The Dodge Viper race car began life in the GT1 class in 1996. The escalating costs persuaded the manufacturer to switch to the GT2 class for the 1997 season. The Viper's production volumes (approximately 2,000 annually) qualified it for the category and it embarked on a racing program that was to earn it a reputation as the most successful American production-based racing car of all time.
As Dodge began to focus more of its engineering resources on development of the next Viper — the 2003 RT-10 — it was announced in December 2000 that the Dodge would take a hiatus from its factory support for Viper endurance racing.
There are no plans at this time to homologate the Dodge Viper Competition Coupe for American Le Mans Series or 24 Hours of Le Mans racing.
For photos of the Dodge Viper GTS-R in competition: www.viper-motorsport.com.
THE DODGE VIPER LINEUP
Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster — The original Dodge Viper. Introduced as a concept car at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Served as 1991 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. Began production in mid-1992 model year as a two-seat roadster. 2002 will mark final year for this design.
Dodge Viper GTS Coupe — Originally designed as a one-of-a-kind show car, introduced in January 1993. Widely praised as a natural extension to the Viper line, the production version debuted in spring 1996. It was chosen that year as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. 2002 will mark the final year for this design.