Kuno Snags First Place at 36th Annual Long Beach Grand Prix

Posted By RLD | 04.21.2010

This weekend marked the 36th annual running of the Long Beach Grand Prix and not only were we here at Red Letter Dodge fortunate enough to have VIP access to the Viper Pit, our very own Kuno Wittmer took home first place. Proving that it takes more than just good luck and a ruggedly handsome countenance (or, uh, so our sister says…) to snag the top spot, Kuno kicked off his Long Beach domination with a stunning performance during the qualifying rounds. Shattering the track’s previously held record, Kuno finished in a staggering 1:24.791 (83.379 mph) during practice on Sunday, earning the first pole position of his career. Despite the favorable placement and Kuno’s proven skill, however, concerns arose over the Viper’s ability to outrun the AWD Volvos ominously placed in the 2nd and 4th positions (piloted by Andy Pilgrim and Randy Pobst, respectively). Thankfully, despite the obvious advantage the all-wheel-drive S60s had launching from a standing start, Kuno was able to lead the entire race and by the time the checkered flag dropped, Kuno was a full 1/2 lap ahead of the victims competition.


Kuno_Wittmer If you’ve been following our behind-the-scenes updates on Facebook and Twitter than you’ve already caught some of the exclusive coverage of Kuno and the #13 Viper, but be sure to keep checking back here as continue to share all of the footage from our kickass weekend.

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  • Martin

    2 WORDS: VIPER DOMINANCE

  • 440

    Sure will miss the Viper !!

  • SUBLIME

    RLD, I would rewrite this piece. Noting that you beat AWD Volvos to me sounds like you are running against Buick Roadmasters or minivans. In other words, yes you should have won. If there were Porches, Ferraris and other cars that people recognize in the event, then I would mention them first. At any rate, congratulations on the win.

    • RLD

      Hey Sublime,

      We actually have a follow up article to this one that shows some of the other vehicles in the race (Porsches, Mustangs, Aston Martins, etc), as well as a focus on the behind the scenes action. For reference, the (heavily modified) Volvos represented the most serious threat as they were both quick and driven by veteran drivers, but I do understand your point about how the majority of people reading this do not associate Volvos with fast in the same way they would a Porsche

  • SUBLIME

    RLD, thanks for clarifying the matter. I knew the Viper was probably going against some high powered vehicles. However, I can never imagine a Volvo being fast after growing up in the 60s and 70s and watching their station wagons rust up to the door handles. Unless you are Swedish, I don’t see the draw to purchasing one. Overall, they just make butt ugly cars. I think Volvo is more concerned with how well they will perform in the severe cold weather. I just can’t imagine living there. Maybe the Swedish bikini girls keep them warm in the winter.

  • SUBLIME

    By the way RLD, it finally rained since I purchased my Challenger about a month ago. We had a rainy cold winter and this was the longest stretch without rain. At any rate, the car handles great in the rain. No fishtailing or anything. Takes right off at every light. And after I started driving it in the rain within 10 minutes it stopped raining and the sun peaked thru the clouds everywhere I drove it. I had a guy in a 2009 black Charger almost run me off the road because he wanted to see the car. People really love the plum crazy purple. I think everyone is sick of the the standard boring colors that we see everyday. Keep rolling out the wild colors, everyone needs something to brighten up their life.