Mike Kohn: From Olympic Bobsled Racer to Dodge Viper Competitor
{gallery}articles/2010/kohnstory/1:290:193:1:2{/gallery}My experience driving the Dodge Viper ACR-X started with a phone call from Cindi Lux inviting me to compete in the Viper Cup opening race at VIR last weekend. I had never been on the track or in a Dodge Viper and have little experience racing cars, but who could turn down an opportunity like this? I am an Olympic bobsled driver and have a Olympic bronze medal so I thought, go for it. I had no idea I would have as much fun as I did.
Cindi and her crew welcomed me and started working right away on getting me comfortable in the car. I can't say enough about Cindi and her husband Fred Lux. They are hard working professionals, and how can you not laugh at Fred's jokes? I'm part of a race team in bobsled and there's nothing better than spending time with your team on the road and winning races. Every time I came into the pits, Fred, Matt, Robert or one of the guys had a water for me and asked if I needed anything. It was about 100 degrees outside and the humidity was just as high. This team worked constantly to keep the cars in race condition and did it all day with sweat running down their faces.
Unfortunately we didn't win the race but I got more comfortable with the car and the track every time we went out thanks to the team. Seeing them all work so hard brought the best out of me as well. My best lap in the first couple sessions was 2:18 and my best lap on the last day was 2:00. I was in awe of the horsepower, the stability and grip in the corners and I could really feel the down force over 100 mph. It was great to have Cindi on the radio keeping me focused and getting tips from my teammates, Jeff Courtney, Shaun Bailey and Ralph Gilles. Is that an all-star squad or what?
This was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I would like to really thank the team at Lux Performance Group for this opportunity and treating me so well. I miss you already. Now, I just have to figure out how to buy my own Viper ACR-X!
