For many of us, it all begins with a dream… inspired by a poster on the wall, a small collection of hot wheels, a race you saw on TV – but for our guest his dream began when he was 14 years old, his father purchased his dream car… a Dodge Viper. They started attending events together, learning more about the car, and meeting like-minded car enthusiasts.
Joining the Viper Club of America, opened him up to understand what Viper owners expected from mechanics, how they wanted to modify their cars, and what they wanted to be restored. And with that, a single dream, realized… Havik Performance was founded to offer a premier automotive business that would provide white-glove treatment paired with constant communication, and above standard industry expectations. And with us to talk about all things Vipers is Mike Kuchavik founder of Havik Performance.
2nd largest Viper collection in North America
“At the age of 22, I worked with two car collectors, and my clients trusted me with their most prized possessions. I handled all aspects of their collections – from maintenance to modifications to showing their cars at Concours events. When it comes to high-end cars, I have fulfilled my client’s needs by supporting them through the entire process of preparing for events to attending the event itself. I prepare each car to a show-quality level, making it look exactly how it was delivered from the factory. Additionally, Havik provides track inspections and accompanies clients to the track to ensure their car is always ready to go for the next heat by monitoring the car, tires, and driver.
My parents continued supporting my dream by lending me their garage so I could start my business. Havik operated out of my parent’s house, quickly outgrew it, and two years later I purchased the garage where my company currently resides. My dream was fully coming to life and growing at an unimaginable pace. Five years later, I am 29 years old and now manage just over 100 vipers. In the last year alone, Havik Performance grew sixty percent. My dream of owning a reliable, trustworthy premier automotive business has not only become my everyday reality, but it has proven to be more than successful – just as I imagined it would be when I was 14 years old.” – Mike Kuchavik
In our discussion with Mike, we cover topics like:
- Origin of Havik Performance and what services they provide & maintaining the 2nd largest Viper collection in the US
- What Should I Buy (WSIB) Viper Questions and Mods + Setups for Autocrossing and Tracking a Viper
- Fact vs Fiction + Viper Myths!
- The Viper Truck
- Settle the debate: Viper vs Corvette
- Do we think, know, rumors… is there a next-gen Viper coming? FCA teased a V8 (ferrari) powered Viper for a while. With the EV-olution, what does that mean for the Viper? Hybrid?
- Viper Owners Association
- and much, much more!
Viper (the TV show) – #defender
We chat about the RT/10 variant “The Defender” as we talk all things Viper on this episode. Check out our review of the long-forgotten ’90s Night Rider clone!
Jay Leno’s Gen-2 GTS Coupe
Jay Leno’s 1993 RT/10 Targa
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