a section of the VOA website (driveviper.com) to Viper team members from 1989 to 2017. The section will include team member biographies to offer insights on team members and Team Viper.

Two honors within Spirit of Viper will pay tribute to those members whose vision, stewardship, leadership, passion and dedication produced an automotive icon. The two honors are Legends and Hall of Fame. Additional Hall of Fame members will be added yearly.

The VOA has extended offers of Legend to and have been accepted by:

1. Robert A. Lutz, Chrysler President & Chief Executive Officer
Viper "Four Father" and concept visionary
2. Thomas C. Gale, Chrysler Vice President of Design
Viper "Four Father" and design visionary
3. Francois J. Castaing, Vice President of Engineering
Viper "Four Father" and engineering visionary
4. Carroll H. Shelby, Viper "Four Father", Valued Consultant (Posthumous)
5. Roy H. Sjoberg, Father of Viper and Chief Engineer

The VOA has extended offers of Hall of Fame to and have been accepted by:

1. Herbert J. Helbig, Vehicle Synthesis Manager
2. Peter M. Gladysz, Chassis Systems & Design Manager
3. James L. Sayen, Program Manager
4. Sandy J. Emerling, Interior & Exterior Design Manager
5. Richard H. Winkles, Powertrain Development Specialist
6. Charles H. Brown III, Engine Design Engineer
7. Kenneth C. Nowak, Vehicle Build Supervisor
8. William F. Adams, Engineering Lead Mechanic

"Four Father" was the description of the first photo for Mr. Lutz, Mr. Gale, Mr. Castaing and Mr. Shelby with the 1989 Viper Concept.

The VOA, along with Team viper, would like to posthumously recognize the contributions of the following Team Viper members:

1. James Royer - engine Design Manager
2. Ira Fisher - Financial Analyst
3. Frank VanWulfen - Electrical Engineer
4. Frederick Krupic - Senior Stockroom Mechanic
5. Albert Bederka - Design Room Supervisor
6. Daniel Knott - Director of SRT
7. Kenneth O'Donnell - New Mack Production Control Manager
8. Robert Kane - Plant Craftsperson
9. Jeffrey Jax - Interior Design Engineer
10. Joseph Gall - Engine Design Engineer
11. Lawrence Vermeersch - Lead Designer
12. Ralph Youngdale - Chassis Designer
14. David Swietlik - Procurement & Supply Manager
15. Nippani Rao - Materials & Body Engineer

The VOA would like to acknowledge the Friends of Viper who graciously contributed to help fund the Spirit of Viper Initiative:

D'Ann & Wayne Rauh
Moyer Collection
David Hood Collection
Bill Blewett & Kerrie Peterson
Kenny Naill
Steve Thorne
Temple Performance
Brian & Laura Willey

For more information about Spirit of Viper, contact Brian Willey, Spirit of Viper Coordinator, at Brian.Willey@driveviper.com

The Viper Owners Association (VOA), launched in 2013, is the premier organization for the Dodge/SRT Viper. With thirty-six world-wide regions representing over 7,000 members and enthusiasts, the VOA is the organization to enjoy, admire, gather and discuss all things Viper. On a given year, hundreds of events take place. Members enjoy virtual discussions with Team Viper, drives, autocross & track events, parties and overnight adventures. These regional, multiregional and national events foster the car culture, connect the Viper Nation, and infuse everyone with the "Spirit of Viper".

SoV - Press Release 2021-02-15.pdf